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Does Recovery Time After Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion Take Long?

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Posted on Tue, 29 Nov 2016
Question: I am considering surgery for my cervical osteoarthritis. I have been to a pain clinic and have managed the pain for serveral years with chiropractic care. I have also had some acupuncture. I saw a surgeon last week. He is recommended the anterior approach, with a graft from my hip, and spinal fusion. I have significant issues at c3-4, c4-5, c5-6 and c6-7. The issues at c5-7 are the ones causing be the most pain. He plans to only do those at this time but thinks at some point the others will need to addressed. I thought this would be a simple outpt surgery where they would just open up the opening for the nerve but sounds like it is more than that. My question is recovery time and limitations. I think he overwhelmed with what he planned to do and the fact that I would have loss of some mobility that I didn't even ask about the recovery. Can you provide any information.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Short period of recovery.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

If everything goes well after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), limitations of mobility may last few days and are related more with the hip bone removal.

Anterior fusion of cervical spine offers sufficient stability and discectomy decompresses the neural structures providing relief from pain.

So, recovery period should be very short after this procedure.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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Does Recovery Time After Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion Take Long?

Brief Answer: Short period of recovery. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. If everything goes well after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), limitations of mobility may last few days and are related more with the hip bone removal. Anterior fusion of cervical spine offers sufficient stability and discectomy decompresses the neural structures providing relief from pain. So, recovery period should be very short after this procedure. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Greetings.