WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SURGERY?
The bone graft is essentially a bridge between two vertebrae. The graft and the vertebrae are secured together with metal plates and screws. After the procedure, the body begins to naturally grow new bone around the graft. It can take between three and six months for the bone graft and the two vertebrae to grow together into a continuous bone.
After the procedure, there may be some range of motion loss, but this varies from patient to patient. Post-operative exercises can improve mobility but should be performed strictly according to your surgeons’ instructions, including when to begin during the healing process. Some of the variables that come into play:
Degree of neck mobility before the operation. Everyone has a different level of “neck fitness” – that combination of strength, mobility, and motor control you need for proper neck movement. How many levels were fused together? Every fusion bridge reduces flexibility to some degree. The more fusions, the less range in looking up and down or turning. Even with a somewhat reduced range of motion, the improvement most patients experience in terms of pain and discomfort in the head, neck, and shoulders is well worth it.
AM I A CANDIDATE?
Generally, candidates have one or more of the following issues; however, our Long Island spinal fusion specialist surgeon can help you find an effective solution. Candidates may have the following symptoms:
- Tests reveal you have a bulging and herniated disc or a degenerative disc.
- You have considerable weakness in your arm or hand.
- Your arm pain is greater than the pain in your neck.
It should be noted that candidates may also benefit from nonsurgical treatments. Depending upon the severity of the condition, many herniated discs can be healed in a few months with alternative methods. We believe it is in our patients’ interests to provide the least invasive treatments whenever possible. Our ACDF in Long Island may be the most effective treatment for patients with extensive disc damage who have suffered long term pain and discomfort and need long-lasting relief.