ACDF Surgery in San Antonio, TX
Find Lasting Relief from Neck and Arm Pain with a Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon
- Board-Certified (ABOS)
- Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon
- Over 25 Years of Experience
Restoring Your Mobility and Quality of Life
Chronic neck pain, radiating arm pain, numbness, or weakness caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis can be debilitating. When non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief, an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a safe and highly effective surgical solution to relieve pressure on the nerves.
At MD Spine Care, Dr. Frank Kuwamura, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, specializes in this advanced procedure. As he states in his philosophy, his focus is always on "restoring mobility and helping patients regain their quality of life."
"After my ACDF with Dr. Kuwamura, the constant pain in my arm is completely gone. He gave me my life back. I cannot recommend him enough."
- Robert L., San Antonio
What is causing my pain?
There are several primary causes of cervical spine problems. The majority of the symptoms are caused by disc, bone, or ligaments pressing onto the nerve roots or cord.
What are my treatment options?
Many of the symptoms can be treated without surgery with methods that involve rest, heat, medication, and physical therapy. It is important that you speak to your physician about the best options for you.
If your symptoms do not improve with other methods, your physician may suggest spinal surgery. Surgery is reserved for those who do not gain relief from non-operative forms of treatment, patients whose symptoms are increasing or worsening, and/or patients that present with a spinal condition which indicates the need for surgery.
What is an ACDF? A Patient-Friendly Explanation
ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) is a highly successful surgery performed through a small incision in the front (anterior) of the neck. This approach allows for excellent access to the spine with less muscle disruption and typically less incisional pain than a posterior (from the back) approach.
During the procedure, Dr. Kuwamura will:
- Remove the Damaged Disc: The herniated or degenerated disc that is pressing on your nerves is carefully removed (the "discectomy").
- Insert an Implant: A state-of-the-art implant and bone graft are inserted into the empty space to restore the proper disc height and support the spine.
- Stabilize the Area: A small plate and screws may be used as an internal brace to provide stability while the two vertebrae fuse together into a single, solid bone. This permanently eliminates the source of the nerve pressure.
Why Choose MD Spine Care for Your ACDF Surgery in San Antonio?
Choosing a spine surgeon and medical practice is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. It requires a deep sense of trust built on verifiable expertise and proven experience.
Elite Fellowship Training
Dr. Kuwamura is fellowship-trained in spine surgery from the renowned Florida Neck and Back Institute. This represents the highest level of specialized training dedicated exclusively to complex spine conditions.
Decades of Proven Experience
With over 25 years of experience, including serving as a Commander and Department Head in the U.S. Navy, Dr. Kuwamura brings a depth of knowledge and seasoned judgment to every procedure.
A Leader in Spine Technology
As an innovator in medical device design and a principal investigator in clinical trials, Dr. Kuwamura ensures you receive the most advanced, evidence-based care available.
Board-Certified Excellence
He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, the gold standard for expertise in the field. (Verify Certification Here)
Comprehensive Spine Care Center
As founder of MD Spine Care & Orthopaedics, Dr. Kuwamura has built a dedicated spine care practice focused exclusively on providing the highest quality orthopaedic spine treatments in San Antonio.
Advanced Treatment Options
MD Spine Care provides both advanced surgical solutions and regenerative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatments, offering you the full spectrum of spine care options.
Are You a Candidate for ACDF Surgery?
Dr. Kuwamura may determine that an ACDF procedure is a good option for you if:
- You have significant neck or arm pain, numbness, or weakness from nerve or spinal cord compression.
- An MRI or CT scan confirms a herniated disc or bone spurs (osteophytes) that are causing the compression.
- At least six weeks of non-surgical treatment (like physical therapy or medication) have not provided adequate relief.
- You are in good overall health and have adequate bone quality for a fusion.
What can I expect...? Before surgery
Your physician will review your condition and explain all of your treatment options, including medications, physical therapy, and other surgeries such as removal of the diseased disc, fusion, etc. Once you have been admitted to the hospital, you will be taken to a pre-op room and prepared for surgery. This may include instruction about the surgery, cleansing of your surgical site, as well as instruction about the postoperative period.
What happens during surgery?
SURGICAL PROCEDURE
Step 1. Approach
Traditionally, a small incision is created over the treatment area. The size of the incision can vary based on number of levels and or complexity of the case.
Step 2. Disc Removal
The diseased or damaged disc is removed to reduce pressure from the symptomatic cord or nerve root.
Step 3. Insert Implant
An implant is inserted into the void left once the disc is removed. This implant acts as a mechanical support for the vertebrae while bone grows between vertebral bodies during the fusion (bone healing) process. That segment of your spine will stabilize once fusion occurs.
Step 4. Insert Fixation
Your surgeon may choose to add additional fixation depending on the type of implant used. A small plate and screws are then placed over the disc space to act as a stabilization device (internal brace) to help hold everything in place while fusion occurs.
Your Recovery: What to Expect After ACDF Surgery
Dr. Kuwamura's advanced techniques are designed for a manageable recovery.
Hospital Stay:
Most ACDF patients are discharged from the hospital the day after surgery.
Immediate Post-Op:
You will wake up in the recovery room where our team will monitor you closely. It is normal for your throat to be sore and your incision to be tender.
At Home:
Dr. Kuwamura will provide a detailed, personalized plan for your recovery, including wound care instructions, any necessary pain medications, and a timeline for returning to activities. Many patients experience immediate relief from their original nerve pain.
Return to Activity:
While everyone heals differently, many patients can return to office work and light activities within 2-4 weeks.
Are there risks involved?
All surgery presents risks and complications that are important to discuss with your physician prior to your surgery. Listening to your physician’s guidance both before and after surgery will help to ensure the best possible outcome from your procedure.
Risks associated with anterior cervical surgery of the spine include: cervical edema (swelling), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing); dysphonia (hoarseness); vocal cord paralysis; laryngeal palsy; sore throat; recurring aspirations; nerve deficits or damage; tracheal, esophageal, and pharyngeal perforation; airway obstruction; deficit or damage to the spinal cord, nerve roots, or nerves possibly resulting in paralysis or dural tears or leaking; cerebrospinal fistula; discitis, arachnoiditis, and/or other types of inflammation; loss of disc height; loss of proper curvature, correction, height, or reduction of the spine; vertebral slipping; scarring, herniation, or degeneration of adjacent discs; surrounding soft tissue damage, spinal stenosis, myelopathic, or radicular symptoms; spondyloysis; otitis media; fistula; vascular damage and/or rupture; and headache. Please contact your physician to discuss all potential risks
About Dr. Frank K. Kuwamura, MD
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon | Founder, MD Spine Care & Orthopaedics
Philosophy of Care
"I believe in pairing advanced spine technology with compassionate, individualized care. My focus is always on restoring mobility and helping patients regain their quality of life." — Dr. Frank Kuwamura
Board Certification
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Medical School
Boston University School of Medicine, MD (1989)
Graduate Education
M.A. in Microbiology & Immunology, Boston University Division of Medical Sciences (1985)
Undergraduate
B.A., Catholic University of America (1983)
Residency
Orthopaedic Surgery, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD (1991–1995)
Internship
General Surgery, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD (1989–1990)
Fellowship
Adult & Pediatric Spine, Florida Neck & Back Institute, Gainesville, FL (1998–1999)
Military Service
Commander, U.S. Naval Reserves; Department Head at Naval Hospital Corpus Christi
Licensure
State of Texas
NPI Registry Verification
Professional Membership
Fellow, North American Spine Society
Biography
Dr. Frank Kuwamura is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon with more than 19 years of experience treating conditions of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. He specializes in fractures, spinal stenosis, arthritis, tumors, spinal deformities, infections, sciatica, and degenerative disc disease.
He began his career as a Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves, serving at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, and later as Department Head at Naval Hospital Corpus Christi. Today, as founder and chief spine surgeon at MD Spine Care & Orthopaedics in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Kuwamura provides both advanced surgical solutions and regenerative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatments.
Research & Publications
- Association of Fabry’s Disease with Avascular Necrosis, Orthopedics (1990)
- The Role of Iron in Infection (1985)
- Co-Investigator, Blackstone Cervical Disk Replacement Study (2009)
- Principal Investigator, Emulex Annular Repair Study (2008)
- Principal Investigator, Regain Nucleus Replacement Study (2006)
Public Reputation & Professional Profiles
About Febe Almanza, PA-C
Physician Assistant at MD Spine Care
Philosophy of Care
"My goal is to provide compassionate, thorough care by listening carefully to each patient and supporting them through every step of their spine health journey." – Febe Almanza, PA-C
Credentials at a Glance
Board Certification
Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), ID #1215589 – Verify Certification
Medical License
Licensed Physician Assistant – Texas Medical Board – License Number: PA17726– View License
National Provider Identifier (NPI)
1497511174 –
CMS NPI Registry
Biography
Febe Almanza, PA-C, is a certified Physician Assistant at MD Spine Care. She provides comprehensive support for patients with spine conditions, guiding them from initial consultations to ongoing care. Febe emphasizes patient education, compassionate listening, and a collaborative approach to ensure patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their treatment plans.
Public Reputation & Professional Profiles
Connect with Febe
About Reem Razeq, PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant
Philosophy of Care
"My commitment is to provide patient-centered, compassionate care by combining thorough clinical evaluation with advanced treatment options. I strive to support patients through every step of their spine and orthopedic journey." – Reem Razeq, PA-C
Credentials at a Glance
Certification
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) –
NPI Registry
Master of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Texas Medical Branch
Bachelor of Science in Public Health, University of Texas–San Antonio
Advanced Life Support
Basic Life Support (BLS), ACLS Certified
Verification
Biography
Reem Razeq, PA-C, is a nationally certified Physician Assistant specializing in spine and orthopedic care at MD Spine Care. She is highly trained in diagnostic testing, physical examinations, and treatment plan development. In addition to prescribing medications and managing patient care, she plays a key role as a surgical first assist in both the operating room and office-based procedures. Fluent in English and Arabic, Reem also enhances the patient experience by ensuring clear communication and personalized care. She has been a valued member of MD Spine Care since 2019, collaborating closely with physicians and the clinical team to optimize patient outcomes.
Public Reputation & Professional Profiles
Frequently Asked Questions about ACDF
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Contact MD Spine Care & Orthopaedics to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kuwamura.
