Key Takeaways
- A bone graft is a medium that helps the body to grow new bone. It is used during cervical spinal fusion to fuse two or more vertebrae into a single bone.
- There are several options: an autograft is bone taken from the patient’s own body; an allograft is sourced from a donor bank; biologics use lab-processed materials to promote faster bone growth.
- By carefully selecting the best bone graft option for each patient, NU-Spine surgeons maximize fusion success rates for long-term spinal stability and pain relief.
Why Does Bone Grafting Matter for ACDF Surgery?
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a combination of cervical discectomy and cervical spinal fusion. The procedure follows these steps:
- The surgeon accesses the cervical spine from the front to remove a cervical herniated disc.
- The surgeon inserts a cage filled with bone graft into the gap created by the removed disc.
- The patient’s body treats the bone graft as if it were a broken bone, activating its healing factor to “repair” the bone graft with new growth.
- Over time, new bone grows through and around the cage to fuse the vertebrae together.
Successful fusion is essential to a full recovery. After a spinal disc is removed, the spine loses some of its structure. This causes instability that can lead to degeneration and pain. Spinal fusion re-stabilizes the spine to ensure that relief lasts for the long term. Healthy bone growth is required for a successful fusion, which is why choosing the right graft material is so vital.
What Types of Bone Graft Are There?
When planning ACDF surgery, NU-Spine surgeons can choose between several types of bone grafts. The types are differentiated by their sources, and each one has its own benefits and downsides. Ensuring a strong fusion requires making the best selection for each patient. Options include:
Autograft Bone
An autograft uses bone samples taken from the top of the patient’s hip. Because the bone originates from the patient’s body, there is almost no risk of rejection. This approach requires a second surgery, however, which might be too risky for some patients. It also isn’t a good option for patients with declining bone health due to osteoporosis or another bone condition.
Allograft Bone
An allograft uses bone from a donor bank. All donor bone is rigorously cleaned and sterilized to ensure its safety. This method doesn’t require a second surgery, making it a good option for patients who can’t provide an autograft due to health risks or poor bone health. It comes with a risk of rejection, however, which can prevent the fusion from healing correctly.
Biologics and Synthetic Options
Biologics refer to graft material that has been processed in a laboratory. The lab processes are used to create highly concentrated quantities of collagen, proteins, or stem cells, all of which help to promote rapid bone growth. Biologics may be mixed with an autograft or a synthetic material, such as bioactive glass or ceramic. This innovative approach is still new, but it may offer faster, more reliable bone fusion than either an allograft or an autograft.
Find Expert ACDF Surgery Near You in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida
Are you struggling with neck pain that won’t go away? Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We offer cutting-edge, minimally invasive neck and spine treatments, including ACDF surgery, at our locations near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Don’t wait for relief; contact us today to schedule your appointment with a spine expert.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACDF Surgery
Is my own bone always best for ACDF surgery?
Your own bone is usually the best option for ACDF surgery. This is because the body is less likely to reject a material it recognizes. If you have poor bone health, however, then an autograft may not be sufficient to support healthy growth.
Is donor bone safe to use for cervical fusion?
Yes, donor bone is safe to use for cervical fusion. All donor bone is carefully processed and sterilized to prevent infection and other complications.
Do I need biologics for my ACDF surgery?
Biologics are most often recommended for older patients and those with poor health to compensate for a reduced healing factor. If you are in good health, then biologics may not be necessary.
How long will it take for my ACDF fusion to heal?
Regardless of the graft option used, ACDF fusions can take a year or more to solidify.