What is an Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion?
When patients are presented with the suggestion to undergo anterior cervical discectomy surgery with a fusion, they often have a range of questions from how long is recovery, what are the costs, and how will I feel after the operation? At Smith Medical, our goal is to walk each one of our patients through the process from the beginning, first by defining the specifics of how the operation works.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion
The process known as Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion involves the removal and replacement of cervical discs with either a block of bone or a fusion device, allowing for the fusion of bones across the disc space.
For patients struggling to maintain the natural flexibility between bones, that allow the neck to move around, wear begins to impact the healthy discs in the body and results in thinning, pinched nerves, or a hernia. This can cause extreme pain and discomfort, limited mobility, and weakened neck muscles.
For patients who have struggled with disc ruptures and have tried conservative treatment options, your doctor may recommend anterior cervical discectomy with fusion to alleviate the pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.
Common Questions About Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion:
- How long is recovery from anterior cervical discectomy and fusion? It is important to note that the estimated healing time of six to eight weeks for an anterior cervical discectomy with a fusion is a general guideline. Several factors can influence the healing duration, including your overall health, the severity of the condition, and the extent of the surgical procedure.
- What is the cost of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion? Traditionally this cost would depend on the amount of insurance coverage that a patient has and how good their insurance plan is. The average cost is typically around $29k. Many patients end up paying over a five-year-long period to pay off the services they need. But with Smith Medical those with high deductible healthcare plans or without insurance can save while receiving quality surgical care because we do not accept insurance. Instead, we have a fixed cost under $20k to better the range of accessibility for patients and get them the care they deserve.
- How to sleep after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion? Doctors recommend that patients sleep on their side or back rather than their stomach, but most patients find it easier to sleep in a reclined position for optimal comfort. Adding a pillow between the knees when sleeping on the side, or under the legs when sleeping on the back, may be helpful.
Why Choose Smith Medical?
Our team at Smith Medical is dedicated to revolutionizing the healthcare industry by offering a unique approach that prioritizes both affordability and quality. When you are looking for the right surgeon and the right surgery center for your anterior cervical discectomy surgery, we understand that you will take your time and look for the best quality and cost. We firmly believe that everyone deserves access to top-notch surgical services without having to worry about exorbitant costs.
One of our primary goals for Smith Medical is to reduce healthcare costs for patients. We understand that medical expenses can be a significant burden, and we aim to alleviate this financial strain by providing cost transparency. Unlike traditional insurance options, which often come with hidden fees and confusing billing processes, we ensure that our patients are fully aware of the costs associated with their surgical procedures upfront as we do not take insurance.
This transparency allows individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and plan accordingly, cutting out the middleman of insurance that normally hikes up the prices, adding to the stress of undergoing surgery.
In addition to cost transparency, we also focus on creating greater independence for our patients. We recognize that many individuals feel restricted by the limitations imposed by traditional insurance plans, such as long waiting periods or limited choices of physicians and facilities. Our goal is to get the ball rolling and create an industry-disrupting healthcare model that brings surgical services right to patients exactly when they need them.
Looking to learn more about the process? No problem, connect with us today.