An Overview of Recent Advances in Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Surgery

Anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) has evolved significantly in the last few years with the aim of enhancing effectiveness and safety while reducing hospitalization and healthcare-related costs. Transitioning from iliac crest autografts to allografts minimizes donor-site complications like pain, infections, and hematoma. Allograft options, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and tantalum, vary in their osteoinductive properties and elastic modulus, influencing fusion rates, time, and the rate of subsidence. Recently introduced zero-profile cages offer bone fixation through screws, resulting in reduced blood loss, improved spinal alignment, and decreased complications like dysphagia and adjacent segment disease. Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) has gained widespread use. The North American Spine Society (NASS) 2023 recommendations endorse IONM in cervical deformity corrections and myelopathy cases. Insufficient studies hinder clear radiculopathy recommendations, but emerging research supports IONM for patients at greater risk of C5 nerve root injury or positional injury. Advancements in hemostatic agents, such as gelatin sponges, oxidized cellulose, and fibrin sealants, contribute to safety by reducing postoperative hematoma rates and eliminating the need for drainage. Innovations like the exoscope, endoscope, and computed-tomography (CT) navigation have transformed surgical practices. Exoscopes are emerging as an alternative to microscopes, offering benefits like a smaller footprint, adjustable positioning, lower costs, and shared intraoperative views for educational purposes. The use of endoscope offers the possibility of performing a minimally invasive technique with improved results in terms of cosmesis and patient-perceived outcome. CT navigation can be useful in high-risk procedures, such as cervical plate placement for major instability. This paper provides an overview of cutting-edge technologies in ACDF surgery, emphasizing cage materials and designs, safety measures, and operating room advancements. It also highlights areas for future research, underlining the procedure’s continuous evolution.