Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) in San Diego, CA
Relief from Neck Pain, Arm Pain & Cervical Nerve Compression
Severe neck pain, arm weakness, or numbness can stop you from living normally. When conservative care is no longer enough, Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a trusted, effective surgical option to relieve pressure on pinched nerves and restore stability in the neck.
Dr. Sanjay Ghosh, a board-certified neurosurgeon in San Diego, has over 20 years of experience performing ACDF using precise, minimally invasive techniques designed for faster recovery and long-term comfort.
Call (619) 810-1010 to schedule your cervical spine evaluation.
What Is ACDF?
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion is a cervical spine procedure that removes a damaged or herniated disc from the neck through a small incision in the front of the throat.
After the disc is removed and the compressed nerves are relieved, the space is stabilized using a bone graft and a small plate, and screws. This fusion restores alignment and prevents the disc from causing pain again.
ACDF is one of the most reliable and successful surgeries for treating nerve compression in the neck.
Conditions ACDF Treats
You may be a candidate for ACDF if you have:
- Cervical disc herniation
- Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bone spurs causing nerve compression
- Nerve-related arm pain or weakness
- Loss of grip strength or fine motor control
- Persistent symptoms after conservative treatment
If neck pain is radiating into your shoulder or arm or if you have numbness, tingling, or weakness, ACDF may help.
Symptoms That Suggest ACDF May Be Needed
- Pain traveling from the neck into the arm
- Tingling or electric-like sensations in the hand
- Muscle weakness or loss of grip
- Pain that worsens with turning or extending the neck
- Persistent symptoms despite physical therapy, injections, or medications
- Difficulty performing daily tasks due to nerve irritation
A clear diagnosis provides the best path to relief.
How ACDF Is Performed
Dr. Ghosh uses a small, minimally invasive incision in the front of the neck, avoiding major muscles to reduce postoperative discomfort.
Step-by-step overview:
- A small incision is made in the natural crease of the front of the neck.
- Damaged disc and any bone spurs are removed.
- Nerves and spinal cord are fully decompressed.
- A bone graft is placed where the disc used to be.
- Small plate and screws secure the segment for proper healing.
The result is predictable nerve relief and long-term stability.
Benefits of ACDF
Patients often notice improvement in arm pain shortly after surgery.
Key benefits include:
- Reliable relief of nerve pain and tingling
- Improvement in grip strength and arm function
- Stabilization of the neck
- Prevention of further disc collapse
- Minimally invasive incision for faster healing
- Outpatient or short-stay procedure
ACDF remains one of the most effective treatments for cervical nerve compression.
Ready to explore your options?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanjay Ghosh to see if ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) is the best solution for your neck pain, arm pain, or cervical nerve compression.
Dr. Ghosh’s Expertise in Cervical Spine Surgery
Patients trust Dr. Ghosh for his:
- Board certification and fellowship training
- 20+ years of cervical spine surgical experience
- Minimally invasive focus to limit tissue disruption
- Precision in correction of complex or recurrent cases
- Use of advanced imaging and neuro-monitoring
- Clear communication and patient-centered care
He performs ACDF procedures at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, University Ambulatory Surgery Center, and the Outpatient Surgery Center of La Jolla.
What to Expect Before, During & After Surgery
Before Surgery
- Complete imaging review (MRI/CT)
- Discussion of symptoms and goals
- Review of treatment options
- A clear plan for recovery
During Surgery
- Small, targeted incision
- Microsurgical decompression
- Fusion for stable long-term support
- Procedure typically lasts 1–2 hours
After Surgery
- Patients often walk the same day
- Most return to light activity within 1–2 weeks
- Full fusion develops over several months
- Physical therapy may be recommended as healing progresses
Non-Surgical Alternatives
Not every patient needs surgery. Dr. Ghosh may recommend:
- Physical therapy
- Image-guided injections
- Posture correction
- Activity modification
- Short-term medications
ACDF is considered only after conservative care has not provided enough relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions Dr. Ghosh Treats
Some patients who benefit from ACDF also experience other cervical spine problems that affect nerve function, stability, and everyday movement. Dr. Ghosh treats a wide range of neck-related spinal conditions, including:
Serving Patients Across San Diego County
Dr. Ghosh proudly cares for patients from Carlsbad, La Jolla, Encinitas, Mission Valley, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Mira Mesa, Hillcrest / Bankers Hill, Clairemont, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, Scripps Ranch, University City / UTC, and nearby communities throughout San Diego County. His Mission Valley clinic is convenient from every direction.
Find Relief from Cervical Nerve Compression
If neck pain, numbness, or arm weakness limit your life, ACDF may be the solution. Dr. Sanjay Ghosh offers advanced, minimally invasive cervical spine surgery tailored to your needs.
Start Your ACDF Evaluation
Call or request your consultation online to learn if ACDF is right for you