Cervical ACDF Rehabilitation Protocols
4 Cervical ACDF rehabilitation protocols from 4 institutions, published 2014–2022.
Compare by institution
| Institution | Weight-Bearing | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (Houston Spine… | WBAT from POD 1; walking to ½ mile daily or stationary bike 15-30 min | Anterior fusion: avoid extension; Posterior fusion: avoid flexion; avoid passive cervical stretching; limit… |
| Axis Spine Center — ACDF Post-Op | WBAT from POD 1; walking 2x/day starting at 10 min working to 20 min | 1-level fusion: no brace; 2-level: brace 4-6 wks; 3+ levels: brace 6 wks per MD; no lifting >15 lbs x 4 wks… |
| Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — Anterior… | WBAT from POD 1; early ambulation; no WB restrictions for extremities | No NSAIDs per surgeon; no driving while on narcotics; no scar mobilization x 3 months; no tobacco; collar per… |
| Ortho Illinois / Rockford Orthopedic Spine Care — Cervical… | WBAT from POD 1; gait with AD if necessary; walking to 30 min or ½ mile daily | Anterior fusion: avoid extension; Posterior fusion: avoid flexion; no lifting >5 lbs x 4 wks; no overhead… |
All 4 Cervical ACDF protocols
Cervical ACDF — Post-Op Cervical Fusion
Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (Houston Spine Surgeon)
Cervical ACDF — ACDF Post-Op
Axis Spine Center
Cervical ACDF — Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Cervical ACDF — Cervical Fusion (Anterior and Posterior)
Ortho Illinois / Rockford Orthopedic Spine Care