Anterior Cervical Discectomy, Decompression and Fusion for the Treatment of Pain, Weakness, Numbness and Tingling in the Neck and Arm caused by Radiculopathy or Myelopathy.

Last updated Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Conclusion

What are the five most important facts about anterior cervical decompression and fusion (acdf) for cervical stenosis?

Cervical stenosis is a narrowing of the space for the spine at the neck. This can stem from an inherited, genetic trait, from advanced arthritis, or from a herniated disc that bulges beyond the spinal vertebrae and presses against the spinal canal. Compression on the spinal cord results in myelopathy.

Compression on a protruding branch of the spinal cord results in radiculopathy. In general, myelopathy does not improve with non-operative treatment, but radiculopathy can. When non-operative measures do not relieve symptoms adequately, surgical intervention should be considered.

Surgery for Cervical Stenosis at the University of Washington

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

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