[Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion:Safe Surgical Operation Based on Detailed Anatomical Knowledge]

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion(ACDF)was developed by R.B. Cloward in the 1950s and it has spread over the world for the treatment of the spinal degenerative disorders. It is considered to be the most effective treatment for patients with anterior compression of the spinal cord. Because most of the surgical complications reportedly occur while approaching the vertebral column through the subcutaneous tissues, precise knowledge of the topographic anatomy of the neck is crucial for effective and safe surgery. In this paper, we describe the appropriate surgical maneuvers in each surgical step, based on anatomical knowledge, for avoiding surgery-related complications. We would like to emphasize that anatomical features differ with individual patients; therefore, careful preoperative evaluation is very important. Surgical strategy, based on adequate preoperative evaluation, will lead to good postoperative results.