Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion involves an incision in the front of the neck. One or more cervical discs can be addressed by this approach. It is performed under general anesthesia and typically patients are able to go home within 6-24 hours after surgery. Once the disc is removed, the affected nerve root or spinal cord is decompressed and a spacer is placed in the position where the disc was removed. The spacers may be cadaveric allograft bone, autologous bone from the patients' own hip, a synthetic (PEEK, carbon fiber), or a titanium cage. A plate with screws may be used on the adjacent vertebral bodies to provide some initial stability while the operative site heals. A cervical collar, or orthosis, may be used postoperatively for additional support during the early healing phase.

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Information sourced from https://www.spine.org/KnowYourBack/Treatments/SurgicalOptions/AnteriorCe...