Home → ACDF surgery in Louisville — neck disc surgery done right.
Cervical Spine Surgery · Louisville, KY
ACDF surgery in Louisville — neck disc surgery done right.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is the most common cervical spine surgery in the United States. Dr. Venu Vemuri, DO performs ACDF through a small incision at the front of the neck to remove a damaged disc, relieve nerve or spinal cord compression, and fuse the adjacent vertebrae. Select single and two-level cases are performed as outpatient procedures.Procedure Overview
See how ACDF surgery works.
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When Is ACDF Indicated?
Relieving nerve compression in the cervical spine.
ACDF is indicated for patients with cervical disc herniation or degenerative disc disease causing arm pain (radiculopathy), hand numbness or weakness, or signs of spinal cord compression (myelopathy) that have not responded to conservative treatment.
The surgery removes the damaged disc, relieves the pressure on the nerve or spinal cord, and stabilizes the spine with a fusion — allowing you to return to normal activities with a more stable, pain-free neck.
At miiSpine, Dr. Vemuri performs single-level ACDF as an outpatient procedure for appropriately selected patients. You arrive in the morning and go home the same day.
The Procedure — Step by Step
What happens during ACDF surgery.
1
Small anterior incisionA small incision is made at the front of the neck. Soft tissues are carefully moved aside to access the cervical spine — no muscles are cut.
2
Disc removalThe damaged disc is carefully removed, relieving pressure on the nerve root or spinal cord.
3
Interbody cage placementAn interbody cage packed with bone graft is placed in the disc space to maintain height and promote fusion.
4
Plate fixationA small titanium plate is secured across the levels to stabilize the fusion while bone growth occurs over 3-6 months.
Dr. Venu Vemuri, DO
Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon · Founder, miiSpine
Dr. Vemuri performs ACDF surgery regularly at miiSpine, including outpatient single-level cases. His fellowship training at Norton Leatherman Spine Center included extensive cervical spine surgery experience. He collaborates with ATEC Spine on next-generation implant development.
Fellowship-Trained, Norton Leatherman Spine Center
Board-Certified, American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
ATEC Spine Device Collaborator — Invictus MIS System
400+ Spine Surgeries Performed
300+ Five-Star Google Reviews
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about ACDF surgery.
What does ACDF stand for?Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. Anterior means the approach is from the front of the neck. Discectomy means disc removal. Fusion means the vertebrae are joined together with bone graft and hardware.
Is ACDF outpatient surgery?Single-level ACDF is frequently performed as an outpatient procedure at miiSpine. Select two-level cases may also be outpatient eligible. Dr. Vemuri will evaluate your specific case at consultation.
How long is ACDF recovery?Most patients return to light activity within 2-4 weeks. Office work can typically resume in 1-2 weeks with restrictions. Full fusion takes 3-6 months, confirmed by X-ray. Driving restrictions apply while wearing a collar.
Will I need to wear a collar after ACDF?Some patients wear a soft cervical collar for 2-4 weeks post-operatively. Dr. Vemuri will advise based on your specific case and fusion construct.
What conditions does ACDF treat?ACDF treats cervical disc herniation causing arm pain, numbness or weakness (radiculopathy), and spinal cord compression (myelopathy) that has not responded to conservative treatment.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Vemuri for ACDF?No referral is required. Call miiSpine at (502) 242-6370 to schedule a consultation. Most patients are seen within days.
Neck pain keeping you from your life?
Call miiSpine to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vemuri. Most patients are seen within days. No referral required.
6420 Dutchmans Pkwy, Suite 160, Louisville, KY 40205 · miispine.com