ACDF in Lexington, KY
The most trusted surgical treatment for neck and arm pain from a damaged cervical disc — now offered as a same-day outpatient procedure in Lexington. David McConda, MD leads Aptiva Health's anterior cervical fusion program, combining decades of experience with fellowship-trained expertise from AOSpine — the international foundation that sets clinical standards in spine fusion surgery.
Medically reviewed by David McConda, MD — July 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. David McConda, 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 Lexington Spine Care Team
At Aptiva Health Lexington, 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. David McConda — Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Dr. David McConda is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon at Aptiva Health, fellowship-trained at OrthoCarolina Spine Center in Charlotte through the AOSpine North America Spine Surgery Fellowship — the premier spine-surgery training program of AOSpine, the international foundation that sets clinical standards in spine care. A Kentucky native who earned his MD at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Dr. McConda specializes in minimally invasive cervical and lumbar surgery and SI joint fusion.
Steven Ganzel, DO — Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Interventional Pain Management
Dr. Ganzel is double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Interventional Pain Management. For the Aptiva Health Spine Team, he performs fluoroscopy-guided epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and other interventional pain procedures for patients — many of which provide lasting relief and prevent the need for surgical intervention.
Scott Christensen, PA-C — Physician Assistant - Aptiva Health
Scott Christensen, PA-C has been a physician assistant for nearly 25 years. Scott completed his physician assistant studies at the University of Kentucky in 1997. Scott works as Dr. Huhn’s physician assistant seeing patients in both Lexington and Louisville for urgent medical needs, general medical examinations, and walk-in medical appointments.
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 859-592-1008 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 Lexington — Schedule Now
Aptiva Health – Lexington: 230 Fountain Court, Suite 180 Lexington, KY 40509
Our office sits in the Hamburg area off Sir Barton Way, convenient to Man o' War Boulevard and I-75. We serve patients across Lexington and surrounding communities:
Downtown Lexington — approx. 10 minutes
Nicholasville — approx. 20 minutes
Georgetown — approx. 20 minutes
Winchester — approx. 20 minutes
Richmond — approx. 25 minutes
Versailles — approx. 25 minutes
Frankfort — approx. 35 minutes
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 Indiana 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 one of the most commonly performed procedures for neck and arm pain caused by a damaged cervical disc. During surgery, a small incision is made in the front of the neck. The damaged disc that is compressing the spinal cord or nerve root is removed and replaced with a bone graft and an interbody spacer. A titanium plate and screws are typically used to provide stability while the bones heal. Over the following months, the two vertebrae fuse together into one solid bone, permanently stabilizing that level of the cervical spine.
Q. Is ACDF performed as an outpatient procedure?
A. Yes. At Aptiva Health Lexington, ACDF is performed as an outpatient procedure for appropriately selected patients. Most patients return home the same day, typically a few hours after surgery, allowing them to recover in the comfort of their own home rather than staying overnight in a hospital.
Q. How is ACDF different from cervical disc replacement?
A. Both procedures begin by removing the damaged cervical disc that is compressing the spinal cord or nerve root. The difference lies in what replaces the disc.
With ACDF, the vertebrae are fused together using a bone graft and instrumentation, eliminating motion at that level while providing long-term stability.
With cervical disc replacement, an FDA-approved artificial disc is implanted to preserve motion in the neck.
ACDF remains the gold standard for many patients, particularly those with multi-level disc disease, spinal instability, advanced arthritis, or other conditions where fusion offers the best long-term outcome. Cervical disc replacement may be an option for younger patients with single-level disease and good bone quality who meet specific criteria.
Q. Am I a candidate for ACDF?
A. You may be a candidate for ACDF if you have persistent neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by a herniated or degenerative cervical disc and have not improved after conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or spinal injections.
ACDF is often recommended for patients with:
Herniated cervical discs
Cervical spinal stenosis
Cervical radiculopathy
Multi-level cervical disc disease
Cervical instability
Advanced cervical arthritis
Conditions that are not appropriate for cervical disc replacement
A consultation with Dr. David McConda, including a physical examination and review of your cervical imaging, will determine whether ACDF is the right treatment option for you.
Q. How long does ACDF surgery take?
A. A single-level ACDF typically requires about one to two hours of surgical time. Multi-level procedures generally take longer. Including pre-operative preparation, anesthesia, and recovery, most patients spend approximately four to six hours at the surgery center before returning home the same day.
Q. How long is the recovery after ACDF?
A. Recovery varies depending on the number of spinal levels treated and each patient's overall health.
Most patients:
Return home the day of surgery
Wear a soft cervical collar for approximately two to six weeks, depending on the procedure
Experience a sore throat or mild difficulty swallowing for several days
Return to desk-based work within one to two weeks
Resume driving after clearance from their surgeon, often within one to two weeks
Return to light exercise around four to six weeks
Resume more strenuous activity after fusion is progressing appropriately, often around three months
Complete fusion generally occurs over three to six months.
Q. Will I lose neck motion after ACDF?
A. Yes, motion is permanently eliminated at the fused spinal level. However, patients undergoing a single-level ACDF usually notice very little difference in overall neck movement because the remaining cervical levels naturally compensate.
Patients requiring multiple fusion levels may experience a greater reduction in motion. During your consultation, Dr. McConda will discuss whether ACDF or cervical disc replacement is more appropriate based on your condition and treatment goals.
Q. Can ACDF be performed at multiple levels?
A. Yes. ACDF can be performed at one, two, three, or, in select cases, four cervical levels during a single operation.
Single-level procedures are most common, but multi-level fusion may be recommended when several discs are contributing to symptoms or when additional spinal stability is needed. Recovery following multi-level surgery is generally longer than after single-level procedures.
Q. What is the success rate of ACDF?
A. ACDF has been successfully performed for decades and has an excellent track record. Published clinical studies report that approximately 90% to 95% of appropriately selected patients experience significant improvement in arm pain (radiculopathy) following single-level ACDF, with fusion rates exceeding 95%.
Individual outcomes vary depending on each patient's diagnosis, overall health, and adherence to post-operative instructions.
Q. Will my insurance cover ACDF?
A. In most cases, yes. ACDF is a well-established procedure covered by Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary.
Aptiva Health accepts most major insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid Managed Care, workers' compensation, and auto insurance (PIP and MedPay). Our team verifies your insurance benefits before surgery and provides a clear estimate of your financial responsibility. Cash-pay options may also be available for qualified patients.
Q. Who performs ACDF at Aptiva Health Lexington?
A. Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) at Aptiva Health Lexington is performed by Dr. David McConda, an experienced spine surgeon specializing in the surgical treatment of cervical and lumbar spine conditions. Dr. McConda utilizes evidence-based surgical techniques to treat herniated discs, cervical radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, and other conditions that cause neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Throughout your care, Dr. McConda works closely with Steven Ganzel, DO, who specializes in Interventional Pain Management and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R), and Scott Christensen, PA-C, who assists with patient evaluations, education, surgical preparation, post-operative follow-up, and ongoing recovery.
Together, the Aptiva Health Lexington spine team provides coordinated, patient-centered care to guide you through every step of treatment—from your initial consultation through recovery and your return to daily activities.