Patient Name : Mrs. Wangdhare
Age : 40 years
Introduction
A 40-year-old woman presented with severe neck pain, left arm radiculopathy, and functional weakness. MRI revealed a C5–C6 prolapsed intervertebral disc causing nerve compression. Conservative therapy failed, and she underwent C5–C6 ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) at The Spine Doctor – Bavdhan, Pune.
Her recovery was dramatic — complete pain relief by Day 2, full functional restoration, and return to normal activities.
Patient History & Presentation
The patient had:
- 5 months of persistent neck pain
- Left upper limb radicular pain
- Pain worsening in 2 days before presentation
- Difficulty lifting a glass, eating, holding a spoon
- Sleep disturbance due to severe pain
- Weakness in left hand
- Symptoms aggravated by activity
- Pain returning whenever medication stopped
Clinical findings included:
- Reduced sensation in left C6 dermatome
- Tender trapezius
- Functional weakness interfering with daily tasks
These symptoms reflect cervical radiculopathy, nerve root irritation, and degenerative cervical spine disease.
Diagnosis & Radiology Findings
MRI Cervical Spine
- Cervical spondylosis
- Disc degeneration at C5–C6
- Left paracentral and foraminal protrusion compressing the C6 nerve root
- Foraminal narrowing
- Minimal cord compression
Lay Explanation:
The disc between C5 and C6 had slipped backward and sideways, pressing on the nerve supplying her arm. This caused pain, numbness, and weakness.
Keywords:cervical disc herniation, cervical radiculopathy, C5–C6 disc bulge, nerve root compression.
Surgical Procedure – C5–C6 ACDF
The patient underwent Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, the gold-standard surgery for nerve compression at this level.
Steps:
- Small incision on the front of the neck
- Disc removal to decompress nerve root
- Clearing foraminal stenosis
- Placement of interbody cage
- Fusion to stabilize the segment
People Also Ask:
Is ACDF safe?
Yes. It is one of the most successful spine surgeries for cervical disc prolapse.
What is the recovery time after ACDF?
Most patients walk same day, with pain relief within 24–48 hours.
Can neck pain return after ACDF?
Most patients experience long-term relief when decompression is adequate.
Post-Operative Recovery
Day 1
- Comfortable, reduced neck/arm pain
- Walking and mobilization started
Day 2
- Complete pain reliefreported
- Able to perform daily tasks easily
After Discharge
- Returned to eating, drinking, lifting tasks normally
- No radicular symptoms
- Family extremely satisfied with outcome
Long-Term Outcome
The patient achieved:
- 100% pain relief
- Full return of left-hand function
- No weakness
- No recurrence of symptoms
- Ability to perform full daily activities
- Restored sleep and emotional well-being
This supports the efficacy of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Pune for cervical disc disease.
Why Surgery Was Necessary
- Severe nerve root compression
- Weakness affecting daily life
- Failed medication over 5 months
- Worsening symptoms
- Sleep disturbance and functional disability
Surgery prevented permanent nerve damage and restored quality of life.
About Dr. Sangram Rajale
Dr. Sangram Rajale is a leading Spine Surgeon in Pune, specialising in:
- Cervical & lumbar disc prolapse
- Minimally invasive & endoscopic spine surgery
- ACDF, PCF, TLIF, discectomy
- Sciatica & nerve compression treatment
Practicing at The Spine Doctor – Bavdhan, he is trusted for evidence-based, ethical spine care with high success rates.
FAQs
Neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the C6 distribution.
Most pain resolves within 48 hours; complete functional recovery in weeks.
Yes — ACDF is one of the most reliable and time-tested procedures.
If pain persists >6 weeks or weakness appears, surgery is advisable.
Most patients benefit from guided neck mobility and strengthening.