Anterior cervical surgery is performed through the front of the neck. Professor Bateman’s leaflet below covers anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF), cervical disc replacement and cervical corpectomy.
Why might it be offered?
A disc or bone spur can press on a nerve, causing arm pain or weakness. Pressure on the spinal cord can affect hand coordination, balance and walking. Surgery aims to free the affected nerve or spinal cord; the expected benefit depends on the condition being treated.
What happens?
Professor Bateman approaches the spine from the front of the neck and removes the tissue causing pressure. In ACDF, an implant supports the space while the bones fuse. Disc replacement uses an artificial disc in suitable cases. Corpectomy involves removing part of a vertebral bone when a wider decompression is needed.
Alternatives and risks
For some nerve symptoms, alternatives include time, physiotherapy, medication or injections. Spinal cord compression needs a different discussion because function may worsen without treatment.
Risks include persistent symptoms, infection, bleeding, nerve or spinal cord injury, swallowing or voice changes, injury to nearby structures, implant problems and failure of fusion where fusion is intended. Recovery instructions differ between operations.
Read about cervical radiculopathy →
Read about cervical myelopathy →
Detailed patient leaflet
Read Professor Bateman’s information leaflet before your procedure and bring any questions to your consultation.
Open the PDF leaflet →