PCDF & ACDF Procedure in St. Louis, MO
Posterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (PCDF) / Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)
What the procedure is
ACDF removes a damaged cervical disc through a small incision in the front of the neck, takes pressure off the nerve/spinal cord, places an interbody spacer with bone graft, and stabilizes the level with a plate and screws so it can fuse.
PCDF approaches from the back of the neck to free pinched nerves (discectomy/foraminotomy), then stabilizes the spine with screws/rods and bone graft to promote fusion.
Both procedures are designed to stop painful motion at the treated level(s) and create lasting room for the nerves.
What it can help with
By decompressing the nerves and stabilizing the segment, ACDF/PCDF can reduce arm pain, tingling, and weakness, ease neck pain linked to movement at a worn level, and improve coordination or balance when the spinal cord is compressed.
What it treats
- Cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy (arm pain/numbness/weakness)
- Cervical spinal/foraminal stenosis and bone spur overgrowth
- Select cases of cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression)
- Instability or deformity requiring stabilization after decompression
- Recurrent symptoms after prior surgery, when stabilization is needed
Who needs this treatment
You may be a candidate if symptoms persist despite conservative care (activity changes, therapy, medications, injections/laser), or if you have progressive weakness, coordination changes, or clear spinal cord/nerve compression on imaging. During your St. Louis consultation, we’ll review your history, exam, and MRI to decide whether ACDF, PCDF, or another option (such as motion-preserving TDR) best fits your goals and anatomy.
The benefits
- Direct nerve/spinal cord decompression at the problem level
- Stabilization to stop painful motion and protect the repair
- Predictable recovery milestones with clear return-to-work guidance
- Approach tailored to your anatomy and pattern of compression
- Option to address single or multi-level disease when appropriate
How we can help as a practice
At Orthopedic Spine Institute of St. Louis, we start with a conservative-first plan and recommend surgery only when it’s truly appropriate. If ACDF or PCDF is right for you, we’ll explain each step in plain language—pre-op preparation, hospital/ASC plan, collar use (if needed), driving and desk-work timelines, lifting limits, and therapy milestones. We verify insurance benefits up front, coordinate imaging, and schedule timely follow-ups so you always know what’s next.
Ready to talk through your options?
Answer a few quick questions and we’ll route you to the right visit type. You can also call our St. Louis office or book online.
Don't Let The Pain Control Your Life
Back or neck pain? Start with a conservative plan—30+ years of spine care in St. Louis, same-week appointments.