An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion remove a damaged disc from the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots and the resulting pain, numbness, and weakness. Anterior cervical decompression is another name for the technique, which is also known as a discectomy. Two steps make up surgery:
An anterior cervical discectomy is carried out on the front or anterior side of the cervical spine (neck). The disc between the two spinal bones is then removed.
To stabilize the cervical portion, fusion and discectomy are both done at the same time. A fusion involves inserting bone grafts and implants where the disc was previously present to provide additional stability and strength.
Although a cervical herniated disc with symptoms is the most usual indication for this procedure, a surgeon may also utilize it to treat cervical degenerative disc disease. Additionally, it is frequently carried out to remove bone spurs (osteophytes) brought on by arthritis and to ease cervical spinal stenosis symptoms.