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What is ACDF Surgery and its Complications in Maryland?


If you recently got anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery in Maryland and have noticed complications, call our attorneys. If a doctor acted negligently while performing surgery, you might be able to file a lawsuit for compensation.

Getting ACDF surgery might be advisable if you have a herniated or damaged disc that is causing you serious pain or discomfort. While ACDF surgery is a common procedure, it does come with risks which may increase if a negligent doctor is involved. Common complications include esophageal perforation, cerebrospinal leaks, and dysphagia. If you are experiencing unnecessary complications after having ACDF surgery in Maryland, reach out to our attorneys. You may be able to file a compensation claim against a negligent doctor or hospital.

We’re dedicated to helping medical malpractice victims in Maryland recover the compensation they deserve against negligent doctors. For a free case evaluation with the Maryland medical malpractice attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras, call today at (410) 694-7291.

What is ACDF Surgery in Maryland?

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery, more commonly referred to as ACDF surgery, is a two-part procedure designed to relieve discomfort or pain caused by a damaged disc. In terms of neck surgeries, ACDF surgery is a relatively common procedure.

Generally, patients get ACDF surgery when they have a herniated disc that is causing them chronic and severe pain or discomfort. While it might seem daunting, it is a minimally invasive surgery that can improve your quality of life after an accident or injury.

Once surgeons remove a herniated or degenerative disc, they fuse the bones above and below the disc’s previous location. The result should be reduced discomfort and pain for those dealing with issues caused by a herniated disc.

Often, ACDF surgery is the last resort when other physical therapy or medical treatments are insufficient to help those dealing with certain spinal issues in Maryland. That said, it is relatively common with a quick recovery time.

What Are Common Complications from ACDF Surgery in Maryland?

Although ACDF surgery is a relatively common and routine procedure, it does come with certain risks. The particular location of ACDF surgery is delicate. If doctors act negligently while performing ACDF surgery, patients might experience serious complications in Maryland.

Because of the location of ACDF surgery and the equipment required, patients might experience complications after a procedure. The likelihood of certain complications increases when doctors act negligently while performing ACDF surgery in Maryland. The following are some of the most common complications of ACDF surgery, according to a recent study from Surgical Neurology International:

  • Dysphagia
  • Hematoma
  • Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
  • Radiculopathy
  • Horner’s syndrome
  • Respiratory insufficiency
  • Esophageal perforation
  • Instrument failure
  • Worsening myelopathy
  • Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy

Certain complications from ACDF surgery might lead to serious problems for patients in Maryland. An infection near or in the spinal cord might lead to certain bodily functions shutting down. Esophageal perforation can lead to difficulty swallowing and breathing. A hematoma in the spine can also cause severe problems, such as pain, weakness, and difficulty walking.

Complications from ACDF surgery can be life-altering and cause issues for patients, such as additional medical treatment and pain and suffering. If you are unsure whether or not your recent medical issues are due to negligence during ACDF surgery and complications from a procedure, reach out to our Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys.

What Should You Do if You Experience Complications from ACDF Surgery in Maryland?

Getting ACDF surgery may be the answer to your chronic pain from a herniated or degenerative disc. Such a procedure should not come with serious complications that can change the trajectory of your life. If you are experiencing issues following ACDF surgery in Maryland, call our attorneys to see if you have a case.

Immediately after recognizing complications from ACDF surgery, reach out to our lawyers. If a surgeon acted negligently while operating on you, leading to unnecessary and avoidable complications, you might be able to file a lawsuit for compensation in Maryland.

Our Harford County medical malpractice attorneys may advise you to seek treatment from other medical professionals to confirm the cause of your recent issues. If you are experiencing a common complication from ACDF surgery, that doesn’t mean that a doctor acted negligently. In order to bring a claim, it must be clear that a doctor breached their owed duty of care while operating on you and that that breach caused your subsequent injuries and damages.

Certain complications from ACDF surgery may take time to appear. Contact our lawyers as soon as you realize that you are experiencing medical issues after surgery. The statute of limitations for bringing medical malpractice claims after ACDF surgery is three to five years in Maryland.

Recovering Compensation in Maryland After Complications from ACDF Surgery

If you experienced avoidable complications from ACDF surgery that have impacted you physically, financially, and emotionally in Maryland, you might be able to recover compensation against a negligent hospital or doctor. Our attorneys can help bring a case so you can start on the path to recovery.

When unnecessary ACDF surgery complications due to negligence cause financial damages for victims, they may be able to recover compensation via a lawsuit. Generally, victims can recover total compensation for all financial losses in a medical malpractice claim in Maryland. Typically, victims can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

You may also be able to recover non-economic damages in a lawsuit against a negligent doctor or hospital for complications from ACDF surgery. Currently, the cap on non-economic damages in such claims in Maryland is $875,000. Suppose a doctor or hospital acted with gross negligence when causing unnecessary complications from ACDF surgery. In that case, our Baltimore personal injury attorneys may be able to help you recover punitive damages as well.

Call Our Maryland Lawyers if You Are Experiencing Complications from ACDF Surgery

If you recently got ACDF surgery and are experiencing complications due to negligence, our attorneys can help. For a free case evaluation with the Maryland medical malpractice attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras, call today at (410) 694-7291.