The following is a summary of the “Performing the 3-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)” published in the December 2022 issue of Clinical Spine Surgery by Park et al.
The anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery is a popular and effective treatment for degenerative cervical myelopathy. This procedure can be performed regardless of whether or not concurrent radiculopathy is present. During this treatment, the cervical spine will be fused together. Patients are free to decide whether or not they want to get this treatment.
People diagnosed with degenerative cervical spondylosis typically exhibit signs of illness at more than one level of the spine. This is a common finding in patients with this condition. Because of the nature of the anterior cervical approach (dysphagia) and the fusion across all levels, the rate of complications may increase with each new level inclu+ded in the treatment. This is due to the fact that there is a possibility that the rate of complications may increase with the fusion across all levels. This is a result of the fact that the rate of complications may increase with each additional level that is incorporated into the treatment.
Researchers explored a range of different technical challenges that may arise during the course of the 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion treatment. During this operation, investigators want to attain the highest level of efficiency feasible while also achieving their goal of improving patient results.