Anterior cervical discectomy
Anterior cervical discectomy is surgery to remove a damaged disc in the neck and relieve pressure on a nerve root or the spinal cord. The aim is to reduce arm pain and other nerve symptoms, and to protect neurological function.
Anterior cervical discectomy overview
The procedure may be considered when a slipped disc or age-related changes in the neck compress a nerve or the spinal cord and symptoms have not improved with suitable non-surgical treatment. Your consultant will review your scans, symptoms and general health before explaining the options.
How is surgery carried out?
The surgeon reaches the spine through a small incision at the front of the neck and removes the disc and any bone that is pressing on the nerve or spinal cord.
The empty disc space is often stabilised with a spacer or bone graft, sometimes supported by a plate and screws. This is called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, or ACDF. For selected patients, an artificial disc replacement may be discussed instead of fusion.
Are there any risks?
Your consultant will explain the benefits and risks that apply to you. Possible complications include:
- temporary or persistent difficulty swallowing or a hoarse voice
- infection or bleeding
- a leak of the fluid surrounding the spinal cord
- damage to a nerve root, the spinal cord or a blood vessel
- symptoms that do not fully improve or return later
- failure of the bones to fuse, where fusion is performed
- very rare serious neurological complications
Recovery from anterior cervical discectomy
Phase 1
In the first days and weeks, manage pain as advised, care for the wound and take short, regular walks. You may have temporary neck stiffness, throat discomfort or changes to swallowing. Contact your care team if these symptoms concern you or become worse.
Phase 2
Increase activity gradually and avoid heavy lifting, repetitive bending, twisting and strenuous housework until your surgical team says these are safe. Take only the medicines advised by your clinician, particularly if a fusion needs to heal.
Phase 3
Your return will depend on your recovery, the exact operation and the demands of your work or sport. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will guide you and may recommend a phased return.
Working with Spine professionals and teams
Our spine specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their spines. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Spine treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Anterior cervical discectomy FAQs
It may help when a slipped disc or age-related bone and joint changes compress a nerve root or the spinal cord, causing arm pain, altered sensation, weakness or other neurological symptoms.
The disc space is often stabilised with a graft or spacer so the neighbouring bones can fuse. An artificial disc may be suitable for some people. Your consultant will explain the approach recommended for you.
There is no single timescale. It depends on your role, symptoms, healing and whether fusion was performed. Ask your surgeon for advice before returning to driving, manual work, impact exercise or contact sport.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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