Michael Shermer was injured in a serious bicycle accident on July 26, 2019, where veering around an erratic driver and a pothole caused him to hit a curb at roughly 20 mph. The impact threw him from his bike into a rocky dirt field. His head, shoulder, and pelvis took the brunt of the accident, leaving him barely able to make it to a vehicle without assistance. Shermer received an x-ray and CT scan after being taken to the emergency room, which revealed two small pelvic fractures on the same side as his total hip replacement.
A pinched nerve in his neck led him to ask his friend, Dr. Walter Burnham, about it. Dr. Burnham recommended an MRI, which surprisingly showed no damage from the bicycle accident. However, it did reveal a significant amount of wear and tear that had developed over time and needed surgical correction to repair.
Watch this video to learn more about his experience:
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/WGqXkH3rnnE”]
Follow Michael Shermer’s ACDF surgical journey below.
What Is ACDF?
ACDF, or Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, is a type of surgical procedure that removes bulging disc tissue that is constricting or pressing on the spinal cord, causing symptoms like stiffness, pain, and headaches. Patients with conditions that can be treated by ACDF often experience a gradual worsening of moderate symptoms that are often blamed on something else, like working at the computer for too long or not drinking enough water throughout the day.
Shermer’s MRI revealed significant degeneration of C5, C6, and C7, which were causing ongoing discomfort and troublesome symptoms in his everyday life. Dr. Burnham recommended ACDF because it is considered a very safe and successful procedure that not only relieves pressure on the spinal cord but helps prevent the same from occurring again.
ACDF Recovery
Many people worry about the recovery of ACDF surgery, particularly because the incision for the procedure is made at the front of the neck. However, the results of this surgery in healthy patients are typically excellent, with short healing times and extended relief. Michael Schermer spent the night in the hospital after his ACDF procedure to ensure that he recovered well from the general anesthesia used during the surgery. The next day, Schermer was at home and two days later, he felt well enough to attend a small local cruise with his family.
A critical component of a good recovery is ensuring that the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure to begin with. Like with Michael Shermer, your physician should perform a complete diagnostic exam, including comprehensive imaging, to determine that ACDF surgery is the best-recommended treatment for your unique needs. Your surgeon will also ask you a number of health questions to find out if there are any contraindications to having the procedure, such as an allergy to general anesthesia or a blood clotting disorder.
Call Today for Your Neck Pain Evaluation
If you’re experiencing neck pain, stiffness, dizziness, headaches, and other disruptive symptoms, our experienced orthopedic physicians and surgeons can help. Contact our office today to learn more about your available treatment options and to determine if you’re a candidate for ADCF surgery.