Cervical ACDF — Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center · Julia Rose EdD PA-C; OSU Neurological Surgery / Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

WBAT from POD 1; early ambulation; no WB restrictions for extremities

Key Restrictions

No NSAIDs per surgeon; no driving while on narcotics; no scar mobilization x 3 months; no tobacco; collar per surgeon (evidence suggests collar not required for single-level); no BLTs; return to work varies by physical demand category; avoid prolonged sitting >30-45 min

Timeline & Phases

3 phases: Phase 1 (POD 1-3 wks, home walking/ADLs), Phase 2 (3-6 wks, OP PT 2-3x/wk x 6-8 wks), Phase 3 (return to baseline); OP PT typically starts at 3-6 wks

Notes

.edu site; April 2022; cervical-specific: deep cervical flexor (DCF) activation emphasized; chin tuck progression; sitting/standing pelvic neutral with alternating UE; return to work table by physical demand category; same authorship as OSU lumbar protocols; extensive references including RCT on collar use post-ACDF (Abbott et al 2013)

Surgeon / Author

Julia Rose EdD PA-C; OSU Neurological Surgery / Orthopaedic Surgery

Published

April 2022