How long does a 2 level cervical fusion surgery take?
Rods and screws are placed to stabilize the spine. Surgery will last approximately 4 to 6 hours.
What should you not do after ACDF surgery?
Avoid taking long car trips for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. Your neck may become tired and painful from sitting too long in one position. You will probably need to take 4 to 6 weeks off from work.
What should I monitor after neck surgery?
Postoperatively, the neck surgery patient should be closely examined for evidence of a developing neck hematoma. Signs and symptoms of an expanding neck hematoma may include respiratory-specific symptoms such as stridor, hypoxia, dyspnea, tachypnea, or tracheal deviation.
How long does it take for an incision to heal from ACDF?
The first few weeks after surgery are critical, and on average, your incision will take between 3-4 weeks to heal fully. Although activities will typically no impact the healing of the incision, certain activities should be avoided so as not to disrupt the bone healing, which you won’t see.
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.
Why do my shoulders hurt after ACDF surgery?
It is very common to have neck pain and pain between the shoulder blades for the first few weeks following an ACDF. This is incisional and normal post-operative pain, and should slowly improve as the wound and muscles heal. It is normal to have some level of neck discomfort and stiffness after ACDF.
How long after ACDF surgery can I do housework?
What to expect in the first two weeks after ACDF. Within the first week, you may need assistance with day-to-day tasks like dressing and bathing. However, many people are able to take care of themselves within a day or two. Household work, however, should be avoided.
How soon can I drive after ACDF surgery?
Patients may begin driving when the pain has decreased to a mild level and mobility of the neck has improved, which is usually between 10-14 days after surgery. Patients need to be able to turn their neck and body enough to see right and left while driving.
Which goal is the priority when caring for a patient recovering from an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?
The goal of the one- or two-day hospital stay following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery, or ACDF, is to keep the patient as comfortable and mobile as possible while preparing for long-term recovery at home.
Why is it hard to swallow after ACDF?
While these structures are put back in place after the cervical disc is removed and the bone graft is set up, this shifting and stretching of soft tissues typically results in a sore throat for at least a couple days and potentially contributes to dysphagia.
How long does fatigue last after ACDF surgery?
Three to four weeks after ACDF, most patients begin to feel much better but still experience some weakness or fatigue.
How soon can I drive after ACDF?
What is a 2 level cervical fusion?
The procedure involves removing the offending disc and placing an artificial disc device in its place. In a 2-level cervical artificial disc replacement, not one but 2 adjacent problematic discs are removed and replaced with two artificial disc devices.
How long do you wear a cervical collar after ACDF surgery?
How long will my throat hurt after ACDF surgery?
A small incision is made in the front of the neck, usually only 3-4 centremetres long. 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 long does neck pain last after ACDF surgery?
Pain in the back of the neck and between the shoulder blades is common after ACDF surgery. It also is normal to have some swallowing difficulty. These usually get better over the next few weeks. If you have trouble breathing, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.
Why do shoulders hurt after ACDF surgery?
Some patients are surprised that the most bothersome pain immediately following ACDF surgery may not be in the neck but rather in the upper back and shoulders (due to the fusion altering the attached muscles’ biomechanics) or in the hip (if bone graft was taken from there).