ACDF in Elizabethtown
The most trusted surgical treatment for neck and arm pain from a damaged cervical disc — now offered as a same-day outpatient procedure in Elizabethtown. Dr. Michael Casnellie lead Aptiva Health's anterior cervical fusion program, combining decades of experience with a national-caliber spine fellowship at Twin Cities Spine Center, Minneapolis.
Medically reviewed by Michael Casnellie, MD — May 2026.
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Outpatient ACDF — The Gold Standard, Without the Hospital Stay
If you've been suffering with neck pain, arm pain, numbness, or weakness from a herniated or degenerated cervical disc — and conservative care hasn't worked — ACDF is the most proven and most commonly performed surgical solution.
At Aptiva Health in Indianapolis, ACDF is performed as a same-day outpatient procedure for appropriately selected patients. That means no overnight hospital stay, no extended admission, and recovery at home in your own bed — usually the same afternoon as your surgery.
ACDF has been performed for more than 60 years and remains the gold standard for cervical fusion. What makes Aptiva different is how we deliver it: outpatient, by a dedicated spine team, with fellowship-trained surgeons who treat cervical spine conditions every day. Many ACDF patients also explore cervical disc replacement as a motion-preserving alternative — we'll help you understand which procedure is right for your anatomy and lifestyle.
Conditions We Treat With ACDF
ACDF is the gold-standard surgical treatment for nerve compression in the neck. It is most commonly used for:
Cervical radiculopathy — pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand
Cervical myelopathy — spinal cord compression in the neck causing weakness, balance problems, hand clumsiness, or gait disturbance
Herniated cervical disc — a disc in the neck that has bulged or ruptured and is pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord
Cervical spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck
Cervical degenerative disc disease with neurologic symptoms
Multi-level cervical disc disease — when two or more cervical discs are causing symptoms
Cervical instability — abnormal motion between vertebrae
Revision surgery — for failed prior cervical fusion (pseudarthrosis) or adjacent segment disease
Not sure which procedure is right for you? Compare options on our Cervical Disc Replacement page, or get evaluated by an Aptiva spine provider.
ACDF vs. Cervical Disc Replacement — Which Is Right for You?
Both procedures start the same way. Through a small incision in the front of the neck, the surgeon removes the damaged disc that is compressing the nerve or spinal cord. The difference is what happens next.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Two vertebrae are permanently bonded together using a bone graft, interbody cage, and small titanium plate
Motion at that level is permanently eliminated
Healing requires the bone graft to fuse — typically three to six months
The gold standard for cervical spine surgery, with more than 60 years of clinical history
Best choice for: multi-level disc disease, cervical instability, advanced facet arthritis, significant bone loss, revision cases
Cervical Disc Replacement
An FDA-approved artificial disc is inserted in place of the damaged disc
Natural motion at that level is preserved
Recovery does not depend on bone fusion — return to activity is often faster
Best choice for: single-level disc disease, good bone quality, healthy facet joints, younger patients who want to preserve motion
Both procedures have excellent track records for relieving nerve compression. The right choice depends on your anatomy, your imaging findings, and your goals. Dr. Jaideep Chunduri evaluates every patient individually — and because Aptiva offers both procedures, your recommendation will be based on what's best for you, not what's available.
What to Expect From ACDF Surgery
Before Surgery
Cervical MRI (and often CT) to confirm the affected level and identify nerve or cord compression
Medical clearance and pre-operative consultation with your Aptiva spine provider
Review of bone density, alignment, and number of levels involved
Fasting instructions per anesthesia protocol
Arrange a ride home — you cannot drive yourself the day of surgery
Day of Surgery
Arrive 1-2 hours before surgery start time
General anesthesia administered
Small horizontal incision made in the front of the neck along a natural skin crease
Damaged disc removed; spinal cord and nerves carefully decompressed
Interbody cage packed with bone graft placed in the disc space to restore height
Small titanium plate and screws fixed to the front of the vertebrae for immediate stability
Single-level procedure typically takes 1-2 hours; multi-level proportionally longer
1-2 hours in recovery, then discharge home the same day
After Surgery
Soft cervical collar for 2-6 weeks depending on number of levels and surgeon's preference
Sore throat and mild difficulty swallowing for several days is normal
Walking encouraged immediately after surgery
Most patients report immediate relief of arm pain
Desk work: typically 1-2 weeks
Driving: typically 1-2 weeks
Light exercise: 4-6 weeks
Full physical labor and high-impact activity: 3 months
Bony fusion completes over 3-6 months
Post-operative follow-up at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months
X-rays at follow-up visits confirm fusion progress
Why Choose Aptiva Health for Your ACDF
Outpatient ACDF — recover at home, not in a hospital. Most ACDF patients at Aptiva go home the same day. You recover in your own bed, with your family — not in a hospital ward.
Fellowship-trained fusion surgeons. Michael Casnellie, MD completed his fellowship at Southern California Orthopaedic Institute and is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS).
A dedicated spine team. Spine surgery isn't a side specialty at Aptiva — it's a focus. Our Indianapolis team includes board-certified spine and orthopedic surgeons, and dedicated PAs and an NP who care for spine patients every day.
Both options under one roof. Aptiva offers ACDF and cervical disc replacement. Your recommendation will be based on what's right for your anatomy and goals — not on which procedure your surgeon happens to perform.
Honest guidance. Some patients don't need surgery at all. Our interventional pain specialist, Dr. Steven Ganzel, performs epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, and radiofrequency ablation — non-surgical treatments that provide lasting relief for many patients and may avoid the need for surgery entirely.
Fast access. Stop waiting weeks for an answer. Most patients see an Aptiva spine provider within days of calling.
One team, start to finish. From your first call to your final post-op visit, you'll work with the same Aptiva team. We handle insurance verification, scheduling, and post-op care in-house.
Cash-pay options available. For patients without insurance — or with high deductibles — we offer transparent, all-inclusive cash-pay pricing for ACDF that includes the surgeon, facility, anesthesia, implants, and post-operative visits. No surprise hospital bills.
Schedule your appointment today!
Your Elizabethtown Spine Care Team
At Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky, your spine care is delivered by a team of board-certified surgeons and advanced practice providers who focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine — including herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spine conditions.
Dr. Michael Casnellie — Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Dr. Casnellie has been treating spine patients in Louisville since 2005 and is one of the most experienced motion-preservation spine surgeons in Kentucky. He performed Kentucky's first Prestige cervical artificial disc replacement — a procedure that preserves motion at the affected level of the cervical spine instead of fusing it — and remains one of the few surgeons in the state offering both cervical and lumbar disc replacement to appropriate candidates.
Insurances Accepted
Aptiva Health accepts most major insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid Managed Care, workers' compensation, and auto insurance (PIP and Medpay). We verify benefits and provide a clear cost estimate before surgery.
ACDF is FDA-approved (the procedure and implants used) and covered by Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary. One-level, two-level, and three-level ACDF are all routinely covered.
For patients paying out of pocket, we offer transparent, bundled cash-pay pricing for ACDF that includes the surgeon, facility, anesthesia, implants, and post-operative visits — no surprise itemized hospital bills.
Call 270-506-4888 to verify your insurance or request a cash-pay quote.
Ready for Relief From Neck and Arm Pain?
If you've been suffering with neck pain, arm pain, numbness, or weakness — and conservative care hasn't worked — it's time to talk to Aptiva's spine team.
Schedule a Consultation in Elizabethtown — Schedule Now
Aptiva Health – Elizabethtown: 529 Westport Road, Suite 2, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Drive times:
10 minutes from Fort Knox
12 minutes from Radcliff
15 minutes from Vine Grove
20 minutes from Cecilia and Hodgenville
25 minutes from Brandenburg and Sonora
30 minutes from Bardstown and Leitchfield
45 minutes from south Louisville via I-65
Communities we serve: Elizabethtown, Radcliff, Fort Knox, Vine Grove, Cecilia, Sonora, Hodgenville, Bardstown, Leitchfield, Brandenburg, Shepherdsville, and across Hardin, Meade, Nelson, LaRue, and Grayson counties.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Walk-in injury care availability may vary; call ahead to confirm.
Insurance accepted: Most major medical insurance, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, most Kentucky Medicaid plans, workers' compensation, auto injury coverage (PIP and MedPay), and cash-pay.
ACDF: Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion)?
A. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a commonly performed surgical procedure used to treat certain cervical spine conditions that can cause neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
During the procedure, the surgeon accesses the cervical spine through a small incision in the front of the neck. The damaged disc is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve root. A bone graft and interbody spacer are then placed in the disc space, and a plate and screws may be used to provide stability while the vertebrae heal and fuse together.
At Aptiva Health Elizabethtown, ACDF evaluation and surgical care are available through the Aptiva Health spine team, with Dr. Michael Casnellie serving as a primary orthopedic spine surgeon for the Elizabethtown location.
Q. Is ACDF available through Aptiva Health Elizabethtown?
A. Yes. Aptiva Health Elizabethtown provides evaluation and treatment for cervical spine conditions, and ACDF is among the spine procedures offered through the Elizabethtown orthopedic and spine program.
Whether ACDF is appropriate for you—and where your procedure will be performed—depends on your diagnosis, overall health, imaging findings, surgical plan, and other individual factors. Dr. Michael Casnellie can review these considerations with you during your spine consultation.
Q. How is ACDF different from cervical disc replacement?
A. Both procedures begin by removing a damaged cervical disc that may be placing pressure on a nerve root or the spinal cord. The primary difference is what happens at the treated spinal level after the disc is removed.
With ACDF, the affected vertebrae are fused together using a bone graft and supporting instrumentation. This provides stability but eliminates motion at that treated segment.
With cervical disc replacement, an artificial disc is placed in the disc space with the goal of preserving motion at the treated level.
ACDF may be considered for patients with certain types of disc disease, spinal instability, arthritis, or other conditions where fusion may be appropriate. Cervical disc replacement may be considered for certain patients who meet specific anatomical and clinical criteria.
Dr. Casnellie offers both ACDF and cervical disc replacement for appropriately selected patients, allowing treatment recommendations to be based on each patient's individual condition and goals.
Q. Am I a candidate for ACDF?
A. ACDF may be considered for patients who have persistent symptoms related to cervical nerve or spinal cord compression and who have not improved with appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Conditions that may be evaluated for ACDF include:
Herniated cervical discs
Cervical spinal stenosis
Cervical radiculopathy
Cervical myelopathy
Multi-level cervical disc disease
Cervical instability
Degenerative changes in the cervical spine
Certain conditions that may not be appropriate for cervical disc replacement
A consultation with Michael Casnellie, MD, including an examination and review of your cervical imaging, can help determine whether ACDF or another treatment option may be appropriate for you.
Q. How long does ACDF surgery take?
A. The length of ACDF surgery varies based on the number of cervical levels being treated, the patient's anatomy, and the complexity of the procedure.
Patients should also expect additional time for pre-operative preparation, anesthesia, and post-operative recovery. Dr. Casnellie and the surgical team can provide more specific information based on your individual surgical plan.
Q. How long is recovery after ACDF?
A. Recovery varies from patient to patient and may depend on the number of spinal levels treated, the patient's overall health, the specific procedure performed, and the surgeon's recommendations.
During recovery, some patients may experience temporary throat soreness, swallowing discomfort, or neck stiffness. Activity recommendations, including returning to work, driving, exercise, and more strenuous activity, are individualized based on recovery progress.
The fusion itself develops gradually over time. Dr. Casnellie and the Aptiva Health spine team will provide individualized post-operative instructions and follow-up based on your procedure and recovery.
Q. Will I lose neck motion after ACDF?
A. ACDF eliminates motion at the spinal level that is fused. However, the amount of noticeable change in overall neck movement varies depending on the number of levels treated, the location of the fusion, and the patient's individual anatomy.
During your consultation, Dr. Michael Casnellie can discuss how ACDF may affect your neck mobility and whether another treatment option, including cervical disc replacement, may be appropriate for your condition. Dr. Casnellie specializes in both ACDF and motion-preserving cervical disc replacement procedures.
Q. Can ACDF be performed at multiple levels?
A. Yes. ACDF can be performed at more than one cervical level when multiple discs or areas of the cervical spine are contributing to a patient's symptoms.
The number of levels treated depends on factors such as imaging findings, spinal stability, the location of nerve or spinal cord compression, and the patient's overall condition. Multi-level procedures may also involve different surgical and recovery considerations than a single-level procedure.
Q. What results can patients expect after ACDF?
A. ACDF is an established cervical spine procedure designed to relieve pressure on affected nerves or the spinal cord while stabilizing the treated portion of the spine.
Results vary from patient to patient and depend on factors such as the underlying diagnosis, number of levels treated, overall health, anatomy, and recovery. During your consultation, Dr. Casnellie can discuss the potential benefits, limitations, risks, and treatment goals associated with ACDF based on your individual condition.
Q. Will my insurance cover ACDF?
A. Coverage for ACDF depends on your individual insurance plan, medical necessity requirements, prior authorization requirements, and other plan-specific policies.
Aptiva Health Elizabethtown works with a range of commercial insurance plans as well as Medicare, TRICARE and other military coverage, workers' compensation, and auto insurance. Cash-pay options may also be available. Because coverage varies, patients should verify benefits for their specific plan before treatment.
Call 270-506-4888 to verify your insurance coverage or ask about payment options.
Q. Who provides ACDF care at Aptiva Health Elizabethtown?
A. ACDF and cervical spine care at Aptiva Health Elizabethtown are provided by the Aptiva Health spine team, with Michael Casnellie, MD serving as a primary orthopedic spine surgeon at the Elizabethtown location.
Dr. Casnellie is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery. His practice includes treatment of cervical and lumbar spine conditions such as herniated discs, cervical radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, and other causes of neck, back, arm, or leg symptoms. His specialized procedures include ACDF, cervical disc replacement, minimally invasive lumbar fusion, lumbar decompression, and SI joint fusion.
Patients can meet with Dr. Casnellie in Elizabethtown for evaluation, imaging review, treatment planning, surgical consultation, and follow-up care. His approach includes consideration of both surgical and non-surgical options based on each patient's individual condition and treatment goals.
Q. Where is Aptiva Health Elizabethtown located?
A. Aptiva Health Elizabethtown is located at:
Aptiva Health Orthopedics — Elizabethtown
529 Westport Road, Suite 2
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
The Elizabethtown location provides orthopedic, spine, sports medicine, digital X-ray, and physical therapy services for patients throughout Hardin County and surrounding communities, including Elizabethtown, Radcliff, Fort Knox, Vine Grove, Cecilia, Sonora, Hodgenville, Bardstown, Leitchfield, and Brandenburg.