Who invented Acdf surgery?
Cloward
Since 1958, when Cloward invented his approach for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), this surgery has become widely accepted for the management of medically refractory cervical myelopathy, as well as for radiculopathy [1,2,3,4,5].
How long can you live with cervical myelopathy?
Conclusion: The patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty caused by compression myelopathy due to CS and OPLL had a long life expectancy, averaging more than 13 years. Life expectancy did not differ between patients with CS and patients with OPLL.
How long will I have pain after ACDF?
It is normal to have some level of neck discomfort and stiffness after ACDF. This can persist for weeks, or even months. Improvements in neck pain and stiffness can take many months to become evident so it is important to be patient with your recovery.
What are the symptoms of ACDF?
Localized symptoms include neck pain, neck stiffness, decreased range of motion, and cracking sounds in the neck with motion. Headaches are also common; they usually start in the neck and radiate up to the back of the head, but can radiate to the front of the head as well.
How can cervical myelopathy cause death?
Myelopathy describes any neurologic symptoms related to the spinal cord and is a serious condition. It occurs from spinal stenosis that causes pressure on the spinal cord. If untreated, this can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death.
What can you not do after Acdf surgery?
Don’t do any tasks that involve bending over or lifting, such as yard work or cleaning the kitchen. While you don’t need to keep your neck completely still, be wary of moving your head too quickly. Some surgeons may instruct their patients to wear a neck collar or brace for additional support.
How long do you need to wear a neck brace after ACDF surgery?
2. Following some fusions, you will wear a hard cervical collar for approximately 6 weeks after your surgery. You will then be placed in a soft cervical collar for approximately another 6 weeks. Following a laminotomy, foraminotomy or laminectomy you will wear a cervical collar for approximately 4 weeks.