Hi, I Had A 3 Level Acdf About 4 And

Posted on Mon, 6 Jul 2020

Mon, 6 Jul 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I had a 3 level acdf about 4 and half weeks ago. The healing was going fine, unfortunately I had an accident over the weekend and now I am worried I jeopardized the entire operation. I was celebrating the fourth of july and took a fall at friends house. I was walking to use the restroom and tripped over a dog toy. I fell face first but was able to brace myself a little. Can a fall like this damage the fusion or the hardware.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to get damage of fusion or hardware.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

I have noted the details of fall. The fall seems to be "safe" as far as the ACDF/fusion is concerned and I do not think it would cause any damage to the fusion or hardware.

Therefore, there is no need to worry.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (11 hours later)

Thanks for the response. How strong is the fusion hardware? Can it withstand a fall of significant force?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is quite strong.

Detailed Answer:
The fusion hardware is quite strong. For a reference, it is stronger than our natural spine, so, you are reasonably safe in a fall or accidental injury (as compared to someone, who does not have that hardware)!

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D