Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) Cost in India

The cost of ACDF surgery in India typically ranges from $7,000 to $13,500 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is neck surgery through the front of the neck. The surgeon removes a damaged disc and any bone spurs, then fuses the bones together. The cost usually depends on:

• Number of levels: one or more discs may be treated.
• Implants: a spacer (cage) and often a plate and screws.
• Imaging and tests: MRI and X-rays before surgery.
• Hospital stay: usually one to two days.

OrthoInfo (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) explains that ACDF can relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by disc problems or bone spurs. It may be used for:

• Cervical radiculopathy: arm pain, numbness or weakness from a pinched nerve.
• Cervical myelopathy: compression of the spinal cord, causing clumsiness or walking problems.
• Disc herniation: when non-surgical treatment has not helped.

The surgeon makes a small cut at the front of the neck and gently moves aside the windpipe and food pipe. The damaged disc and bone spurs are removed. A spacer is placed in the disc space, and a plate and screws are often added.

OrthoInfo notes that the fusion becomes solid over about 6 to 12 months.

OrthoInfo reports a typical hospital stay of 1 to 2 days. Swallowing difficulty and a hoarse voice are common at first and usually settle within weeks.

Possible complications include:

• Swallowing problems and hoarseness: usually temporary.
• Non-union: the bones fail to fuse.
• Adjacent segment degeneration: wear at the disc levels next to the fusion.
• Nerve or spinal cord injury: rare.