ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion) Surgery

Medically reviewed by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — dual board-certified spine surgeon & neurosurgeon. Last reviewed October 2026.

ACDF — anterior cervical discectomy and fusion — removes a damaged or herniated disc in the neck through a small incision at the front, relieving pressure on the nerves or spinal cord, then fuses the two vertebrae with a spacer and plate. It's a time-tested, highly reliable operation for cervical disc problems.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

How an ACDF Works

Procedure Overview

In ACDF, the surgeon reaches the cervical spine through a small incision at the front of the neck, removes the damaged or herniated disc (and any bone spurs) that are compressing the nerve root or spinal cord, and then restores the disc space with a spacer or cage. A small plate and screws hold the vertebrae together while they fuse into one solid, stable segment. It directly relieves the arm pain, numbness, and weakness a bad neck disc causes.

Conditions We Treat

Am I a Candidate?

ACDF is considered when a herniated or degenerated neck disc causes persistent arm pain, numbness, or weakness — or cord compression (myelopathy) — that hasn't resolved with conservative care and injections. Imaging confirms the level and the compression. For the right patient, a motion-preserving disc replacement is an alternative — and because Dr. Greenwald performs both, he'll recommend the one that genuinely fits your spine.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

Benefits & Risks

Expected Outcomes

ACDF has an excellent, well-documented track record for relieving arm pain and arm nerve symptoms from cervical disc disease, with high fusion and satisfaction rates. Neurological recovery depends on how long the nerve or cord was compressed. We set clear, realistic expectations based on your specific findings.

Life Beyond the Pain

How It's Performed

Under general anesthesia, through a small incision at the front of the neck, the disc and any bone spurs compressing the nerves or cord are removed. A spacer or cage is placed to restore height and alignment, and a plate with screws secures the segment. The front-of-neck approach spares the neck muscles and allows a relatively comfortable recovery.

Recovery & Return to Activity

Single-level ACDF generally has a quicker recovery than multi-level surgery. Your timeline depends on the number of levels fused and your overall health.

Insurance, Out-of-Network & Cost

Cost and coverage shouldn't stand between you and relief. Desert Spine and Pain welcomes out-of-network patients and will walk you through what your evaluation and treatment are likely to involve before anything is scheduled — so there are no surprises. We'll help you understand your benefits and options, whether you're using insurance, paying out-of-pocket, or being treated under a personal-injury claim.

Proudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area

Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix

Choosing the right spine specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a spine doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.

ACDF: Frequently Asked Questions