During the ACDF surgery a 3 cm incision is made in the front of the neck. A minimally invasive approach is made to the vertebral bones at the front of the neck and spine. Next, the damaged disc are removed and any bone spurs pressing on the spinal cord or exiting nerves. A plastic cage and donor bone are placed where the disc used to be. A titanium plate and screws is placed over the vertebral bones to hold them still while the bones are fusing together to become one. This allows surgery to take the pressure off the spinal cord and the nerves and to stabilize the bones and thus relieve the pain a patient feels in their shoulders, arms and hands.

Customarily, patients are kept overnight for observation and pain control with IV medicine. However, one could go home the same day if they are recovered from anesthesia and their pain is well-controlled with pain pills. Patients are asked to wear a neck brace for 6 weeks allowing the fusion to take place in the neck and to reduce risks. After initial 6 weeks post–surgery, physical therapy is very beneficial and may be required. Most patients return to light duty jobs by 6 weeks and heavy lifting positions by 3-6 months.