MATERIAL and METHODS: Of the 127 patients without neurological deficit who underwent ACDF surgery in our clinic in 2019 and 2020 for single-level cervical disc herniation, 40 patients (including 23 men and 17 women) were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 45.5 years. The patients were separated into two groups. Group A comprised 20 patients who did not apply for a post-ACDF physical therapy and exercise program. Group B comprised 20 patients who applied for a 6-month post-ACDF physical therapy and exercise program and complied with it. The Oswestry Deficiency Index (ODI), visual analog pain scale (VAS), and C2-7 cervical lordosis angle were evaluated. The C2-7 cervical lordosis angles were individually calibrated and calculated for each patient using Surgimap. The relationships between the results were compared using Wilcoxon biostatistics test.

RESULTS: The ODI, VAS, and C2-7 cervical lordosis angle parameters of Groups A and B were statistically compared. No significant differences in the ODI, VAS, and C2-7 cervical lordosis angle 2 days after surgery and C2-7 cervical lordosis angle 6 months after surgery were observed between the two groups; however, significant differences were observed in VAS and ODI values 6 months after physical therapy in Group B and in VAS and ODI values 6 months after surgery in Group A. No significant difference in C2-7 cervical lordosis angle 6 months after surgery was observed between post-physical therapy Group B and postoperative Group A.

CONCLUSION: Physical therapy and exercise program performed early after ACDF enhances and improves pain management and does not cause any changes in the restoration of cervical misalignment. Keywords : Anterior cervical discectomy fusion, Cervical lordosis, Cervical misalignment, Physical therapy program, Restoration