Cervical ACDF Rehabilitation Protocols
3 Cervical ACDF rehabilitation protocols from 3 institutions, published 2014–2022. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.
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… |
| Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — Anterior… | Ambulatory; walking program from POD 1 (goal 30 min twice daily); home PT at discharge as… | No NSAIDs (timing per surgeon); no tobacco; no driving on narcotics; +/- C-collar per surgeon (osteoporosis… |
| Ortho Illinois — Cervical Fusion (Anterior and Posterior) | 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… |