Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) in Queens

Expert ACDF surgery in Queens, NY, restoring neck health and quality of life through minimally invasive, patient-centered spine care.

When Neck Pain Won't Let You Live Your Life, It's Time for a Real Solution

At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, our Queens patients have access to one of the most experienced spine surgery teams in the New York metropolitan area. We specialize in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) — the most commonly performed cervical spine procedure — combining advanced minimally invasive techniques with a deeply compassionate approach to care.

If neck pain, numbness, or weakness has been holding you back, contact our Queens office today to schedule a consultation.

Medical professional and patient walking in a hallway

What Is ACDF Surgery?

ACDF stands for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. It is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots in the neck caused by a damaged, herniated, or degenerative cervical disc.

The procedure has two components. First, the discectomy: the damaged disc is removed through a small incision at the front of the neck, allowing the surgeon to access the spine without disturbing the spinal cord or surrounding back muscles. Second, the fusion: a bone graft or implant is placed in the empty disc space to restore proper height and alignment. Over time, the bones above and below naturally fuse, creating long-term stability.

ACDF is performed under general anesthesia, and most patients return home the same day or within 24 hours.

Conditions Treated with ACDF

ACDF is typically recommended when conservative treatments — such as physical therapy, medication, or injections — have not provided adequate relief.

It is used to treat a range of cervical spine conditions, including:

Herniated cervical disc
Cervical degenerative disc disease
Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
Spinal stenosis in the neck
Cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression)
Bone spurs causing nerve compression

If you are experiencing chronic neck pain, radiating arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that has not responded to conservative care, ACDF may be the right solution for you.

The Gerling Approach to ACDF

At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, ACDF is performed using refined minimally invasive techniques developed and perfected over decades of practice. Every aspect of our surgical approach — from preoperative planning to operating room execution — is designed to deliver the best possible outcome with the least disruption to your body and your life.

Minimally Invasive Technique

Our surgeons are pioneers in minimally invasive spine surgery, with a focus on minimizing soft tissue disruption, reducing blood loss, and shortening time under anesthesia. The result: smaller incisions, less scarring, and a faster return to independence.

Efficiency in the Operating Room

Our surgical team is recognized for exceptional operating room efficiency. At our affiliated hospitals, our length of stay is among the shortest in the entire NYU system — a direct reflection of our surgical precision and the quality of our preoperative planning.

Research-Backed Care

The Gerling Institute is not just a clinical practice — it is a research institution. Our surgeons have contributed over 300 peer-reviewed publications and maintain active collaborations with leading national and international spine organizations, including NASS, CSRS, and LSRS. The care we deliver to Queens patients reflects the most current, evidence-based standards in spine surgery.

We’re here to help you move forward.

What to Expect Your ACDF Journey

From your first consultation to your final follow-up, our team is with you at every step. Here is what the process looks like for most of our Queens patients.

Before Surgery

Your care begins with a thorough consultation. Our team will review your imaging, discuss your symptoms in detail, and take the time to explain your diagnosis, all available treatment options, and honest expectations for surgical outcomes. We believe that an informed patient is an empowered patient.

The Day of Surgery

ACDF is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately one to two hours. The small incision is made at the front of the neck, and the entire procedure is completed with precision to minimize impact on surrounding tissue. Most Queens patients are discharged the same day.

Recovery

Recovery from ACDF varies from person to person, but most patients begin to notice meaningful improvement within weeks of surgery. Full recovery, including bone fusion, generally takes between three and six months. You may experience some reduction in neck flexibility following fusion, which is expected. Our team provides detailed post-operative guidance and remains closely involved throughout your recovery.

Why Choose Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute?

Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute brings together surgical excellence, compassionate care, and a research-driven approach that few private practices can match.

With over 40 peer-reviewed publications by our lead surgeon alone and more than 300 institute-wide, our Queens patients benefit from care rooted in clinical evidence. We are committed to minimizing recovery time, avoiding unnecessary surgery whenever possible, and restoring each patient's independence as quickly as possible.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Frequently Asked Questions

Is ACDF a major surgery?

ACDF is a common and well-established procedure, but it is still a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. Our minimally invasive techniques significantly reduce the physical impact compared to traditional open surgery, resulting in smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

Will I lose neck mobility after ACDF?

Some reduction in flexibility at the fused segment is normal. Most patients find that the relief from chronic pain far outweighs the modest limitation in range of motion.

How do I know if I'm a candidate for ACDF?

Candidacy depends on factors such as the number of affected disc levels, the severity of nerve compression, overall health, and lifestyle goals. Our Queens team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation before recommending any surgical approach.

What are the risks of ACDF surgery?

As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, temporary difficulty swallowing, and, in rare cases, nerve injury. Our emphasis on minimally invasive technique and operating room precision is specifically designed to minimize these risks.

How soon can I return to work after ACDF?

Patients with desk jobs may return within a few weeks, while those with physically demanding roles may require several months. Restoring patients to their normal lives as quickly as possible is a core priority of our team.