ACDF
Medical abbreviation · Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology
| Stands for | Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
ACDF stands for Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, a musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviation.
Neck operation in which a surgeon reaches the spine from the front, removes a damaged disc and any bone spurs pressing on nerves or the spinal cord, and fuses the vertebrae with a spacer and usually a plate. It treats cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy.
Example: C5–C6 HNP with progressive C6 radiculopathy; ACDF C5–C6 planned.
Usage notes
The anterior approach was developed in the 1950s by Smith and Robinson and by Cloward. Temporary difficulty swallowing and hoarseness are common after surgery. Adjacent-level degeneration can develop over time. Cervical disc arthroplasty is an alternative that preserves motion in selected patients.
Related abbreviations
More musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations
- ACLR – Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
- APS – Antiphospholipid syndrome
- AS – Ankylosing spondylitis
- AVN – Avascular necrosis
- axSpA – Axial spondyloarthritis
- BTB – Bone-patellar tendon-bone (graft)
- CES – Cauda equina syndrome
- CPPD – Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease
- CRPP – Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning
- CRPS – Complex regional pain syndrome
- CTS – Carpal tunnel syndrome
- DAS28 – Disease Activity Score in 28 joints
See all 71 musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.