ACDF in Northern Kentucky
The most trusted surgical treatment for neck and arm pain from a damaged cervical disc — now offered as a same-day outpatient procedure in Northern Kentucky. Jaideep Chunduri, 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 Jaideep Chunduri, MD — August 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. Jaideep Chunduri, 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 Northern Kentucky 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.
Jaideep Chunduri, MD | Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Dr. Jaideep Chunduri is an orthopedic spine surgeon at Aptiva Health and one of the most experienced spine surgeons in the tri-state region. He is the former Director of Orthopaedic Spine Surgery at TriHealth in Cincinnati, a founding orthopedic spine surgeon at Beacon Orthopedics, and SCOI fellowship-trained. He sees patients in Northern Kentucky, Indianapolis (beginning May 21, 2026), and the Greater Cincinnati region.
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.
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 Northern Kentucky — Schedule Now
Aptiva Health – Northern Kentucky: 2093 Medical Arts Drive, Hebron, KY 41048
Drive times:
5 minutes from CVG (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport)
10 minutes from Florence, KY via I-71/75
12 minutes from Burlington and Union via KY-237
15 minutes from downtown Cincinnati via I-275 East
18 minutes from Covington and Newport
20 minutes from Anderson Township and Mt. Washington (OH)
25 minutes from Price Hill, Westwood, and Delhi Township
30 minutes from Florence Mall and the Boone County line south
Communities we routinely serve: Hebron, Florence, Burlington, Union, Walton, Erlanger, Edgewood, Crestview Hills, Fort Mitchell, Fort Wright, Independence, Covington, Newport, Fort Thomas, Cold Spring, Alexandria, Highland Heights, and across the river in Cincinnati, Anderson Township, Delhi Township, Cheviot, Price Hill, and Westwood.
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.
Q. Is ACDF performed as an outpatient procedure at Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky?
A. Yes. At Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky, ACDF may be performed as a same-day outpatient procedure for appropriately selected patients.
Eligible patients are typically able to return home after a period of post-operative monitoring rather than staying overnight in a hospital. Whether outpatient ACDF is appropriate depends on the patient's diagnosis, overall health, surgical plan, and other individual factors evaluated by the spine team.
Q. How is ACDF different from cervical disc replacement?
A. Both procedures begin by removing a damaged cervical disc that is placing pressure on a nerve root or the spinal cord. The main difference is what replaces the disc.
With ACDF, the affected vertebrae are fused together using a bone graft and supporting instrumentation. This stabilizes the treated level but eliminates motion at that 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 multi-level disc disease, spinal instability, advanced 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.
Your Aptiva Health spine provider will review your imaging, symptoms, and treatment goals to help determine which option may be appropriate for you.
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
Advanced degenerative changes
Certain conditions that may not be appropriate for cervical disc replacement
A consultation with Jaideep Chunduri, MD, including a physical examination and review of your cervical imaging, can help determine whether ACDF may be an appropriate treatment option.
Q. How long does ACDF surgery take?
A. The length of surgery depends on the number of cervical levels being treated and the complexity of the procedure.
A single-level ACDF commonly takes approximately one to two hours of surgical time. Multi-level procedures generally take longer. Patients should also expect additional time for pre-operative preparation, anesthesia, and post-operative recovery before discharge.
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, and the surgeon's recommendations.
During recovery, patients may experience temporary throat soreness, swallowing discomfort, or neck stiffness. Walking and gradual activity are generally encouraged as directed by the surgical team.
Return to work, driving, exercise, and more strenuous activity will depend on individual progress and clearance from the surgeon. The fusion itself develops gradually over the months following surgery.
Your 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 how many levels are treated and the patient's anatomy.
Patients undergoing a single-level fusion may notice little difference in their overall range of motion, while multi-level fusion can result in a greater reduction in movement.
During your consultation, Dr. Jaideep Chunduri can discuss how ACDF could affect your neck mobility and whether another treatment option, such as cervical disc replacement, may be appropriate.
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 imaging findings, spinal stability, the location of nerve or spinal cord compression, and the patient's overall condition. Multi-level procedures may involve a different recovery process than single-level procedures.
Q. What results can patients expect after ACDF?
A. ACDF has a long history of use in cervical spine surgery and is commonly performed to relieve pressure on cervical nerves or the spinal cord.
Individual results vary based on the patient's diagnosis, the number of levels treated, overall health, anatomy, and adherence to the post-operative care plan. Your surgeon can discuss the expected benefits, limitations, and potential risks of ACDF based on your individual condition.
Q. Will my insurance cover ACDF?
A. Coverage depends on your insurance plan, medical necessity requirements, and prior authorization policies.
Aptiva Health accepts most major insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid Managed Care, workers' compensation, and auto insurance coverage including PIP and MedPay. The Aptiva Health team can verify your benefits and help you understand your estimated financial responsibility before surgery.
Cash-pay options may also be available.
Call 859-592-1008 to verify insurance coverage or ask about payment options.
Q. Who performs ACDF at Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky?
A. ACDF care at Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky is led by Jaideep Chunduri, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon who treats cervical and lumbar spine conditions.
Dr. Chunduri evaluates patients with conditions including herniated discs, cervical radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, degenerative spine conditions, and other causes of neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
The Northern Kentucky spine team also includes Steven Ganzel, DO, who specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Interventional Pain Management. Dr. Ganzel provides non-surgical spine treatment options including epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, and radiofrequency ablation when appropriate.
Together, the Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky spine team provides coordinated evaluation, treatment, surgical consultation, interventional pain management, and follow-up care based on each patient's individual needs.
Q. Where is Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky located?
A. Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky is located at:
2093 Medical Arts Drive
Hebron, KY 41048
The location serves patients throughout Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati region, including Hebron, Florence, Burlington, Union, Erlanger, Covington, Newport, and surrounding communities.