Questions Asked Frequently
Q. How painful is surgery for ACDF in India?
A. Some patients are taken aback by the fact that the most uncomfortable pain begins right after ACDF surgery. The fusion may change the biomechanics of the attached muscles, so the pain may not be in the neck but rather in the upper back and shoulders, or it may be in the hip (if a bone graft was taken from there)
Q. How long does an ACDF procedure take?
A. ACDF surgery typically lasts 1-3 hours, but it also varies based on the situation and diagnosis of each patient. Patients may occasionally require the decompression and fusion of multiple levels.
Q. Do patients with ACDF surgery have any limitations?
A. Patients are subject to restrictions following anterior cervical discectomy fusion surgery to allow the soft tissues to heal and ultimately allow the bone graft fusion to heal properly.
For the first two weeks, lifting is typically restricted to no more than 2 kilograms, or about a gallon of milk.
A brace, which is frequently prescribed in the post-operative period following surgery, will restrict the range of motion in the neck.
However, patients are urged to move around as tolerated for exercise. Whenever you have surgery for an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion The post-operative restrictions would be covered in greater detail in the clinic in India.
Q. Will I Need a Brace Following an ACDF Procedure in India?
A. After anterior discectomy and fusion surgery, the surgeon generally advises wearing a brace. The specifications of the surgery, among other things, will determine the type of brace and how long the patient must wear it. The brace should initially be worn continuously, with the exception of taking a shower and eating meals. This implies that it ought to be worn even while sleeping. Details about the post-operative restrictions would be covered in more detail in the hospital in case of an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery in India.
Q. Does the surgery hurt?
A: Medicines taken orally are given for pain. In a few days, soreness or aches should go away.
Q. After surgery, are there any potential long-term restrictions?
A: There won’t be any restrictions for the long term, but recovery takes time.
Q. After ACDF surgery, are patients required to undergo physical therapy?
A. Physical therapy is not advised in the first few days following surgery. Future follow-up visits will be used to determine whether physical therapy is required or not. Some may not even require formal physical therapy.
Walking is the primary form of therapy in the first few days following surgery, and it is encouraged to prevent respiratory issues, blood clots, and deconditioning. Even if it’s just around the house, one should go for several quick walks every day. Depending on the comfort level and tolerance for pain, one can increase the frequency and length of their walks.