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Articles and graphics courtesy of Medtronic Sofamor Danek, 2002.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy

Anterior cervical discectomy is an operation where the cervical spine is reached through a small incision in the front of your neck. After the soft tissues of the neck are separated, the intervertebral disc and bone spurs are removed. The space left between the vertebrae may be left open or filled with a small piece of bone. In time the vertebrae may fuse, or join together.

If used, the pre-formed bone graft may be obtained from a bone bank or if the surgeon prefers, the bone graft might instead be removed from your own hip through a second incision.

What Happens Afterwards?
Successful recovery from anterior cervical discectomy requires that you approach the operation and recovery with confidence based on a thorough understanding of each process. Your surgeon has the training and expertise to correct physical defects by performing the operation; he and the rest of the health care team will support your body's efforts to heal its damaged tissues. Full recovery will also depend on you having a strong, positive attitude, setting small, realistic goals for improvement, and working steadily to accomplish each goal.

The Operation

Incision
Surgery for anterior cervical discectomy is performed with the patient lying on his or her back. A small incision is made in the front of the neck, to one side.

Exposure and Removal of the Herniated Disc

Placement of the Bone Graft
If your surgeon has chosen to use a bone graft, it will be placed in the disc space to help fusethe vertebrae it lies between. Any of several graft shapes may be used.

Incision Closure
The operation is completed when the neck incision is closed in several layers. Unless dissolving suture material is used, the skin sutures (stitches) or staples will have to be removed after the incision has healed.