Where is the incision for Acdf surgery?

Where is the incision for Acdf surgery?

Anterior surgical approach The skin incision is one to two inches and is be made on the left or right hand side of the neck. The incision is usually made horizontally within a natural skin crease, though occasionally a more vertical incision is used for multilevel cases.

How long does it take for an incision to heal from Acdf?

The first few weeks after surgery are critical, and on average, your incision will take between 3-4 weeks to heal fully.

How big is the incision for Acdf surgery?

A 2-inch skin incision is made on the side of your neck. With the aid of a fluoroscope (a special X-ray), the surgeon passes a thin needle into the disc to locate the affected vertebra and disc.

How do you care for an Acdf incision?

Incision Care Keep the incision dry for 48 hours after surgery. You do not need to apply any ointment. You do not need to keep the incision covered unless there is drainage from the incision. Contact us if drainage persists for more than 2 days or if you have redness or swelling around the incision.

Does ACDF qualify for disability?

If you have suffered from a spinal disorder that has resulted in you undergoing spinal fusion, but you are still unable to work, you may be eligible to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

How long after ACDF surgery can I go swimming?

Permitted exercise, during the first 6 weeks involves walking on level ground. Following this, you may go in a swimming pool, although swimming with repetitive neck turning movements should be avoided for 3 months.

How do you wash your hair after neck surgery?

After you shower, gently pat the incision dry with a clean towel. Shampoo your hair while you are in the shower. DO NOT take a bath, swim or use a hot tub for at least 2 weeks. Your wound should be completely healed.

Why do my shoulders hurt after ACDF surgery?

Some patients are surprised that the most bothersome pain immediately following ACDF surgery may not be in the neck but rather in the upper back and shoulders (due to the fusion altering the attached muscles’ biomechanics) or in the hip (if bone graft was taken from there).

How do you sleep after ACDF surgery?

The best sleeping position to reduce your pain after surgery is either on your back with your knees bent and a pillow under your knees or on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs.

How do you wash your hair after Acdf surgery?

As soon as all your bandages have been removed and you feel strong enough after your surgery, you may shower wearing your Philadelphia collar made of foam. You may also shampoo your hair while in the shower as long as your collar is securely in place.

How do I wash my hair after cervical fusion?

If you can carefully avoid getting the dressing wet, then you should be free to shower sooner than if it is difficult to avoid. Another potential option, if you are afraid of getting your dressing wet, is to use dry shampoo, or no-rinse shampoo. These products will effectively clean your hair without requiring water.

Can I see a chiropractor after spinal fusion?

One of the most helpful therapies used post-surgery is chiropractic care, which involves performing chiropractic adjustments to allow your body to heal and relieve pain and discomfort in the body. Chiropractic care is absolutely safe for most patients who undergo back surgery after they have healed from the procedure.

How is ACDF surgery performed?

The surgeon will perform the surgery through the neck, instead of from the back, which makes it an anterior procedure. There are a few steps to ACDF surgery and it usually takes about 1 to 3 hours. Prepare the patient – you will lie on your back and be given anesthesia. Once you fall asleep, your neck area will be prepped.

What is an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)?

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a type of neck surgery that involves removing a damaged disc to relieve spinal cord or nerve root pressure and alleviate corresponding pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling. A discectomy is a form of surgical decompression, so the procedure may also be called an anterior cervical decompression.

Can ACDF be done on more than one level?

ACDF may be done for one level, or for more than one level, of the cervical spine. Anterior Cervical Surgery Approach. An ACDF is done with an anterior approach, which means that the surgery is done through the front of the neck as opposed to through the back of the neck.

What does ACDF stand for in medical terms?

ACDF: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. While this surgery is most commonly done to treat a symptomatic cervical herniated disc, it may also be done for cervical degenerative disc disease. It is also commonly done to remove bone spurs (osteophytes) caused by arthritis and to alleviate the symptoms associated with cervical spinal stenosis.