A horizontal 1.5 inch cut (incision) is usually used for 1-2 level ACDF.

A tunnel is created between the muscles and important structures in the neck such as the carotid artery, jugular vein, vagus nerve, trachea, and esophagus.

The disk(s) is/are removed and any bone spurs are removed until the nerves are freed.

Titanium cage(s) is/are placed where the disks are removed to support the empty disk space(s).

A titanium plate and 4-6 screws are typically used to secure the plate and provide a strong spine.

The incision is sutured back together with dissolvable stitches.