Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling Research Articles

Prevertebral Soft-tissue Swelling Following One-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: An Analysis Based on Surgical Level.

The purposes of this study were to identify the primary level at which PSTS occurs following one level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) based on surgical level, and to quantify the degree to which it occurs. Although prevertebral tissue swelling (PSTS) peaks at day 2 or 3 after ACDF, with swelling noted to be prominent at levels C2-4, the way in which the features of PSTS vary according to surgical level has not been examined. 37 patients who underwent one-level ACDF were reviewed and classified into retropharyngeal and retrotracheal group based on surgical level. PSTS occurring at C2-C6 and the width of airway (WA) at C2-C4 was assessed using plain radiographs before surgery and at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days postoperatively. The retropharyngeal group comprised 10 patients while the retrotracheal group comprised 27 patients. Retropharyngeal group had the most severe PSTS on day 3 after surgery. C4 showed PSTS peaked on day 3, with a value of 3.26 times the preoperative prevertebral tissue thickness. WA at C4 was narrowest on day 1, with a value of 0.74 times and remained narrow until day 3. The retrotracheal group showed the most severe PSTS on day 1 at level C3:2.81 times. WA at C4 was narrowest on day 1 with a value of 0.78 times and increased thereafter. PSTS following one-level ACDF for both retropharyngeal and retrotracheal lesions was greatest at the C3 and C4 levels, with peaks on the third day after operation for the former, and the first day for the latter. WA at C4 was narrowest from day 1 in both groups. In the retrophyaryngeal group, narrowing remained until day 3.

Lateral Deviation of the Hyoid Bone and Thyroid Cartilage Influences Prevertebral Soft-Tissue Swelling and Dysphagia After Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion.

Prevertebral soft-tissue swelling (PSTS) after anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) is known to be influenced by several factors. We considered the effect of lateral deviation on the traction force and attempted to find a relationship with the PSTS. This study was designed to evaluate the preoperative lateral deviation of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage and its effect on PSTS, airway collapse, and clinical outcomes after ACDF. Preoperative lateral deviations of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage at the superior cornu and inferior cornu were measured. To assess the effect of lateral deviation, patients who underwent 1 or 2 level ACDF with the left-sided approach were divided into a deviation group (left-sided deviation >5 mm or >10 mm) and a nondeviation group (left-sided deviation <5 mm or <10 mm). Difference of preoperative and postoperative PSTS (dPSTS), airway collapse, dysphagia score, and Neck Disability Index were compared between the 2 groups. Lateral deviation was measured in 290 patients, and 145 were enrolled to assess the effect of lateral deviation. Left-sided deviation was more common than right-sided deviation in all 3 structures (the hyoid bone, superior cornu, and inferior cornu of the thyroid cartilage). The deviation group demonstrated a significantly larger dPSTS at the C3 and C4 levels, more airway collapse at the C4 level, and a higher dysphagia score. There was no significant difference in the Neck Disability Index between the 2 groups. Lateral deviation significantly correlated with dPSTS (C3, C4, C5, and C6 levels) and airway collapse (C3 and C4 levels). A left-sided deviation of more than 5 mm of the hyoid bone or thyroid cartilage discouraged the left-sided approach for ACDF because of the aggravation of dPSTS, airway collapse, and dysphagia postoperatively.

Effect of Furosemide on Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling after Anterior Cervical Fusion: A Comparative Study with Dexamethasone.

Retrospective cohort study. This study aimed to investigate the effect of furosemide on prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) after anterior cervical fusion (ACF) and compare it with the effect of dexamethasone. Postoperative PSTS is a common complication of ACF. Dexamethasone has been used for its treatment; however, its efficacy remains controversial. Furosemide may reduce PSTS if it is soft tissue edema; however, no studies have demonstrated the effect of furosemide on PSTS after ACF. The symptomatic PSTS group received intravenous (IV) administration of dexamethasone or furosemide. The asymptomatic PSTS group did not receive any medication. Patients were divided into the control (no medication, n=31), Dexa (IV dexamethasone, n=25), and Furo (IV furosemide, n=28) groups. PSTS was checked daily with simple radiographs and medication-induced reductions in PSTS from its peak or after medication. The peak time (postoperative days) of PSTS in the control (2.27±0.47, p<0.05) and Dexa (1.91±0.54, p<0.01) groups were significantly later than that in the Furo group (1.38±0.74). PSTS was significantly lower in the Furo group than in the Dexa group from postoperative days 4 to 7 (p<0.05). PSTS reduction after the peak was significantly greater in the Furo group than in the control (p<0.01) and Dexa (p<0.01) groups. After starting the medication therapy, the Furo group showed a significantly greater reduction in PSTS than the Dexa group (p<0.01). No difference was found in symptom improvement among the three groups. If furosemide is used to reduce PSTS after ACF, it can effectively reduce symptoms.

Does Operative Level Impact Dysphagia Severity After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?: A Multicenter Prospective Analysis.

Prospective multicenter cohort study. To explore the association between operative level and postoperative dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Dysphagia is common after ACDF and has several risk factors, including soft tissue edema. The degree of prevertebral soft tissue edema varies based on the operative cervical level. However, the operative level has not been evaluated as a source of postoperative dysphagia. Adult patients undergoing elective ACDF were prospectively enrolled at 3 academic centers. Dysphagia was assessed using the Bazaz Questionnaire, Dysphagia Short Questionnaire, and Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) preoperatively and at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. Patients were grouped based on the inclusion of specific surgical levels in the fusion construct. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to evaluate the independent effects of the number of surgical levels and the inclusion of each particular level on dysphagia symptoms. A total of 130 patients were included. Overall, 24 (18.5%) patients had persistent postoperative dysphagia at 24 weeks and these patients were older, female, and less likely to drink alcohol. There was no difference in operative duration or dexamethasone administration. Patients with persistent dysphagia were significantly more likely to have C4-C5 included in the fusion construct (62.5% vs . 34.9%, P = 0.024) but there were no differences based on the inclusion of other levels. On multivariable regression, the inclusion of C3-C4 or C6-C7 was associated with more severe EAT-10 (β: 9.56, P = 0.016 and β: 8.15, P = 0.040) and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (β: 4.44, P = 0.023 and (β: 4.27, P = 0.030) at 6 weeks. At 12 weeks, C3-C4 fusion was also independently associated with more severe dysphagia (EAT-10 β: 4.74, P = 0.024). The location of prevertebral soft tissue swelling may impact the duration and severity of patient-reported dysphagia outcomes at up to 24 weeks postoperatively. In particular, the inclusion of C3-C4 and C4-C5 into the fusion may be associated with dysphagia severity.

The role of prevertebral soft tissue swelling in dysphagia after anterior cervical corpectomy fusion: change trends and risk factors

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze the change trends of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) for anterior cervical corpectomy fusion(ACCF) and to evaluate the risk factors of PSTS for postoperative dysphagia.MethodsThere were 309 patients with degenerative cervical diseases who were treated with ACCF from November 2015 and September 2019 in our hospital. According to the symptom of swallowing function after ACCF, those were divided into the dysphagia group and the normal-swallowing function group. Cervical computed tomography(CT) was analyzed, and radiological evaluation of the prevertebral soft tissue was measured between the antero-inferior corner of each vertebral body and the air shadow of the airway through CT mid-sagittal slice images before operation and after operation(one week, one month, eight months and twelve months).ResultsThe incidence of dysphagia after ACCF was 41.1%. 120 of 127(94.5%) patients had dysphagia disappeared at the 8 months after ACCF, and all disappeared at the 12 months. In both groups, PSTS would be biggest at 1 week postoperatively comparing to the preoperative, and then get smaller from 1 week to 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). After 12 months of operation, the PSTS of all cervical spinal levels would get equal to the preoperative size in the normal-swallowing function group, while the PSTS in dysphagia group would get equal only in C5-7 levels. The PSTS of preoperative C6 level and postoperative C2 level were more closely related to the present of postoperative dysphagia (OR: 9.403, 95%CI: 2.344–37.719, OR: 3.187, 95%CI: 1.78-5.705). It was more important to predict postoperative dysphagia using the value of PSTS at preoperative C6 level and postoperative C2 level, with the cutoff threshold for the PSTS of preoperative C6 level ≦1.51 cm and postoperative C2 level ≦1.3915 cm, which could get sensitivity & specificity 66.929% and 61.54%, 77.17% and 64.29%, respectively.ConclusionOur study showed that the increasing of the PSTS after ACCF should be considered as a risk factor of dysphagia after surgery. With the recovery of PSTS over time, the incidence of postoperative dysphagia decreases. The PSTS of preoperative C6 level and and postoperative C2 level should play an important part in predicting the risk of postoperative dysphagia.

Risk Factors for Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling Following Single-Level Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery.

Anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS) is a common surgical procedure used to treat cervical spinal degenerative diseases. One of the complications associated with ACSS is prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS), which can result in airway obstruction, dysphagia, and other adverse outcomes. This study aims to investigate the correlation between various cervical sagittal parameters and PSTS following single-level ACSS, as well as to identify independent risk factors for PSTS. A retrospective study conducted at a single institution. The study population included all patients who underwent single-level ACSS between January 2014 and December 2022. Patients with a history of cervical spine surgery or trauma were excluded from the study. The presence and severity of PSTS was assessed by reviewing pre- and postoperative imaging studies. The potential risk factors for PSTS that were examined include patient age, sex, body mass index, tobacco use, comorbidities, serum albumin levels, operative time, implant type, implanted level, and various cervical spine sagittal parameters. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for PSTS. A total of 62 consecutive patients who underwent single-level ACSS over a 8-year period at a single institution were enrolled in this study. Only preoperative segmental angle showed positive correlation with PSTS among various cervical spine sagittal parameters (r=0.36, p=0.005). Artificial disc replacement showed a negative correlation with PSTS (β=-0.38, p=0.002), whereas the use of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) had a positive impact on PSTS (β=0.33, p=0.009). We found that male sex, lower preoperative serum albumin, and implantation of upper cervical level (above C5) were independent predictors for PSTS after single-level ACSS (β=1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27 to 2.15; p=0.012; β=-1.63; 95% CI, -2.91 to -0.34; p=0.014; β=1.44; 95% CI, 0.38 to 2.49; p=0.008, respectively). Our study identified male sex, lower preoperative serum albumin levels, and upper cervical level involvement as independent risk factors for PSTS after single-level ACSS. These findings can help clinicians monitor high-risk patients and take preventive measures to reduce complications. Further research with larger sample sizes and prospective designs is needed to validate these findings.

The Effect of Plate Thickness on Fusion, Complications, and Outcomes in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery.

Background and objective Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a common surgery involving the cervical spine. The goals of ACDF include obtaining a solid fusion and minimizing complications such as dysphagia. The effect of plate thickness on fusion, dysphagia, and patient outcomes is not well established. In light of this, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of plate thickness on fusion rates, complications, and outcomes in ACDF. Methods A case-control study involving ACDF performed by a single surgeon was conducted with the aimof comparing two commercially available plating systems: the Medtronic plate (Atlantis Vision Elite, Medtronic, Memphis, TN) and Aegis plate (CastleLoc-P, Aegis, Englewood, CO).The patients treated with the Medtronic plate served as the control group (Std) as the plate is widely utilized, while those treated with the Aegis plate, which is touted as one of the thinnest plates on the market, constituted the case low-profile group (LP). Demographic variables, fusion status, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) were compared between the two systems. Results Baseline demographic data were not significantly different between groups. The LP plate group had a significantly lower rate of fusion per patient as well as per level at 12 months. PROM did not significantly differ at any time point between the groups. Dysphagia scores could be correlated with radiographic measures reported in the Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling - Index (PVSTS-I). Conclusion Based on our findings, the plate thickness was not associated withdysphagia rates; however, the use of a thinner platecorrelated with a lower rate of radiographic fusion at 12 months. The PVSTS-I may be useful for identifying patients with abnormal and severely abnormal dysphagia scores.

Can Anterior Osteophyte Fractures Be Distinguished From Fracture Mimics in the Subaxial Cervical Spine? A Retrospective Analysis Evaluating Reported Fractures With Clinical Management Correlation.

This study aimed to retrospectively distinguish true- from false-positive fractures of anterior subaxial cervical osteophytes, which were reported on noncontrast computed tomography reports, and to correlate the imaging findings with patient symptoms and analyze the downstream impact on management of both true and false positive fractures. A total of 127 patients had computed tomography reports of anterior osteophyte fractures. Radiology reports and imaging studies were evaluated to distinguish true fractures from fracture mimics. We analyzed imaging features including rigid spine (RS), prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PVSTS), and instability. We categorized symptoms and examination findings into 3 groups (0, asymptomatic; 1, neck pain; 2, neurological symptoms). Management was categorized into 3 groups (0, no treatment; 1, external bracing; 2, surgery). Associations between imaging features, fracture classification, clinical symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging utilization, and management were calculated using χ2 with Cramer V test to determine effect size. Eighty patients had false-positive fractures, and 47 were true positive. There were significant associations between magnetic resonance imaging utilization and fracture classification (P ≤ 0.001), PVSTS (P ≤ 0.005), patient symptoms (P ≤ 0.001), and patient management (P ≤ 0.001). There were significant associations between patient management and fracture classification (P ≤ 0.001), patient symptoms (P ≤ 0.001), PVSTS (P ≤ 0.001), imaging findings of instability (P ≤ 0.001), and RS (P ≤ 0.021). There were significant associations between fracture classification and patient symptoms (P ≤ 0.045), and RS (P ≤ 0.006). Subaxial isolated anterior osteophyte fractures fell into 3 major categories. By our methodology, if a suspected fracture was determined to be a fracture mimic in an asymptomatic patient, it was unlikely to be clinically significant. Isolated anterior osteophyte fractures without neurological symptoms or more concerning imaging findings can be treated conservatively. Finally, fractures that demonstrate indirect signs of instability or are associated with RS are more associated with surgical management.

Can radiologic parameters used to detect cervical spinal instability be used in patients with ankylosing spondylitis?

IntroductionCervical spinal instability can be difficult to detect in the shock room setting even with the utilization of computed tomography (CT) scans. This may be especially true in patients with cervical degenerative disease, such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence AS has on various radiologic parameters used to detect traumatic and degenerative instability of the cervical spine, to assess if CT imaging in the shock room is diagnostically appropriate in this patient population.MethodsA matched, case–control retrospective analysis of patients with AS and controls without AS admitted at two level-1 trauma centers was performed. All patients were admitted via shock room and received a polytrauma CT. Twenty-four CT parameters of atlanto-occipital dislocation/instability, traumatic and degenerative spondylolisthesis, basilar invagination, and prevertebral soft tissue swelling were assessed. Since the study was assessing normal values, study patients were included if they had no injury to the cervical spine. Study patients were matched by age and sex.ResultsA total of 78 patients were included (AS group, n = 39; control group, n = 39). The evaluated cervical radiologic parameters were largely within normal limits and showed no significant clinical or morphologic differences between the two groups.ConclusionIn this analysis, CT measurements pertaining to various cervical pathologies were not different between patients with and without AS. Parameters to assess for atlanto-occipital dislocation/instability, spondylolisthesis, or basilar invagination in the trauma setting may reliably be used in patients with AS.

Safety and Efficacy of Local Steroid Application on Dysphagia Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of local steroid application (LSA) on dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Dysphagia is one of the most common adverse events in the early postoperative period of ACDF. LSA is reported as an effective method to reduce the swelling of soft tissues, thereby decreasing the incidence of dysphagia. However, the safety and efficacy of LSA on dysphagia after ACDF need to be systematically reviewed and analyzed. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in the database PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Clinical key, Cochrane library, and Wiley Online Library to screen papers that report LSA in ACDF surgery. The Cochrane Collaboration tool and a methodological index for nonrandomized studies were used for the assessment of study quality. Data were analyzed with the Review Manager 5.3 software. A total of 10 studies were included. The results revealed no significant differences between the steroid group and the control group in ACDF regarding postoperative drainage, estimated blood loss, and neck disability index score ( P > 0.05). LSA significantly alleviates visual analog scale score for neck pain (or odynophagia) ( P < 0.05), reduces the length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference, -1.00 (-1.05 to -0.95); P < 0.001), and mitigates dysphagia rate and prevertebral soft-tissue swelling in the early postoperative period ( P < 0.05). There seemed to be no significant increase in the complication rate and steroid-related adverse events in the steroid group compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). LSA shows advantages in reducing the length of hospital stay, decreasing dysphagia rate, and mitigating prevertebral soft-tissue swelling in the early postoperative period of ACDF. Further large-scale studies are urgently required for the development of a standard protocol for LSA and further analysis of potential delay complications.

Variation in Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling after Staged Combined Multilevel Anterior-Posterior Complex Cervical Spine Surgery: Anterior Then Posterior (AP) versus Posterior Then Anterior-Posterior (PAP) Surgery.

The influence of the sequence of surgery in the development of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) in staged combined multilevel anterior-posterior complex spine surgery was examined. This study was conducted as a retrospective study of patients who underwent staged combined multilevel anterior-posterior complex cervical spine surgery from March 2014 to February 2021. Eighty-two patients were identified, of which fifty-seven were included in the final analysis after screening. PSTS was measured from routine serial monitoring lateral cervical radiographs prior to and after surgery for five consecutive days at each cervical level from C2 to C7 in patients who underwent anterior then posterior (AP) and posterior then anterior-posterior (PAP) surgery. The mean PSTS measurements significantly differed from the preoperative to postoperative monitoring days at all cervical levels (p = 0.0000) using repeated measures analysis of variance in both groups. PSTS was significantly greater in PAP than in AP at level C2 on postoperative day (POD) 1 (p = 0.0001). PSTS was more prominent at levels C2-4 during PODs 2-4 for both groups. In staged combined multilevel anterior-posterior complex spine surgery, PSTS is an inevitable complication. Therefore, surgeons should monitor PSTS after surgery when performing anterior-posterior complex cervical spine surgery, especially in the immediate postoperative period after PAP surgery.

Prevertebral soft tissue swelling after anterior cervical internal fixation at different segments: a retrospective study

Atlantoaxial segments have not been discussed in existing studies on prevertebral soft tissue (PVST) swelling after cervical operations. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of PVST swelling after anterior cervical internal fixation at different segments. This retrospective study included patients who underwent transoral atlantoaxial reduction plate (TARP) internal fixation (Group I, n=73), C3/C4 anterior decompression and vertebral fixation (Group II, n=77), or C5/C6 anterior decompression and vertebral fixation (Group III, n=75) at our Hospital. The PVST thickness at C2, C3, and C4 segments was measured before and 3 days after the operation. Time of extubation, number of patients with postoperative re-intubation and dysphagia were collected. Results show that all patients had significant postoperative PVST thickening (all P<0.01). PVST thickening at C2, C3, and C4 was significantly greater in Group I than in Groups II and III (all P<0.01). PVST thickening at C2, C3, and C4 in Group I was 1.87 (14.12mm/7.54mm), 1.82 (12.90mm/7.07mm) and 1.71 (12.09mm/7.07mm) times of that in Group II, respectively. PVST thickening at C2, C3, and C4 in Group I was 2.66 (14.12mm/5.31mm), 1.50 (12.90mm/8.62mm) and 1.32 (12.09mm/9.18mm) times of that in Group III, respectively. The patients in Group I had significantly later postoperative extubation (Both P<0.01) than the patients in Groups II and III. None of the patients had postoperative re-intubation or dysphagia. We conclude that PVST swelling was greater in patients who underwent TARP internal fixation than in patients who underwent anterior C3/C4 or C5/C6 internal fixation. Hence, after TARP internal fixation, patients should be given proper respiratory tract management and monitoring.

Prevertebral Soft Tissue Thickness of the Cervical Spine in Children: An Insensitive but Specific Aid in the Diagnosis of Occult Trauma.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of current cervical prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PVST) values in a cohort of children with known cervical fractures or dislocations. Forty two children (average age 11.9, range 1.4 to 17.0y) with documented cervical spine injury and 61 children (average age 11.9, range 0.5 to 17.9y) with cervical pain but no injury were reviewed (January 2004 to December 2015). PVST was measured on lateral cervical radiographs at C2, C3, and C6. Patients were stratified by age (0 to 2y, 3 to 6y, 7 to 10y, 11 to 15y, and 16y and above). The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare PVST measurements at each spine level across injury and noninjury cohorts. Sensitivity and specificity were estimated to assess the ability of abnormal reference values to detect when a true injury was present. In addition, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were also estimated. The majority of c-spine injuries (31/42; 76%) involved bony fracture and 57% (24/42) were treated with a collar or brace. Comparison of PVST measurement found no difference at C2 ( P =0.07), C3 ( P =0.07), or at C6 ( P =0.99) across injury and non-injury cohorts. Sensitivity was poor at single-level measures for C2 (26%), C3 (31%), and C6 (24%), while specificity was relatively high (92%, 87%, and 79%, respectively). When an increased value at either C2 or C3 indicated injury, sensitivity increased to 36%, and when an increased measurement at just one of the 3 measured levels indicated injury, the sensitivity increased to 48%, while the specificity decreased to 72%. While retropharyngeal measures were more likely to detect injury than retrotracheal, C6 alone was increased in 5 of the 20 injury patients. PVST measurements exhibit poor sensitivity but good specificity as indicators for the diagnosis of occult cervical trauma in children. Negative values do not exclude injury; positive values suggest further evaluation. Level III.

Dysphagia as a Postoperative Complication of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), despite its possible complications, remains the gold standard for the surgical treatment of patients with radiculopathy and/or myelopathy caused by cervical intervertebral disc herniation or spondylosis. Despite its high rate of incidence, postoperative dysphagia following ACDF is still poorly understood; its pathogenesis remains relatively unknown, and its risk factors are still a subject of debate.The aim of this study is to review the incidence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and methods of prevention of dysphagia in ACDF patients. To this end, a literature review was conducted based on the PubMed internet database. Article titles were searched by using the following keywords: “dysphagia” and “anterior cervical discectomy and fusion” or “ACDF”. The search was limited to prospective clinical studies evaluating dysphagia after ACDF surgery. Studies published in non-English languages, retrospective studies, cadaveric studies, reviews, case reports, study protocols, and commentary studies were excluded.Initially, 335 studies were identified after a primary search. After the application of the exclusion criteria, 73 studies remained for the final analysis. This literature review focused on identifying the rate of dysphagia and the various risk factors leading to this complication by comparing and evaluating the current literature with a wide spectrum of heterogeneity concerning patients, surgeons, and surgical techniques. A mean dysphagia rate of 19.4% (95% CI: 9.6%-29.1%) based on the findings of the included studies correlating dysphagia directly with ACDF procedures was calculated. Various established risk factors leading to dysphagia include the female sex, smoking, the surgical approach, rhBMP-2 use, and multilevel surgery, while zero-profile devices seem to reduce dysphagia risk. The diagnosis is based on clinical and radiological findings, especially prevertebral soft-tissue swelling. However, videofluoroscopic and endoscopic studies have been recently used for the evaluation of dysphagia. The role of local administration of steroids in the prevention of dysphagia has not yet been clarified. This review underscores the prevailing rudimentary understanding of the problem of dysphagia after ACDF procedures and highlights the need for more sensitive, factor-specific studies for understanding the impact of various risk factors on the incidence rate of dysphagia.

Effect of Absorbable Collagen Sponge and Steroid Injection for 1- or 2-Segment Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Retrospective Comparison Study

Dysphagia, mostly resulting from prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS), is a common and refractory complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Although the symptoms are mild and moderate in most cases, severe dysphagia can incur significant mental burdens and morbidity in some patients. This retrospective study aims to analyze the effect of absorbable collagen sponge and steroid injection (ACS-SI) for patients with ACDF. A total of 150 patients in the ACS-SI group and 175 in the ACDF without absorbable collagen sponge and steroid injection (ANCS-SI) group were enrolled in this study from the Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University from January 2018 to November 2020. Baseline characteristics and operation parameters were collected from medical records. Swallowing function was evaluated by the Swallowing-Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) survey, odynophagia was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), and prevertebral soft tissue swelling index (PSTSI) was measured. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics and operation parameters between the 2 groups. The improvement of PSTSI and recovery of swallowing function in the ACS-SI group was better than that in the ANCS-SI group at 1 day and 1-month follow-up visit (P < 0.05). The VAS score was significantly higher at 2 and 7 days after operation in the ANCS-SI group than that in the ACS-SI group (6.61 ± 0.68 vs. 5.52 ± 0.74 and 4.23±0.90 vs. 2.08 ± 0.56, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the 2 groups after 1 month (P > 0.05). The use of ACS-SI is beneficial to relieve postoperative odynophagia, reduce PSTS, and recover swallow function.

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.

Effect of Single-Dose Preemptive Systemic Dexamethasone on Postoperative Dysphagia and Odynophagia Following Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A Double-Blinded, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundThe efficacy of preoperative dexamethasone in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to reduce dysphagia and odynophagia remains controversial. This study evaluated the effect of a single dose of intravenous dexamethasone given as preemptive analgesia in the ACDF procedure.MethodsA total of 64 patients aged 18 years or over were randomized into two groups. The experimental group received dexamethasone 10 mg intravenously before surgery for 60 minutes, and the control group received normal saline. One surgeon operated on all patients. The Bazaz score and visual analog scale (VAS) for odynophagia were measured at 0 hour, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 2 weeks postoperatively. Prevertebral soft-tissue swelling (PSTS) and the modified Japanese orthopedic association (mJOA) score were measured preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively.ResultsThe Bazaz scores at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after operation were significantly lower in the dexamethasone group than in the placebo group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.004, respectively). The VAS scores of the dexamethasone group were significantly lower than those of the placebo group at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery (all p < 0.001), but there was no significant reduction in the Bazaz score and VAS score at 2 weeks postoperatively. There was no difference in PSTS and mJOA preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively.ConclusionsA single dose of intravenous dexamethasone used preoperatively in single-level and multilevel ACDF can significantly improve symptoms of dysphagia and odynophagia early on postoperatively.

Abstracts for the 40th emergencies in medicine conference

Abstracts for the 40^th emergencies in medicine conference

Assessment of the self-reported dysphagia in patients undergoing one-level versus two-level cervical disc replacement with the Prestige-LP prosthesis

ObjectivesCervical disc replacement (CDR) has been established as an alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for treating cervical degenerative pathologies over the past decade. However, swallowing difficulties challenge patient safety due to the increased risk of malnutrition, dehydration and aspiration pneumonia after CDR. Currently, there are limited studies focusing on the incidences, severity and associated risk factors for dysphagia after CDR. This paucity, therefore, necessitated this retrospective study on post-operative dysphagia after one- and two-level CDR. Patients and methodsOne hundred and fourteen patients underwent one-level CDR and forty eight patients underwent two-level CDR were recruited with a mean follow-up of 21 months (ranging from 14 to 30 months). The prevalence and severity of dysphagia was evaluated by the Bazaz grading system during the follow-up time. Regression analyses were done to identify risk factors associated with post-operative dysphagia after CDR. ResultsThe overall dysphagia occurrences in the one- and two-level CDR groups were 17.54% and 35.41% at week one, 12.28% and 25% after one month, 9.65% and 18.75% after three months, 6.14% and 14.58% after six months, 4.39% and 6.25% after one year, and 3.51% and 4.17% at the final follow-up, respectively. The identified risk factors for dysphagia after CDR were advanced age, C4/5 surgery, two-level surgery, dC2-C7 angle ≥ − 5° and ≥ 6 mm changes in the prevertebral soft tissue swelling (dPSTS). ConclusionThe patients who experienced two-level CDR may have poor swallowing functions in the early post-operative term. However, these patients also can recover well with increasing length of follow-up. In addition, patients with advanced age, C4/5 surgery, dC2-C7 angle ≥ − 5° and ≥ 6 mm changes in dPSTS may prone to occur dysphagia after CDR.

The effect of local intraoperative corticosteroid application on postoperative dysphagia following anterior cervical spine surgery.

Dysphagia is a common complication following anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). Although several literatures have reported the potential benefit of local corticosteroid application on dysphagia, its safety and efficacy are still unclear. A systematic review was performed aiming to evaluate the evidence of local corticosteroid application in prevention or treatment of postoperative dysphagia following ACSS. A systematic search was performed in September 2018 in PubMed and Embase database. The following information was extracted: study investigator, year of publication, number of patients, study design, inclusion/exclusion criteria, administration protocol of steroid, type of surgical procedure, number of levels performed, assessment methodology of dysphagia, radiologic assessment of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS), follow-up time points, outcome of dysphagia, and corticosteroid-related complications. Qualitative synthesis was performed. Finally, 5 studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Four studies found that local corticosteroid application could decrease the incidence and magnitude of postoperative dysphagia while 1 study showed no effect on dysphagia significantly at 6 weeks and 3 months follow-up time. A total of 2325 patients received local corticosteroid intraoperatively; no early corticosteroid-related complication was reported. Totally, 4 adverse events occurred in long-term follow-up time, including 2 bone nonunion at 1.5 and 2.5 years postoperatively, 2 esophageal perforation at 2 months and 11 months of follow-up, respectively. Local corticosteroid application can reduce the incidence and severity of dysphagia following ACSS without increasing early corticosteroid-related complications. But further high-quality study is necessary to analyze potential delayed complications.