Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgery in which a spine surgeon approaches the cervical spine (neck) from the front to remove one or more damaged or herniated discs that are compressing the spinal cord or nerves.  A bone graft or implant is then placed in the disc space and covered with a plate and screws, allowing the vertebrae to fuse together over time to stabilize the spine and relieve pain, numbness, or weakness.