Neck injuries and pain are problems that no one wants to live with. Unfortunately, your neck is easy to damage, and severe enough damage can require an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF).
If you need a procedure to alleviate your neck pain, including an ACCF, then it is in your best interest to go to the best surgeon possible. NJ Spine & Orthopedic specializes in repairing spinal damage, relieving neck pain, and providing comprehensive care. Our surgeons are well-versed in many procedures, including ACCF, and can give you the best chances of a successful recovery and surgery.
What is ACCF and What is it Used For?
Considering undergoing surgery can be scary, especially when it involves a delicate area such as the cervical spine. However, for individuals suffering from severe spinal cord compression or instability in the neck, anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) may offer significant relief and improvement in quality of life. ACCF removes the soft parts of your spine that serve as padding for the bones and fuses the adjacent vertebrae together to create a solid connection.
Each of your vertebrae is supported by a softer cushion of tissue that can fall apart when heavily damaged, which causes the vertebrae to collapse into each other, pinching nerves or other tissue. The resulting pain can be hard to deal with on a daily basis. ACCF is specifically used to relieve neck pain that is caused by a pinched nerve or collapsing vertebrae.
ACCF relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots caused by a variety of conditions, such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spinal tumors. This procedure allows the surgeon to address multiple levels of cervical spine problems in a single surgery, providing a more comprehensive treatment option for patients with complex spinal issues.
Why Are the Discs Fused Together in an ACCF?
Once the diseased vertebral bodies are removed, the fusion process begins. Fusion is the joining of two or more vertebrae to create a solid, single bone. In ACCF, a bone graft is typically placed in the space created by the corpectomy, promoting the growth of new bone and stabilizing the spine. This fusion prevents the vertebrae from moving independently, reducing pain and stabilizing the cervical spine.
One of the primary benefits of ACCF is that the procedure alleviates symptoms associated with spinal cord compression, such as neck and arm pain, weakness, numbness, and difficulty walking. By relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, patients often experience a significant reduction in pain and improvement in neurological function.
ACCF provides long-term stability and support to the cervical spine, reducing the risk of further degeneration and the need for future surgeries. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with complex spinal conditions or those who have not achieved satisfactory results with conservative treatments.
The Positive Mental Impact of ACCF
In addition to addressing physical symptoms, ACCF can also have a positive impact on your emotional well-being. Relief from chronic pain and improved mobility can lead to a better overall quality of life, allowing you to engage in activities you may have previously been unable to enjoy.
It is important to note that while ACCF offers many benefits, it is not without risks. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications, such as infection, implant failure, and damage to surrounding structures. Patients considering ACCF should carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks and discuss their circumstances with a qualified spine surgeon.
Is ACCF Right for You? Get in Touch With NJ Spine & Orthopedic Today
Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion can be a valuable treatment option for individuals suffering from severe cervical spine pathology. By relieving pressure on the spinal cord, promoting spinal stability, and improving overall function, ACCF has the potential to significantly improve the lives of those in need.
Before you commit to a course of treatment, meet with the surgeons at NJ Spine & Orthopedic. We specialize in providing relief for spinal problems while finding the best treatment option, even if it is not surgery. Schedule a consultation with our surgeons at (866) 553-0612 or use this contact form. We can help you determine the right way to relieve your neck and back pain so you can get back to a pain-free life.