Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF)

When the cervical disease encompasses more than just the disc space, the spine surgeon may recommend removal of the vertebral body as well as the disc spaces at either end to completely decompress the cervical canal. This procedure, a cervical corpectomy, is often done for multi-level cervical stenosis with spinal cord compression caused by bone spur (osteophytes) growth.

What Occurs in Anterior Cervical Corpectomy Surgery?

The general procedure for anterior cervical corpectomy surgery is as follows:

• The approach is similar to a discectomy (anterior approach), although a larger and more vertical incision in the neck will often be used to allow more extensive exposure.
• The spine surgeon then performs a discectomy at either end of the vertebral body that will be removed. More than one vertebral body may be removed.
• The posterior longitudinal ligament is often removed to allow access to the cervical canal and to ensure complete removal of the pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots.
• The defect must then be reconstructed with an appropriate fusion technique.

Anterior Cervical Corpectomy Risks and Complications

• Nerve root damage
• Damage to the spinal cord
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Graft dislodgment
• Damage to the trachea/esophagus
• Continued pain.