Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion in Long Island

Find lasting relief from neck pain with advanced ACDF surgery designed to restore function, protect your spine, and help you return to life with confidence.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF) Trusted Spine Surgery in Long Island

For individuals living with chronic neck pain, numbness, or radiating arm discomfort, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) offers a proven, effective solution. This approach addresses herniated discs, cervical degenerative disc disease, and other spine conditions that haven’t responded to conservative treatment. At Core Alliance in Long Island, Dr. Aron Rovner provides expert care using the latest minimally invasive techniques to perform ACDF with precision and safety.

Our goal is to relieve pressure on the nerves, restore comfort and function, and help you get back to your life with confidence. In this guide, we’ll explain how the procedure works, who it’s for, what recovery looks like, and why so many patients turn to Core Alliance for anterior cervical discectomy in Long Island.

What Is Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)?

ACDF is a type of spine surgery used to remove a damaged disc in the cervical spine—the area in the neck. The term “anterior” means the approach is performed from the front of the neck.

After the damaged disc is removed, a bone graft is inserted between the vertebrae to allow them to fuse over time, restoring spinal stability and relieving pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.

Why Might You Need ACDF Surgery?

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in Long Island is typically recommended when conservative options haven’t resolved the issue. It may be appropriate for:

Herniated Cervical Discs: Removing the herniated portion of a disc to stop compression on nerve roots.
Degenerative Disc Disease: Addressing age-related disc degeneration that causes instability or pain.
Spinal Cord Compression: Relieving dangerous pressure on the spinal cord or nerves that may cause weakness or numbness.
Persistent Neck Pain: When discomfort and reduced function persist despite physical therapy or medication.

Dr. Rovner and the Core Alliance team prioritize non-surgical care first, recommending ACDF only when it offers a clear path to relief.

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What Happens During the ACDF Procedure?

At Core Alliance, anterior cervical discectomy in Long Island is typically performed using minimally invasive methods to improve outcomes and reduce recovery time. Here’s what the procedure involves:

Making the Incision - A small incision is made in the front of the neck to access the cervical spine.
Removing the Disc - The surgeon carefully removes the damaged or herniated disc material that is pressing on nerves or the spinal cord.
Inserting a Bone Graft - A bone graft—either synthetic or harvested from the patient—is placed in the empty disc space.
Securing the Fusion - A small plate and screws are often used to stabilize the spine while the vertebrae fuse together.

This approach allows for precise correction of the spinal issue while protecting surrounding tissues.

What Is the Recovery Timeline After ACDF Surgery?

Initial recovery after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion typically takes four to six weeks. Many patients feel noticeable relief from nerve pain in the days following surgery. While mild discomfort and neck stiffness are expected, these symptoms usually improve quickly. Full spinal fusion may take several months, during which follow-up appointments ensure proper healing.

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What Should I Avoid After ACDF?

To promote healing and reduce complications, patients should avoid:

Neck Strain: No bending, twisting, or high-impact movements.
Lifting Heavy Objects: Avoid anything over 10 pounds for several weeks.
Driving: Don’t drive until cleared by your surgeon and you're off pain medication.

Your specific activity restrictions will be tailored to your case by Dr. Rovner.

Are There Risks or Complications?

As with any surgery, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion carries some risks. Potential complications include:

Infection at the incision site
Temporary difficulty swallowing
Bleeding or nerve damage
Failure of the vertebrae to fuse (nonunion)

However, ACDF is widely considered a safe and effective procedure, especially when performed by a board-certified surgeon like Dr. Rovner.

How Effective Is ACDF Surgery?

The success rate of ACDF is consistently high, with 85–90% of patients reporting significant relief from their symptoms.

With reduced pressure on nerves and restored spinal stability, most individuals return to daily activities with improved comfort and function.

Are There Any Downsides?

It’s important to be informed of the potential drawbacks, which include:

Adjacent Segment Degeneration: Increased stress on nearby discs over time.
Scar Tissue Formation: Can occasionally lead to residual discomfort.
Long-Term Hardware Concerns: Though rare, hardware may require revision in the future.

During your consultation, we’ll walk through all of the benefits and risks so you can make an informed decision.

Cost of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in Long Island

Costs for ACDF can vary based on the type of facility, surgeon’s fees, and insurance coverage.

Core Alliance is an out-of-network provider, but we work closely with PPO-insured patients who may be eligible for partial reimbursement.

We’ll help you understand your coverage and options before your procedure.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief?

At Core Alliance, we’re proud to offer anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in Long Island with an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. Dr. Rovner’s decades of experience and minimally invasive approach ensure that each patient receives the most effective and least disruptive treatment possible. If you’re suffering from chronic neck pain or numbness, schedule a consultation today, and let’s take the next step together.

Frequently Asked Questions ACDF Surgery

What is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)?

ACDF is a procedure that removes a herniated or damaged disc in the cervical spine and replaces it with a bone graft, which fuses the adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the neck.

How long is the recovery after ACDF?

Initial healing takes about 4–6 weeks, though complete spinal fusion may take several months. Most patients experience pain relief early in the recovery process.

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients report manageable discomfort after ACDF, which is well-controlled with pain medications. Many feel significant relief from nerve pain almost immediately.

What’s the difference between a fusion and a discectomy?

A discectomy removes a problematic disc, while a fusion connects two vertebrae to prevent movement and restore stability. ACDF combines both approaches in one procedure.

What are the risks of ACDF?

Although rare, risks include infection, nerve damage, nonunion (lack of fusion), and temporary swallowing difficulties. We take every precaution to minimize these risks.

Is ACDF the only option?

Not necessarily. Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, injections, or disc replacement may be viable alternatives. We’ll help you explore every option first.