What is a 3 level cervical fusion?

A Three-Level Cervical Fusion is a major surgery where 3 discs are removed and hardware is placed to stabilize the neck. the procedure is performed in a hospital and takes several hours.. Cervical fusion surgery is popular. The rate of posterior cervical fusions in the US has increased by 2.7 fold from 2001-2013 (2).

How long does a 3 level cervical fusion surgery take?

Your own bone from the surrounding area and possibly bone from the iliac crest (hip) will be used. Rods and screws are placed to stabilize the spine. Surgery will last approximately 4 to 6 hours.

How many levels can be fused in the neck?

How Multilevel Fusion Affects Overall Neck Mobility. Some studies have found that once a neck fusion has reached three or four cervical levels, significant range of motion may be lost.

How common is 3 level ACDF surgery?

Three-level and 4-level ACDFs are less common procedures, even in high-volume spine centers. In a study of 888 patients undergoing ACDF at a tertiary care institution, 81% of patients underwent 1- or 2-level ACDF, 137 patients (15.4%) underwent 3-level ACDF, and only 29 patients (3.3%) underwent 4-level ACDF.

How common is a 4-level cervical fusion?

Bolesta et al¹³ demonstrated a radiographic nonunion rate of 47% among 15 patients who underwent noninstrumented 3- or 4-level ACDF with iliac crest autograft. However, 2 more recent retrospective studies reported a radiographic fusion rate of 92% in 29 patients²⁶ and 86% in 26 patients²⁷ undergoing 4-level ACDF.

$650K Result: Animated C4-7 Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion

How much does a 3 level ACDF cost?

Costs for ACDF ranged from about $11,000 to $25,000, while PLF costs ranged from $20,000 to $37,000. For TKA patients without major medical conditions, the range was from about $11,000 to $19,000.

Is neck fusion a disability?

There is no specific disability listing for back surgery or spinal fusion, but if the surgery didn't correct your impairments, you might meet the requirements of a listing based on the impairments that led you to need back surgery or spinal fusion.

How many years does ACDF last?

Conclusion: ACDF leads to significantly improved outcomes for all primary diagnoses and was sustained for >10 years' follow-up. Secondary surgeries were performed for pseudarthrosis repair and for symptomatic adjacent-level degeneration.

Is ACDF considered major surgery?

ACDF surgery is a major procedure, and you will need to take it easy during your recovery. However, if you are unable to do daily activities within 4-6 weeks of your appointment, you should see your surgeon right away. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Are there any permanent restrictions after spinal fusion?

You may find that after you spinal fusion, you run into some restrictions like being unable to lift, bend or twist. Many of these permanent restrictions are not actually permanent. After a 3 to 6 month healing process, you may find that your restrictions lessen and are able to get back to work.

How serious is neck fusion surgery?

What are the risks? No surgery is without risks. General complications of any surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), and reactions to anesthesia. If spinal fusion is done at the same time as a discectomy, there is a greater risk of complications.

What happens when they fuse your neck?

Fusing one cervical segment alters the others.

While fusing two vertebrae together stops motion at that cervical level, adjacent levels are likely to experience increased loads and increased mobility. Some of the motion lost at one fused level could be gained back at other levels.

How many years does a spinal fusion last?

Surgical screws, rods or metal plates are used to hold the vertebrae together. In more complex cases, two or more interlocking vertebrae may be involved in the spinal fusion procedure. The results of a fusion are permanent.

What can you not do after neck fusion?

Limitations. No driving while on narcotics or if you were given a neck brace to wear. No lifting more than 5 pounds (about a gallon of milk) for the first 2 weeks after surgery. No lifting more than 25 pounds for an additional 4 weeks (six weeks total).

Do you need physical therapy after cervical fusion?

This will help maintain the movement of the vertebrae in your neck. Having physical therapy after cervical spine surgery can help to maintain range of motion and prevent or postpone the need for additional surgeries.

How long does throat hurt after cervical fusion?

2) You will wear a cervical collar for at least 4 weeks post-operatively. This should be worn at all times (including in bed) but may be removed for showering. 3) About 3-4 days after surgery, you throat will become swollen. This usually lasts 1-2 days and you may want to sleep in a recliner for that time.

How painful is ACDF surgery?

No significant muscle is cut during the approach to the spine so there is minimal post-operative pain. It is common to have a sore throat and some mild discomfort with swallowing after the surgery. This usually settles over 2-3 days.

How do you sleep after ACDF surgery?

Sleeping on the side or back is recommended versus sleeping on the stomach. Adding a pillow between the knees when sleeping on the side, or under the legs when sleeping on the back, may be helpful. If sleeping troubles become a pattern, the doctor should be contacted.

What is the success rate of cervical fusion?

ACDF has demonstrated good results in terms of pain relief and patient satisfaction [9]. Its success rate has been reported to achieve good or excellent outcome in 93% [10].

Why do my shoulders hurt after cervical fusion?

Some amount of neck discomfort, soreness, tenderness, and swelling is normal after a spinal fusion procedure. Additionally, you may feel some discomfort in your upper back and shoulders as your body adjusts to the altered biomechanics created by the fusion.

Can you have a second cervical fusion?

Patients who undergo a second cervical fusion develop ASD at both higher and faster rates. Moreover, patients who had a second cervical fusion via an anterior approach had a higher chance of developing recurrent ASD versus patients who had a posterior approach.

What is the alternative to ACDF surgery?

Alternative Therapy

Alternative therapies include massages, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. These may also be referred to as manual therapies since they address the spine with hands on technique. Massage relieves tension in muscles surrounding the spine and in arm and leg muscles experiencing radiating symptoms.

Can you bend your neck after cervical fusion?

Avoid lifting heavy objects and also holding items at arms length away from your body. Always use a correct lifting technique, bending at the knees and not at your back (see following diagram). Avoid bending, twisting or leaning movements.

Does spinal fusion shorten life expectancy?

Conclusion: Elderly patients who underwent spine surgery for spinal stenosis had reduced mortality compared to the corresponding portion of the general population.

Can spinal fusion cause problems later in life?

The most common thing we see in the clinic in patients who have spinal fusion complications years later is either a return of back pain or new symptoms. These both indicate possible new disease.