Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF) in Manalapan, NJ

Bone spurs and herniated disks can be very painful. Fortunately, some procedures are available to help you not only experience lasting pain relief but also take care of the issue at its root. Among the most effective measures to help mitigate and heal your back pain is an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) procedure in Manalapan, NJ.

Of course, as with any other type of major procedure, it can seem scary to undertake. However, our team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can help outline a treatment plan for your needs, and we will also answer any questions you may have about the procedure and healing process. Our Concierge Team is also here to help streamline your appointments for a stress-free experience. 

What is Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF)?

An anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion in Manalapan, NJ is a surgical procedure that seeks to remove and repair damaged vertebrae and discs in the neck area. Its name is a combination of four medical terms:

• Anterior, which means that the surgery occurs from the front of the body.
• Cervical, which means that this type of surgery seeks to treat the neck area of the spine.
• Corpectomy, which is a medical term for removing damaged spinal bones and discs that cushion the individual vertebrae.
• Fusion, which describes the process of placing bone grafts between vertebrae to encourage growth that strengthens the bones.

As a surgical procedure, a corpectomy is closely related to a discectomy, but while a discectomy removes only the damaged parts of your discs, a corpectomy focuses on removing the entire affected vertebrae and connecting disks for a more comprehensive result.

Signs That You Might Need an ACCF Procedure

As this type of procedure might suggest, ACCF might become necessary for significantly damaged vertebrae in your neck. Herniated disks and bone spurs can result in a shifting of your vertebrae, which may begin to pinch and damage nerves. They can also lead to stenosis, a narrowing of your spinal cord that, at worst, can lead to permanent disability.

Because this is a relatively major procedure, doctors typically don’t recommend ACCF for minor problems. Instead, especially for patients who begin to complain of chronic neck pain, first remedies might include medications or physical therapy exercises. If these measures don’t help, an ACCF procedure can be an effective next step to prevent potentially serious damage caused by damaged vertebrae, bone spurs, and herniated discs.

What to Expect During the Procedure

A typical ACCF procedure will take between one and three hours. Expect to be under general anesthesia for the duration of the operation. 

Once the general anesthesia is in full effect, the surgeon will make a vertical incision in the neck that’s large enough for an entire vertebra to be removed as necessary. Once damaged elements of your spine have been removed, your doctor will insert a bone graft and secure it to the rest of your cervical spine with a metal plate. Over time, the bone graft and plate will ensure that your fused vertebrae heal as if they were a single bone.

Think of it as a two-part procedure. The corpectomy removes the damage that has caused the pain and injury to your neck-area spine. After that, the spinal fusion stabilizes the remaining parts of your pain to make sure it can heal and remain in place over time. 

Recovering From Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion in Manalapan

Most patients only need to stay in the hospital for one night after their surgery. After that, your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication and muscle relaxers that can help with initial pain management in the days after the procedure is complete. 

To stabilize your neck as the spinal bones heal and fuse together, your surgeon may ask you to wear a cervical collar when you are not sleeping or eating. Follow the recovery plan outlined by your surgeon closely. While the above timeline tends to be true for many patients, yours may differ depending on your situation, health, the extent of the surgery, and initial progress in your recovery.

Get Lasting Neck Relief With the Spine and Back Experts at NJ Spine & Orthopedic in Manalapan, New Jersey

Though it might seem like an obscure procedure, anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion can do wonders for damaged vertebrae, herniated discs, and other significant damage in your upper spine. The surgery itself is relatively straightforward, and recovery may only take two months to return to full health.

Of course, and as with any other medical procedure, a successful ACCF procedure in Manalapan relies heavily on the medical experts you work with. Our experienced specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedic are experienced in this type of procedure and have a strong track record of helping patients in New Jersey on their road to recovery. Contact us online or give us a call at (866) 553-0612 today.