What to Expect on the Day of Your ACDF Procedure

The ACDF procedure is a well-established operation for relieving neck and nerve pain caused by damaged or compressed discs in the cervical spine. Knowing what to expect on the day of your surgery can reduce anxiety and help you feel properly prepared. Whether you have already agreed to go ahead or are still gathering information, this guide walks you through the ACDF procedure from arrival to discharge.

Before Your ACDF Procedure

In the days and weeks leading up to your ACDF procedure, your surgical team will carry out several pre-operative assessments. These typically include blood tests, a review of your imaging, and an anaesthetic assessment to ensure you are fit for surgery.

You will be asked to fast from midnight the night before your operation, and you should arrange for a responsible adult to collect you from hospital afterwards. Your team will also review your current medications before the ACDF procedure. Some drugs, including blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medications, may need to be paused in advance. Always follow the specific guidance your surgical team provides, as it will be tailored to your individual circumstances.

Admission on the Day of Your ACDF Procedure

On the morning of your ACDF procedure, you will be admitted to hospital and allocated a bed on the pre-operative ward. A member of the nursing team will complete your admission paperwork and check your observations. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will visit you before the operation to confirm consent and answer any final questions.

You will then be taken to the anaesthetic room, where they will administer a general anaesthetic. Most patients find this process straightforward and remember very little between receiving the anaesthetic and waking up in the recovery room.

What Happens During the ACDF Procedure?

The ACDF procedure is performed with the patient lying on their back. Your surgeon makes a small incision at the front of the neck, carefully moving the surrounding structures aside to access the cervical spine. The damaged or herniated disc is then removed, along with any bone spurs or fragments that have been compressing the nerves.

A bone graft or synthetic cage is placed in the space left by the disc to maintain the correct height between the vertebrae and encourage fusion. A small titanium plate and screws often hold the construct in place during healing. The ACDF procedure typically takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on how many spinal levels are treated.