Patient Name : Mr. Bendre
Age : 28 years
Introduction
A 28-year-old man presented with severe neck pain and left arm radicular symptoms due to C5–C6 prolapsed intervertebral disc. His pain worsened suddenly after lifting heavy weight at work. Steroid medication did not help, so he underwent C5–C6 ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) at The Spine Doctor – Bavdhan, Pune.
He achieved rapid and complete recovery, returning to work within a week.
Patient History & Presentation
Key symptoms included:
- Severe neck pain for 3 months
- On-and-off left upper limb pain for 4 months
- Acute worsening after lifting weight
- No relief with medications including steroids
- Difficulty performing daily tasks
- Sleep disturbance due to pain
MRI Findings:
- Large C5–C6 posterior and left paracentral disc herniation
- Nerve root compression
- Mild disc bulges at C3–C4 and C4–C5
These symptoms indicate cervical radiculopathy, a condition where a disc prolapse irritates or compresses the exiting nerve root.
Diagnosis & Radiology Findings
MRI Cervical Spine
- Significant posterior disc protrusion at C5–C6
- Left paracentral herniation indenting the thecal sac and compressing the C6 nerve root
- Mild multilevel degeneration
Layman Explanation
The disc between C5 and C6 slipped out of position and pressed strongly on the nerve going to the arm, causing severe pain and weakness.
Surgical Procedure – C5–C6 ACDF
Performed on 4 January 2023 under general anesthesia.
Steps:
- Small incision in the front of the neck
- Removal of the herniated disc
- Decompression of nerve root
- Placement of cage to maintain disc height
- Fusion to stabilize the spine
- Jayon implant system used
People Also Ask:
Is ACDF safe in young patients?
Yes — it has excellent outcomes with stable fusion and fast recovery.
How soon can you walk after ACDF?
Most patients walk the same day.
How long until full recovery?
Many return to work within 1–2 weeks depending on job type.
Post-Operative Recovery
Same Day
- Walking independently in the ward
- Significant pain relief
Day 1–2
- Neck movement comfortable
- Left arm pain nearly resolved
- Wound healthy
Day 3 (Discharge)
- Completely stable
- No radicular pain
- Returned home happily
By End of First Week
- Returned to work
- 100% pain relief
Full independence in activities
Long-Term Outcome
The patient achieved:
- Complete relief from neck and arm pain
- Improved range of motion
- Full return to work
- No neurological deficits
- High satisfaction with surgical outcome
This reflects the success of cervical disc prolapse surgery in Pune using safe and effective MIS techniques.
Why Surgery Was Necessary
- Acute worsening of disc herniation
- Failed conservative treatment (including steroids)
- Severe nerve root compression
- Inability to perform daily tasks
- Risk of progression to weakness
Early surgery prevented permanent nerve damage.
About Dr. Sangram Rajale
Dr. Sangram Rajale is a highly experienced Spine Surgeon in Pune, specializing in:
- ACDF & cervical spine surgery
- Minimally invasive spine surgery
- Disc prolapse treatment
- Endoscopic spine procedures
- Sciatica and nerve compression disorders
Practicing at The Spine Doctor – Bavdhan, he is known for high success rates and ethical, evidence-based care.
FAQs
Neck pain, radiating arm pain, tingling, numbness, weakness.
Yes — fusion provides long-term stability and pain relief.
Most desk workers resume in 1 week; heavy work in 4–6 weeks.
Yes — small incision, minimal blood loss, fast recovery.