Anterior Cervical Surgery Research Articles

Instagram and Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery: An Analysis of Social Media and Its Relationship to Patient Perception of Surgery.

Multiple studies have utilized social media to evaluate patient-perceived outcomes after surgery. To the authors knowledge, no published studies have evaluated patient-perceived outcomes after ACDF surgery through social media analysis. To analyze posts shared on Instagram referencing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for tone, gender, activities of daily living (ADLs), rehabilitation, incision, pain, neurological injury, complications, and content of post. Cross-sectional study. Public instragram posts were isolated and evaluated using the hashtag "#ACDF." Each individual post was analyzed by the authors for the variables previously listed. In total, 529 posts were included for investigation and analysis of patient perception of ACDF through social media. Of all included posts, approximately 95% of posts had a positive tone. There was statistical significance between positive tone and ADLs (P = 0.0379) and rehabilitation (P = 0.0118), as well as negative tone with persistent pain (P ≤ 0.001), incision/scar (P = .0143), and surgical complications (need for reoperation/nonunion/infection) (P = 0.0259). Reported outcomes after ACDF have not been evaluated through social media avenues. This analysis of patients sharing their experiences on social media after ACDF demonstrates that returning to ADL, rehabilitation, pain, and incisions are of the utmost importance to patients.

Validation of Neck Disability Index Severity among Patients Receiving One or Two-Level Anterior Cervical Surgery.

Retrospective cohort. To evaluate the validity of established severity thresholds for Neck Disability Index (NDI) among patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA). Few studies have examined the validity of established NDI threshold values among patients undergoing ACDF or CDA. A surgical database was reviewed to identify patients undergoing cervical spine procedures. Demographics, operative characteristics, comorbidities, NDI, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and 12-item Short Form (SF-12) physical and mental composite scores (PCS and MCS) were recorded. NDI severity was categorized using previously established threshold values. Improvement from preoperative scores at each postoperative timepoint and convergent validity of NDI was evaluated. Discriminant validity of NDI was evaluated against VAS neck and arm and SF-12 PCS and MCS. All 290 patients included in the study demonstrated significant improvements from baseline values for all patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at all postoperative timepoints (p<0.001) except SF-12 MCS at 2 years (p =0.393). NDI showed a moderate- to-strong correlation (r≥0.419) at most timepoints for VAS neck, VAS arm, SF-12 PCS, and SF-12 MCS (p<0.001, all). NDI severity categories demonstrated significant differences in mean VAS neck, VAS arm, SF-12 PCS, and SF-12 MCS at all timepoints (p<0.001, all). Differences between NDI severity groups were not uniform for all PROMs. VAS neck values demonstrated significant intergroup differences at most timepoints, whereas SF-12 MCS showed significantly different values between most severity groups. Neck disability is strongly correlated with neck and arm pain, physical function, and mental health and demonstrates worse outcomes with increasing severity. Previously established severity categories may be more applicable to pain than physical function or mental health and may be more uniformly applied preoperatively for cervical spine patients.

3-T MRI in Patients who Received Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery with MAVRIC SL IR Sequence: A Feasibility Study.

We aimed to investigate the feasibility of multi-acquisition with variable resonance image combination slab selectivity inversion recovery (MAVRIC SL IR) sequence on 3.0 T MRI in patients with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery compared to bandwidth-optimized short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence. Paired sagittal MR images of MAVRIC SL IR and bandwidth-optimized STIR sequences were acquired and analyzed for 21 patients after ACDF surgery with PEEK cage-plate construct. Quantitative comparisons were made on the metal artifact areas of paired mid-sagittal images. In qualitative analysis, the consistency of fat suppression and visibility of anatomic structures (bonemetal interface, surrounding soft tissues, and spinal cord) were independently assessed, based on a five-point scale by two musculoskeletal radiologists, who were blind to the images and patient details. The application of the MAVRIC SL IR sequence resulted in a significant reduction of 48% in the mean area of metal artifacts (t = -7.141, p < 0.001). Based on the comments received from both the reviewers, the MAVRIC SL IR sequence showed greater visibility of the bone-metal interface (p < 0.001), considerable visibility of the surrounding soft tissues (p > 0.05) but worse visibility of the spinal cord (p < 0.001), including the consistency of fat suppression (p < 0.001) relative to the bandwidth-optimized STIR sequence. With significantly reduced metal artifacts, the MAVRIC SL IR sequence can be implemented in patients undergoing ACDF surgery with PEEK cage-plate construct for 3.0 T MRI, despite the poor visibility of the spinal cord.

Efficacy of Laryngeal Rehabilitation Therapy on Dysphagia after Anterior Cervical Surgery: Prospective, Randomized Control Trial.

Dysphagia is the most common complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Several studies have reported dysphagia’s incidence, severity, and prognosis after ACDF; however, few have investigated the objective effects of dysphagia management. We aimed to elucidate the efficacy of laryngeal rehabilitation therapy for dysphagia following ACDF. This prospective randomized control trial included 20 patients who underwent more than two-level ACDF. Laryngeal rehabilitation therapy was performed on 10 patients for 7 days, whereas the remaining 10 comprised the control group. Pharyngeal transit time (PTT) by videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was performed to evaluate the objective state of swallowing. We analyzed Bazaz scale and total variance of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) from C2 to C7 on lateral cervical radiographs during hospitalization and at 4 and 8 weeks post-surgery. The PTT of the rehabilitation group was shorter than that of the control group at 7 days and 4 weeks post-surgery (p-value; POD 7D = 0.003, POD 4W = 0.042, POD 8W = 0.097). Perioperative laryngeal rehabilitation therapy effectively reduces postoperative dysphagia after ACDF.

What's New in Spine Surgery.

What's New in Spine Surgery.

Changes in intervertebral distraction: A possible factor for predicting dysphagia after anterior cervical spinal surgery

ObjectiveDysphagia following anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS) is common. This study aimed to determine if change in intervertebral distraction following ACSS is associated with early dysphagia. MethodsWe retrospectively examined patients who underwent ACSS for myelopathy and/or radiculopathy in our institution. The Bazaz score and the Chinese version of the Swallowing-Quality of Life survey were used to assess postoperative swallowing function. Change in intervertebral distraction was defined as the difference between the preoperative and postoperative mean values of the anterior and posterior intervertebral distances at the surgical site. Potential risk factors examined included age, gender, body mass index, operative time, blood loss volume, level of surgery, as well as radiographic data including Cobb angle, T1 slope, sagittal vertical axis, and intervertebral distraction. ResultsAmong the 289 patients, the incidence of dysphagia was 58.1% 1 week after ACSS. Patients who underwent surgery involving C3/4 or involving three or more levels had worse Swallowing-Quality of Life and Bazaz scores. The optimal cutoff value for change in intervertebral distraction for predicting dysphagia 1 week after surgery was 6.10 mm. Change in intervertebral distraction ≥ 6.10 mm, surgery involving C3/4, and surgery involving three or more levels were significantly and independently associated with early dysphagia. ConclusionA correlation between early dysphagia and change in intervertebral distraction ≥ 6.10 mm could be confirmed. In addition, patients undergoing ACSS involving C3-4 or multilevel surgery (≥3) must be monitored carefully postoperatively for dysfunctional swallowing.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery: Results with Zero-Profile Spacer/Cage

Objective: Study provides proof to support the promised benefits of employing stand-alone zero-profile cages in multilevel ACDF procedures, as the stand-alone zero-profile device has proven safety and a reduction of the risk of dysphagia in single-level ACDF surgeries.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study, conducted at the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences, Lahore, Pakistan. Data of 36 patients evaluated for post-operative dysphagia and fusion, who had multi-level ACDF surgery employing stand-alone zero-profile cages.&#x0D; Results: Total of 36 patients underwent ACDF surgeries. 86.1% (31/36) patients operated for 2 levels and 13.9% (5/36) patients operated for 3 levels. Dysphagia developed postoperatively in 2 (5.6%) patients in which zero-profile stand-alone cages were used. Fusion was achieved in 94.4% (34/36) patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: Stand-alone zero-profile cages in multi-level ACDF surgeries have a good outcome in terms of post-operative less dysphagia and higher fusion rates.&#x0D; Keywords: Anterior Cervical Discectomy (Decompression) And Fusion (ACDF), Zero-Profile Cages, Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.

Bilateral Carotid Stenosis in a Patient with Previous Neck Surgery: Difficulties in Endarterectomy

Carotid stenosis is an important cause of recurrent transient ischemic attacks and stroke. Carotid stenting and endarterectomy are considered equally effective in treating this condition. We report a patient with recurrent TIA and bilateral carotid stenosis who had undergone anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion and who was found to have fibrous bands encasing the right carotid artery. He was treated with endarterectomy on the left side and carotid stenting on the right side. With the widespread availability of procedures like carotid endarterectomy, more older people would undergo this surgery, who might have undergone anterior cervical surgery. Prior neck surgery and adhesions may lead to altered anatomy, risk of increased blood loss, and surgical complications. In such cases, carotid stenting could be an alternative to endarterectomy.

Application of Ultrasonic Bone Osteotome in Anterior Cervical Disc Resection and Fusion Surgery

To investigate the application skills and importance of ultrasonic bone osteotome in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery. Between January 2018 and December 2020, the data of 97 patients who underwent anterior cervical disc resection and fusion (ACDF) in our hospital were collected and retrospectively analyzed. According to the main instruments for decompression of the intervertebral space, we divided the 97 patients into ultrasonic bone osteotome (UBS) group and traditional high-speed drill (HSD) group. The intraoperative indexes selected for comparison between the 2 groups were intervertebral space decompression time, intraoperative blood loss, incidence and types of complications within the 2 groups of patients, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, and JOA improvement rates of the 2 groups of patients before and after surgery. There was no statistical difference in general data such as age, sex, duration of symptoms, and surgical segment between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Intervertebral decompression time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications in the UBS group were less than those in the HSD group (P < 0.05). The JOA scores of the 2 groups of patients were significantly improved after the operation compared with scores from before the operation, with results being statistically significant (P < 0.05), however, there was no difference in clinical effect between the 2 groups at each follow-up time point (P > 0.05). This study shows that in ACDF surgery, UBS is more efficient than HSD and can effectively shorten the operation time and reduce the amount of bleeding and the incidence of complications.

Optimal hemoglobin A1C target in diabetics undergoing elective cervical spine surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXTDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established risk factor for suboptimal outcomes following cervical spine surgery. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), a surrogate for long-term glycemic control, is a valuable assessment tool in diabetic patients. PURPOSEIn patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery, we sought to identify optimal HbA1c levels to: (1) maximize 1-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and (2) predict the occurrence of medical and surgical complications. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGA retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data was performed in a single academic center. Patient SampleDiabetic patients undergoing elective anterior cervical fusion and posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion (PCLF) between October 2010-March 2021 were included. OUTCOME MEASURESPrimary outcomes included Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)-Neck pain, NRS-Arm pain, and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Secondary outcomes included surgical site infection (SSI), complications, readmissions, and reoperations within 90-days postoperatively. METHODSHbA1c, demographic, comorbidity, and perioperative variables were gathered in diabetic patients only. PROs were analyzed as continuous variables and minimum clinically difference (MCID) was set at 30% improvement from baseline. RESULTSOf 1992 registry patients undergoing cervical surgery, 408 diabetic patients underwent cervical fusion surgery. Anterior: A total of 259 diabetic patients underwent anterior cervical fusion, 141 of which had an available HbA1c level within one year prior to surgery. Mean age was 55.8±10.1, and mean HbA1c value was 7.2±1.4. HbA1c levels above 6.1 were associated with failure to achieve MCID for NDI (AUC=0.77, 95%CI 0.70–0.84, p<.001), and HbA1c levels above 6.8 may be associated with increased odds of reoperation (AUC=0.61, 95%CI 0.52–0.69, p=.078). Posterior: A total of 149 diabetic patients underwent PCLF, 65 of which had an available HbA1c level within 1 year. Mean age was 63.6±9.2, and mean HbA1c value was 7.2±1.5. Despite a low AUC for NRS-Arm pain and readmission, HbA1c levels above 6.8 may be associated with failure to achieve MCID for NRS-Arm pain (AUC=0.61, 95%CI 0.49–0.73, p=.094), and HbA1c levels above 7.6 may be associated with higher readmission rate (AUC=0.63, 95%CI 0.50–0.75, p=.185). CONCLUSIONSIn a cohort of diabetic patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery, HbA1c levels above 6.1 were associated with decreased odds of achieving MCID for NDI in anterior cervical fusion surgery. Though only moderate associations were seen for the select outcomes of reoperation (6.8), readmission (7.6), and MCID for NRS-Arm pain (6.8), preoperative optimization of HbA1c using these levels as benchmarks should be considered to reduce the risk of complications and maximize PROs for patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery.

Incidence of dysphagia following posterior cervical spine surgery

Abundant literature exists describing the incidence of dysphagia following anterior cervical surgery; however, there is a paucity of literature detailing the incidence of dysphagia following posterior cervical procedures. Further characterization of this complication is important for guiding clinical prevention and management. Patients ≥ 18 years of age underwent posterior cervical fusion with laminectomy or laminoplasty between C1-T1. Pre- and post-operative dysphagia was assessed by a speech language pathologist. The patient cohort was categorized by approach: Laminectomy + Fusion (LF) and Laminoplasty (LP). Patients were excluded from radiographic analyses if they did not have both baseline and follow-up imaging. The study included 147 LF and 47 LP cases. There were no differences in baseline demographics. There were three patients with new-onset dysphagia in the LF group (1.5% incidence) and no new cases in the LP group (p = 1.000). LF patients had significantly higher rates of post-op complications (27.9% LF vs. 8.5% LP, p = 0.005) but not intra-op complications (6.1% LF vs. 2.1% LP, p = 0.456). Radiographic analysis of the entire cohort showed no significant changes in cervical lordosis, cSVA, or T1 slope. Both group comparisons showed no differences in incidence of dysphagia pre and post operatively. Based on this study, the likelihood of developing dysphagia after LF or LP are similarly low with a new onset dysphagia rate of 1.5%.

Evaluating Intervertebral Foramen Measurements for Patients with Anterior Cervical Disc Surgery in Oblique CT

Objective: It is particularly difficult to determine the level of radiculopathy pain. Because radicular pain usually doesn't fit the dermatomal map. unlike the foramen lumbar vertebrae, where the cervical nerve root is exerted, it has a slope of approximately 45 degrees to the vertebrae in the axical plane and 10-15 degrees in the horizontal plane. Due to this structure of cervical foremen, the evaluation of conventional ct results in incorrect or incomplete diagnosis. In our study, we compared the change in cervical foramen patients with anterior cervical discectomy and cage (fusion) to oblique ct reconstructive and preop and postop. Methods: CT images were acquired in a 64 slice CT system (60–80 mAs, 120 kVp, FC86 reconstruction core and 2.0 mm slice thickness at 2.0 mm intervals). Oblique sagittal images were created with OsiriX Lite v. 12.0.1 version and measurements were performed. For each level, the area has been measured in addition to the short and long axle length of the neural foramens from the pre-op and post-op oblique sagittal images.Results: In our study, 98 cervical intervertebral foramen oblique CT de preop-postop, long axle, short axle and field measurements were evaluated with 43 patients from 16/01/2019 to 03/02/2020, 3 patients with two levels of anterior ceral discectomy + interbody cage. Right side, long axle, short axle, and area respectively; 13,37%, 5,99%, 16,87% increase. Left side, long axle, short axle, and area respectively, increased by 14,27%, 7,11%, 23,20%Conclusion: The cage, which is placed on the intervertebral level, will increase the area of the foramen, increase the space of the foramen, and allow the nerve to decompression. This is why it is necessary to insert the material with the highest height of the intervertebral disk level that can be placed during surgery.

Neurosurgical Patients' Experiences and Surgical Outcomes Among Single Tertiary Hospitals in Ethiopia and the United States.

BackgroundIn 2020, we published findings on reported outcomes of anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery among neurosurgeons in Africa and North America. We found more similarities in outcomes than expected, however, differences still existed. Most notable was the length of stay of patients postoperatively in Africa compared to North America. We sought to examine the neurosurgical practices more closely at a single hospital in Ethiopia and compare it to our own institution, the University of Missouri in Columbia (UMC).MethodsTwo authors spent one week at Aabet Hospital (AH) in Ethiopia. Throughout the week, one author rotated in the clinic and OR gathering the information. Data collection for patients at UMC was collected through retrospective chart review over one week.ResultsA total of eight elective surgeries and four emergency procedures occurred at AH and 18 clinic patients were included in the study. The intraoperative data was collected during the elective procedures at AH. At UMC there were 99 clinic patients, and 29 elective surgeries and one emergency procedure were performed. Procedures at both institutions included cranial, spinal, vascular, and implantable/other cases. Distance travelled by patients to UMC was an average of 57 miles compared to 85 miles at AH. The median pre-op and post-op stays at AH were 2.5 and 6 days compared to 0.2 and 2.1 at UMC, respectively. Blood loss was greater at AH with a median blood loss of 175 mL. Median blood loss at UMC was 50 mL.ConclusionWe found notable differences among neurosurgical practice and patient demographics at AH compared to UMC. This information will serve as the cornerstone for gathering more information about neurosurgical practice in Ethiopia where electronic medical records are unavailable.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Combined Posterior Transfacet Screw Fixation and Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery for Unilateral Cervical Facet Fracture with Traumatic Disc Herniation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

IntroductionCombined lateral mass screw-rod (LMSR) fixation and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery is currently the most widely described and accepted procedure for subaxial cervical facet fracture with traumatic disc herniation. Recent biomechanical studies have demonstrated that the use of transfacet screw (TFS) can be considered as a simple alternative method to LMSR. However, to date, little is known about the feasibility and effectiveness of TFS in the combined approach. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results of TFS + ACDF surgery and LMSR + ACDF surgery, and to provide a less invasive alternative technique for spine surgeons.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed patients with unilateral cervical facet fracture with traumatic disc herniation who had undergone TFS + ACDF (N = 36) or LMSR + ACDF (N = 34) with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Clinical assessments, which included American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS), visual analog scale for neck pain (VASSNP) score and patient satisfaction, were made before surgery and at follow-up. For the radiographic outcomes, the instability parameters of segmental kyphosis and sagittal translation were measured.ResultsThe demographic characteristics of the two groups of patients were similar. In terms of clinical outcomes, both two groups were associated with significant improvements at the final follow-up. There were no significant between-group differences in VASSNP score or patient satisfaction (both P > 0.05). The LMSR + ACDF group suffered more blood loss and had longer operative time (mean 206.0 ml; mean 274.4 min, respectively) than in the TFS + ACDF group (mean 110.0 ml; mean 142.8 min, respectively) (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). For the radiographic results, the segmental kyphosis and sagittal translation were significantly corrected after surgery in both groups (P < 0.001 for both groups), and no significant differences were found between groups at the last follow-up (P > 0.05).ConclusionIn the absence of any self-evident clinical and radiographic benefits of one technique over the other (TFS + ACDF vs. LMSR + ACDF), we recommend combined TFS + ACDF surgery as a safe and less invasive alternative treatment for unilateral cervical facet fractures with traumatic disc herniation, as it was associated with a shorter duration of surgery and lower estimated blood loss than LMSR + ACDF surgery.

A Surgical Alternative in the Treatment of Hypopharyngeal Perforation

Summary:Pharyngo-esophageal perforation is a rare, life-threatening complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery with an incidence estimated to be between 0.2 and 1.51%. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this complication is the key to reduce morbidity and mortality, as the main prognostic factor is the interval between the onset of the fistula, diagnosis and treatment. Conservative management has shown encouraging results in small and localized defects, whereas surgical approaches using flaps are to be considered for most of the cases. However, there is no clear consensus on the first choice of treatment in esophageal perforation. This case report presents the use of a supra-clavicular fascio-cutaneous pedicled propeller flap as a patch combined to primary repair of a hypopharyngeal perforation, 10 years after anterior cervical spine arthrodesis.

Effectiveness of nasotracheal intubation in anterior cervical surgery including C3 lesions

Objective Anterior approach cervical surgery is widely used for accessing C3 lesions. When operating with an anterior approach, the surgical field is obstructed by mandible. Neck extension is popular method to secure better surgical field but risk devastating neurological damage. To overcome this limited surgical field without neck extension, we adopted nasotracheal intubation and evaluated its efficiency. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 16 patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy or corpectomy of C3 lesions via nasotracheal intubation. We enrolled an additional 29 patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy or corpectomy of C3 lesions via orotracheal intubation as a control group. All patients had been diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. We measured the mandibular-cervical angle, which is the angle between the lower mandibular line and anterior vertebral line. Results The mandibular-cervical angle was increased by 7.3 with nasotracheal intubation compared to orotracheal intubation. Conclusions Nasotracheal intubation is an effective surgical option for securing the surgical field without neck extension in anterior cervical surgery including C3 lesions.

The Effects of Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cervical Microdiscectomy and Fusion Surgery.

To determine the effects of physical therapy and exercise programs that was performed after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery on patient?s pain treatment, a retrospective study was designed. 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. 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. 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.

Changes of cervical spine anatomy after one to three levels anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery (ACDF) and correlations with patients’ clinical and functional outcome. A retrospective analysis with a minimum 2 years follow-up

Changes of cervical spine anatomy after one to three levels anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery (ACDF) and correlations with patients’ clinical and functional outcome. A retrospective analysis with a minimum 2 years follow-up

Shoulder depression should be avoided during anterior cervical surgery to reduce postoperative C5 nerve root palsy – a prospective multicentric cohort study with 1,244 patients

Shoulder depression should be avoided during anterior cervical surgery to reduce postoperative C5 nerve root palsy – a prospective multicentric cohort study with 1,244 patients

The role of serum creatine kinase levels in anterior cervical spinal surgery: Change trends and risk factors.

This study aimed to describe change trends in serum creatine kinase (CK) values for patients undergoing anterior cervical spinal surgery and identify risk factors that affect the CK values perioperatively, intending to decrease the degree of the iatrogenic invasiveness of the procedure.We retrospectively analyzed 122 patients undergoing anterior cervical spinal surgery from January 2019 to May 2020. For all patients, CK level was measured 1 day before the operation. Daily CK levels were evaluated on postoperative days 1 to 7. These data were analyzed in terms of age, gender, the use of microendoscopy during surgery, the number of cervical operative segments, and operative methods to determine whether these risk factors influenced postoperative CK increases.A total of 122 patients were enrolled. The preoperative average CK level was 72.7 U/L, and the average CK levels were 130.6, 122.4, 99.1, 82.8, 73.7, 63.9, and 55.4 U/L from the postoperative day (POD) 1 to POD7, respectively. CK level changes on POD1 increased with the number of operated cervical segments. However, changes were not related to age, gender, microendoscopy, or the operative method.Increased serum CK level was associated with the number of cervical operative segments, rather than age, gender, the use of microendoscopy, or the operative methods. These findings suggest that the number of cervical operative segments determined the degree of iatrogenic injury for anterior cervical spinal surgery.