Is the likelihood of dysphagia different in patients undergoing one-level versus two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?

BACKGROUND CONTEXTDysphagia following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a common complication, the etiology of which has not been established. Given that one potential mechanism for dysphagia is local tissue edema, it is thought that a greater number of operative levels may result in higher dysphagia rates. However, prior reports comparing one-level to two-level ACDF have shown varying results.PURPOSETo determine if there is a difference in dysphagia between one-level and two-level ACDF.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGRetrospective review of prospectively collected data.PATIENT SAMPLEPatients who underwent one- or two-level ACDF with a plate-graft construct by a single-surgeon at a high-volume academic medical center.OUTCOME MEASURESNeck Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale for neck pain and arm pain, Short Form-12 physical and mental health components, and Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) Questionnaire.METHODSPatient demographics, operative data, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; Neck Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale, Short Form-12, and SWAL-QOL) of patients undergoing one- and two-level ACDF were compared using Fisher exact test for categorical variables and Student's t test for continuous variables. Regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with 6- and 12-week SWAL-QOL scores in order to determine whether the number of surgical levels impacts these outcomes.RESULTSFifty-eight patients (22 one-level and 36 two-level ACDF) were included. Patients undergoing two-level fusions were older (54.17+8.67 vs 48.06+10.68 years, p=.02) and had longer operative times (69.08+10.51 vs 53.5+14.35 minutes, p<.0001). There were no other significant differences in demographics or operative data. Both groups showed a statistically significant improvement in PROMs from preoperatively to 12 weeks. There was no difference in PROMs or dysphagia rates between groups at any time-point. Younger age (p=.023), male sex (p=.021), longer operative times (p=.068), and worse preoperative SWAL-QOL (p<.0001) were associated with dysphagia at 6 weeks. Preoperative SWAL-QOL was the only variable associated with dysphagia at 12 weeks (p=.003). Operative time of >61.5 minutes had a sensitivity and specificity of 62.1% for worse dysphagia scores at 6 weeks compared with baseline.CONCLUSIONSThe results of our study indicate that there is no difference in the degree of postoperative dysphagia in one- versus two-level ACDF. However, other variables associated with increased postoperative dysphagia in our population included younger age, male sex, procedural time >61.5 minutes, and worse preoperative dysphagia. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings and identify additional risk factors for postoperative dysphagia.     

可变角度零切迹椎间融合器治疗单节段颈椎病的近期疗效

目的 观察并分析可变角度零切迹椎间融合器(Zero-P VA)治疗单节段颈椎病的近期疗效.方法 2017年5月—2019年3月,采用Zero-P VA行颈椎前路椎间盘切除融合术(ACDF)治疗单节段颈椎病患者82例.记录所有患者术前、术后3个月及末次随访时C2～7 Cobb角及手术节段Cobb角,采用日本骨科学会(JO...     

Dysphagia and soft-tissue swelling after anterior cervical surgery: a radiographic analysis

Background contextDysphagia is common in the early postoperative period after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Several mechanisms, including soft-tissue swelling, have been implicated as a cause of postoperative dysphagia.PurposeTo determine whether anterior soft-tissue swelling is greater in patients with postoperative dysphagia.Study designProspective cohort study.Patient sampleForty-three patients.Outcome measuresValidated dysphagia questionnaire, lateral cervical spine radiographs.MethodsPatients undergoing one- or two-level ACDF using allograft bone and anterior instrumentation were enrolled. Baseline patient demographic characteristics and history were recorded. A dysphagia questionnaire, including a dysphagia numeric rating scale (DNRS; range, 0–10), was administered preoperatively and 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Lateral cervical radiographs were obtained preoperatively and 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. The anterior cervical soft-tissue shadow width was measured at each level. Patients were divided into groups based on the 2-week dysphagia questionnaire: Group 1 (no symptoms/mild dysphagia) and Group 2 (moderate/severe dysphagia). Anterior soft-tissue shadow width at each level was compared between groups. Correlation was used to assess the relationship between DNRS and anterior soft-tissue swelling.ResultsForty-three patients (24 females; average age, 47.9) were enrolled. Fifteen patients had one-level and 28 patients had two-level ACDF. The anterior soft-tissue shadow width increased significantly from preoperative values at all levels except C1 at 2 and 6 weeks and C2 at 6 weeks. At 2 weeks, 18 patients had no symptoms/mild dysphagia (Group 1) and 25 patients had moderate/severe dysphagia (Group 2). The average DNRS was 1.1 for Group 1 and 5.3 for Group 2 (p<.001). This difference decreased by 6 weeks but remained significant. There were no significant differences in the soft-tissue measurements between groups at any level. There was no significant correlation between the DNRS and anterior soft-tissue swelling at any time point.ConclusionsThere is a significant increase in anterior cervical soft-tissue swelling after ACDF. The width of prevertebral soft-tissue does not correlate with postoperative dysphagia.     

Risk Factors for Dysphagia after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with the Zero‐P implant system: A Study with Minimum of 2 Years Follow‐up

ObjectiveTo evaluate the risk factors for dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with the Zero‐P Implant System by multidimensional analysis and investigated the predictive values of these risk factors for dysphagia.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 260 patients who underwent ACDF with the Zero‐P Implant System and had at least 2 year of follow‐up were performed. All patients were divided into a non‐dysphagia group and a dysphagia group. Sex, age, body mass index (BMI), intraoperative time, estimated blood loss, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, prevertebral soft‐tissue thickness, the levels of surgery, O‐C₂ angle, C_2–7 angle, T₁ slope and segmental angle were analyzed. The Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system was used to determine functional status. NDI was used to evaluate neck pain and disability. The Bazaz grading system was chosen to evaluate dysphagia after surgery. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, infection, and dysphagia were recorded in both groups. An independent t‐test was used to compare quantitative variables, a chi‐square test was used to compare qualitative data between the two groups. To eliminate the influence of confounding factors, logistic regression was performed for multifactor regression of factors. The results were regarded as significant when the P‐values were less than 0.05 in this study.ResultsIn total, the non‐dysphagia group comprised 70 patients and the dysphagia group comprised 190 patients, with an average age of 58.33 ± 4.68 years (ranging, 42–82 years). These patients were followed up for 28.5 ± 3.5 months (range, 24–32 months). For clinical outcomes, both groups demonstrated significant improvement in the NDI and JOA scores (P < 0.001). According to the Bazaz dysphagia grading system, mild, moderate, and severe dysphagia were found in 50, 17, and 3 patients, respectively. In total, 37.1% (n = 26) had resolved by 3 month, 38.6% (n = 27) by 6 months, and 17.1% (n = 12) by 12 months. Chi‐square test results indicated that number of operated levels, operation time dT1 slope, dO‐C₂ angle, dC_2–7 angle, segmental angle and dPSTT were associated with a high incidence of dysphagia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that number of operated levels, operation time, dC_2–7 angle and dPSTT were significantly associated with postoperative dysphagia.ConclusionsMore operated levels, more operation time, more dC_2–7 angle and dPSTT were the risk factors for postoperative dysphagia. In additional, sufficient preoperative preparation, evaluation combined with proficient and precise surgical treatment were suggested to reduce the incidence of postoperative dysphagia when ACDF was performed.     

A scoping review of the methods used to capture dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: the need for a paradigm shift

Objective

Dysphagia is the most commonly reported complication of annterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery. However, the incidence of dysphagia post-ACDF varies widely–partly attributable to differing outcome measures used to capture dysphagia. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review of the literature to quantify which dysphagia outcome measures have been employed post-ACDF and examine trends by study design, year, and location.

Methods

After removing duplicates, 2396 abstracts were screened for inclusion. A total of 480 studies were eligible for full-text review. After applying exclusion criteria, data was extracted from 280 studies. We extracted the dysphagia outcome measure(s), study design (prospective vs retrospective), year, and location (country). Approximately 10% of studies were repeated for intra-rater agreement.

Results

In total, 317 dysphagia outcome measures were reported in 280 studies (primarily retrospective—63%). The largest proportion of outcome measures were categorized as “unvalidated patient-reported outcome measures” (46%), largely driven by use of the popular Bazaz scale. The next most common categories were “insufficient detail” and “validated patient-reported outcome measures” (both 16%) followed by “chart review/database” (13%) and instrumental assessment (7%). Studies examining dysphagia post-ACDF steadily increased over the years and the use of validated measures increased in the past 10 years.

Conclusions

This scoping review of the literature highlights that nearly half of the ACDF dysphagia literature relies on unvalidated patient-reported outcome measures. The current understanding of the mechanism, timeline, and presentation of dysphagia post-ACDF are likely limited due to the metrics that are most commonly reported in the literature.

     

Prospective comparison of dysphagia following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with and without rhBMP-2

BACKGROUND CONTEXTPrevious studies have called into question the safety of using rhBMP-2 in anterior cervical fusion due to the possibility of airway compromise and dysphagia. A retrospective chart review identified a significant increase in the severity of dysphagia after II-level ACDF with rhBMP-2 compared to patients who did not receive rhBMP-2. To date, this topic has not been studied prospectively.PURPOSECompare the incidence of dysphagia following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) when recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is used with allograft compared to allograft alone.STUDY DESIGNProspective cohort study.PATIENT SAMPLEA total of 114 patients completed a baseline SWAL-QOL survey and met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine patients underwent I- or II-level ACDF with allograft plus 0.5mg rhBMP-2/level. 44 patients underwent ACDF with allograft alone. Thirty-one patients undergoing a lumbar decompression were enrolled in a third cohort to control for dysphagia secondary to intubation.OUTCOME MEASURESThe primary outcome measure was the 14-point SWAL-QOL dysphagia questionnaire. Other patient factors obtained from anesthesia and operative records were examined to evaluate their potential relationship to postoperative dysphagia.METHODSThe 14-point SWAL-QOL questionnaire was administered at multiple time points (pre-op, post-op 7 days, 6 weeks, 6 months, and at least 1 year). Multivariable repeated-measures analysis was applied to data.RESULTSBaseline adjusted SWAL-QOL means 7 days after surgery were significantly different between the three study groups. These differences resolved by 6 weeks postoperative, beyond which point there were no differences. At final follow-up, baseline adjusted SWAL-QOL means at 1 year were similar for the three study groups.CONCLUSIONSThis single-center study of anterior cervical surgery demonstrated that the addition of rhBMP-2 to an ACDF increased postoperative dysphagia at 7 days after surgery, but these patients recover to levels comparable to those who underwent ACDF without rhBMP-2 or lumbar surgery within 6 weeks.     

A comparative study for the usage of Fidji cervical cages after multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

BackgroundPostoperative dysphagia is one major concern in the treatment for patients with cervical spine spondylosis by using anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with plating and cage system.PurposeTo evaluate the influence of two types of surgery for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) on postoperative dysphagia, namely ACDF with cage alone (ACDF-CA) using Fidji cervical cages and ACDF with cage and plate fixation (ACDF-CP).MethodsA retrospective study was performed in 62 consecutive patients with multilevel CSM, including 32 underwent ACDF-CA (group A) and 30 underwent ACDF-CP (group B). All enrolled patients were followed up at 48 h, 2 months and 6 months postoperatively, when the dysphagia rate, Swallowing-Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) score and the thickness of prevertebral soft tissue were recorded.ResultsAt 48 h and 2 months, the dysphagia rate and thickness of prevertebral soft tissue were both significantly lower in group A than in group B, while the SWAL-QOL score of group A was significantly higher than that of group B. No significant difference was observed at 6 months.ConclusionFidji cervical cages could relieve postoperative dysphagia in the treatment of multilevel CSM with ACDF, especially at the first several months postoperatively.     

Revision rates and complication incidence in single- and multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedures: an administrative database study

Background contextThe natural history of cervical degenerative disease with operative management has not been well described. Even with symptomatic and radiographic evidence of multilevel cervical disease, it is unclear whether single- or multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures produce superior long-term outcomes.PurposeTo describe national trends in revision rates, complications, and readmission for patients undergoing single and multilevel ACDF.Study designAdministrative database study.Patient sampleBetween 2006 and 2010, 92,867 patients were recorded for ACDF procedures in the Thomson Reuters MarketScan database. Restricting to patients with >24 months follow-up, 28,777 patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria, of which 12,744 (44%) underwent single-level and 16,033 (56%) underwent multilevel ACDFs.Outcome measuresRevision rates and postoperative complications.MethodsWe used the MarketScan database from 2006 to 2010 to select ACDF procedures based on Current Procedural Terminology coding at inpatient visit. Outcome measures were ascertained using either International Classification of Disease version 9 or Current Procedural Terminology coding.ResultsPerioperative complications were more common in multilevel procedures (odds ratio [OR], 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–1.6; p<.0001). Single-level ACDF patients had higher rates of postoperative cervical epidural steroid injections (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.8–1.0; p=.01). Within 30 days after index procedure, the multilevel ACDF cohort was 1.6 times more likely to have undergone revision (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.4; p=.02). At 2 years follow-up, revision rates were 9.13% in the single-level ACDF cohort and 10.7% for multilevel ACDFs (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–1.3; p<.0001). In a multivariate analysis at 2 years follow-up, patients from the multilevel cohort were more likely to have received a surgical revision (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0–1.2; p=.001), to be readmitted into the hospital for any cause (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–1.4; p=.007), and to have suffered complications (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1–1.5; p=.0003).ConclusionsIn this study, we report rates of adverse events and the need for revision surgery in patients undergoing single versus multilevel ACDFs. Increasing number of levels fused at the time of index surgery correlated with increased rate of reoperations. Multilevel ACDF patients requiring additional surgery more often underwent more extensive revision surgeries.     

Effect of local retropharyngeal steroids on fusion rate after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

BACKGROUND CONTEXTAnterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is considered the gold standard surgical intervention for cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy. Obtaining a solid fusion is an important goal of ACDF, and doing so has correlated with favorable clinical outcomes. A common complication after surgery is postoperative dysphagia. Multiple techniques have been utilized in attempt to prevent and treat dysphagia, including use of retropharygeal steroids.PURPOSETo examine the effects of retropharyngeal steroids on fusion rate in ACDF.STUDY DESIGNCase controlMETHODSForty-two patients who received local retropharyngeal steroids during ACDF surgery were the sample patient population. The control group consisted of matched cases based on number of spinal levels treated and age at approximately 1:2 case to control ratio. Data were collected on demographic variables, as well as operative and postoperative courses. Radiographic data were collected and fusion determined by <2 mm motion on flexion/extension views and bridging bone. Data were compared between case and control populations. Continuous variables were compared using Student's t test and nominal/ordinal values were compared using Z-test. Fusion status was assessed using Pearson chi-squared test.RESULTSA total of 121 patients were reviewed based on matching status and sufficient follow-up. The case and control groups were successfully matched based on age, spinal levels treated, and smoking status. The case group had an overall fusion rate of 64.7%, whereas the control group had a fusion rate of 91%. When analyzed at each level of attempted fusion, the case group had a fusion rate of 81% compared to 93% in the control group. There was a single patient in the case group that developed esophageal rupture and retropharygeal abscess requiring surgical intervention with irrigation, debridement and repair at 8 months after index operation.CONCLUSIONSThe use of retropharyngeal steroids to mitigate postoperative dysphagia is associated with a decreased rate of radiographic fusion in ACDF surgery.     

Cervical kinematics and radiological changes after Discover artificial disc replacement versus fusion

Background contextThe cervical disc arthroplasty has emerged as a promising alternative to the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in patients with radiculopathy or myelopathy with disc degeneration disease. The advantages of this technique have been reported to preserve the cervical mobility and possibly reduce the adjacent segment degeneration. However, no studies have compared the clinical outcomes and radiological results in patients treated with Discover artificial disc replacement to those observed in matched group of patients that have undergone ACDF.PurposeWe conducted this clinical study to compare the cervical kinematics and radiographic adjacent-level changes after Discover artificial disc replacement with ACDF.Study designAnalysis and evaluation of data acquired in a comparative clinical study.Patient sampleThe number of patients in the Discover and ACDF group were 149 and 196, respectively.Outcome measuresThe Neck Disability Index (NDI) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were evaluated. The range of movement (ROM) by the shell angle, the functional segment unit and global angles were measured, and the postoperative radiological changes at adjacents levels were observed.MethodsA total of 149 patients with symptomatic single or two-level cervical degenerative diseases received the Discover cervical artificial disc replacement from November 2008 to February 2010. During the same period, there were a total of 196 patients undergoing one or two-level ACDF. The average follow-up periods of the Discover disc group and ACDF group were 22.1 months and 22.5 months, respectively. Before surgery, patients were evaluated using static and dynamic cervical spine radiographs in addition to computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Static and dynamic cervical spine radiographs were obtained after surgery and then at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Then, the subsequent follow-up examinations were performed at every 6-month interval. The clinical results in terms of NDI and VAS scores, the parameters of cervical kinematics, postoperative radiological changes at adjacent levels, and complications in the two groups were statistically analyzed and compared. No funding was received for this study, and the authors report no potential conflict of interest–associated biases in the text.ResultsAlthough the clinical improvements in terms of NDI and VAS scores were achieved in both the Discover and ACDF group, no significant difference was found between the two groups for both single- (VAS p=.13, NDI p=.49) and double-level surgeries (VAS p=.28, NDI p=.21). Significant differences of cervcial kinematics occurred between the Discover and the ACDF group for both the single- and double-level surgeries at the operative segments (p<.001). Except the upper adjacent levels for the single-level Discover and ACDF groups (p=.33), significant increases in adjacent segment motion were observed in the ACDF group compared with the minimal ROM changes in adjacent segment motion noted in the Discover group, and the differences between the two groups for both single and double-level procedures were statistically significant (p<.05). There were significant differences in the postoperative radiological changes at adjacent levels between the Discover and ACDF groups for the single-level surgery (p<.001, χ²=18.18) and the double-level surgery (p=.007, χ²=7.2). No significant difference of complications was found between the Discover and ACDF groups in both single (p=.25, χ²=1.32) and double-level cases (p=.4, χ²=0.69).ConclusionsThe adjacent segment ROM and the incidence of radiographic adjacent-level changes in patients undergoing ACDF were higher than those undergoing Discover artificial disc replacement. The cervical mobility was relatively well maintained in the Discover group compared with the ACDF group, and the Discover cervical disc arthroplasty can be an effective alternative to the fusion technique.     

Risk factors for postoperative dysphagia and dysphonia following anterior cervical spine surgery: a comprehensive study utilizing the hospital for special surgery dysphagia and dysphonia inventory (HSS-DDI)

BACKGROUND CONTEXTPostoperative dysphagia and dysphonia (PDD) are prevalent complications after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Identification of risk factors for these complications is necessary for effective prevention. Recently, patient reported outcome measures (PROM) have been used to determine PDD after ACDF. The Hospital for Special Surgery Dysphagia and Dysphonia Inventory (HSS-DDI) is a validated PROM that specifically assesses dysphagia and dysphonia after anterior cervical spine surgery.PURPOSETo identify the perioperative risk factors for PDD utilizing the HSS-DDI.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGObservational study of prospectively collected data at a single academic institution.PATIENT SAMPLEPatients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion from 2015 to 2019 who enrolled in the prospective data collection.OUTCOME MEASUREThe HSS-DDI administered 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 4-6 months after surgery.METHODSAs potential risk factors, the data on demographic factors, analgesic medications, history of psychiatric illness, preoperative sagittal alignment, surgical factors, preoperative diagnoses, and preoperative Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores were collected. Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses utilizing the Tobit model were conducted.RESULTS291 patients were included in the final analysis. The median HSS-DDI at 4-weeks, 8 weeks, and 4-6 months postoperatively, were 80.7, 92.7, and 98.4, respectively. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that current smoking, previous cervical spine surgery, preoperative C2-7 angle, upper level surgery, multilevel surgery, opioid use, and a high preoperative NDI score, were independent contributing factors to a low HSS-DDI score at 4-weeks follow-up. Intraoperative topical steroid use was an independent protective factor for a low HSS-DDI score. Opioid use and high NDI score remained independent factors at 4-6 months. Sub-domain analysis demonstrated that prior cervical surgery, preoperative C2-7 angle, multilevel surgery, and intraoperative topical steroid use were significant for dysphagia only. Current smoking was significant for dysphonia only.CONCLUSIONSOur results showed that preoperative opioid use and a high preoperative NDI score are novel independent risk factors for postoperative dysphagia and dysphonia in addition to other known factors.     

What is the role of dynamic cervical spine radiographs in predicting pseudarthrosis revision following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?

Background ContextPostoperative dynamic radiographs are used to assess fusion status after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with comparable accuracy to computed tomography (CT) scans.PurposeTo (1) determine if dynamic radiographs accurately predict pseudarthrosis revision in a cohort of largely asymptomatic patients who underwent ACDF, (2) determine how adjacent segment motion is affected by fusion status, and (3) analyze how clinical outcomes differ between patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic pseudarthrosis.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.Patient SamplePatients ≥ 18 years who underwent primary one- to four-level ACDF at a single institution over a 10-year period.Outcome MeasuresInterspinous motion on preoperative and postoperative flexion-extension radiographs and preoperative and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale for Neck Pain (VAS Neck) and Arm Pain (VAS Arm), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale (mJOA), Mental and Physical Component Scores of the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) Health Survey (MCS-12 and PCS-12)MethodsThe difference in spinous process motion between flexion and extension radiographs was used to determine motion at each level of the ACDF construct. Pseudarthrosis was defined as ≥ 1 mm spinous process motion on dynamic radiographs. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to predict the probability of surgical revision for pseudarthrosis based on millimeters of interspinous motion at each instrumented level. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were used to assess the effect of pseudarthrosis on clinical outcomes. Alpha was set at p<.05.ResultsA total of 597 patients met inclusion criteria including 1,203 ACDF levels. Of those, 215 patients (36.0%) were diagnosed with a pseudarthrosis on dynamic radiographs with 29 patients (4.9%) requiring pseudarthrosis revision. ROC analysis identified a “cutoff” value of 1.00 mm of interspinous process motion for generating an optimal area under the curve (AUC). The negative predictive value (NPV) was 99.6%, whereas the positive predictive value (PPV) was 13.7%. When analyzing adjacent segment motion, the Δ supra-adjacent interspinous process motion (ISM) was significantly lower for patients with a superior construct pseudarthrosis (-1.06 mm vs. 1.80 mm, p<.001), whereas the Δ infra-adjacent level ISM was significantly lower for patients with an inferior construct pseudarthrosis (-1.21 mm vs. 2.15 mm, p<.001). Patients with a pseudarthrosis not requiring revision had worse postoperative NDI (29.3 vs. 23.4, p=.027), VAS Neck (3.40 vs. 2.63, p=.012), and VAS Arm (3.09 vs. 1.85, p=.001) scores at 3 months, but not 1-year, compared with patients who were fused. Patients requiring pseudarthrosis revision had higher 1-year postoperative NDI (38.0 vs. 23.7, p=.047) and lower 1-year postoperative Δ VAS Arm (-0.22 vs. -2.97, p=.016) scores.ConclusionsOne-year postoperative dynamic radiographs have a greater than 99% negative predictive value for identifying patients requiring pseudarthrosis revision, but they have a low positive predictive value. Most patients with a pseudarthrosis remain asymptomatic with similar 1-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes compared with patients without a pseudarthrosis.     

Analysis of swallowing function after anterior/posterior surgery for cervical degenerative disorders and factors related to the occurrence of postoperative dysphagia

BACKGROUND CONTEXTDysphagia is one of the postoperative complications of cervical degenerative disorders. However, few studies have evaluated the pre- and postoperative swallowing function in detail.PURPOSETo analyze pre- and postoperative swallowing dynamics kinetically and investigate factors associated with postoperative dysphagia in patients with cervical degenerative disorders.STUDY DESIGNRetrospective review of prospectively collected data.PATIENT SAMPLEA total of 41 consecutive patients who underwent an anterior approach (anterior cervical discectomy/corpectomy and fusion (ACDF, ACCF), hybrid surgery (ACDF+ACCF) and total disc replacement) and 44 consecutive patients who underwent a posterior approach (laminoplasty and laminoplasty/laminectomy with fusion).OUTCOME MEASURESWe compared the pre- and postoperative functional oral intake scale (FOIS), dysphagia severity scale (DSS), esophageal dysphagia, anterior/superior hyoid movement, upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening, pharyngeal transit time, bolus residue scale (BRS), and the number of swallows.METHODSVideofluoroscopy was performed on the day before surgery and within two weeks after surgery. Data related to age, gender, disease, surgical procedure, surgical site, operative time, and blood loss were collected from the medical records. Pre- and postoperative data were compared for each item in the anterior and posterior approaches. The odds ratio of dysphagia after an anterior approach was also calculated.RESULTSIn the anterior approach, DSS, FOIS, the anterior and superior hyoid movements, maximum UES opening, BRS, and number of swallows worsened postoperatively (p<.05, respectively). In the posterior approach, DSS, FOIS, the anterior hyoid movement, and BRS worsened postoperatively (p<.05, respectively). The factors associated with dysphagia were a proximal surgical site above C3 (OR: 14.40, CI: 2.84−73.02), blood loss >100 mL (OR: 9.60, CI: 2.06−44.74), an operative time >200 minutes (OR: 8.18, CI: 1.51−44.49), and an extensive surgical field of more than three intervertebral levels (OR: 6.72, CI: 1.50−30.07). The decline in swallowing function after the posterior approach was related to aging (p=.045).CONCLUSIONSEach approach may decrease swallowing function, especially because of the limitation on the anterior hyoid movement. Dysphagia after anterior approaches was associated with the operative site, operative time, and blood loss.     

Impact of preoperative weakness and duration of symptoms on health-related quality-of-life outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

BACKGROUND CONTEXTThe majority of patients with preoperative upper extremity weakness show improvements in motor function after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Although numerous studies have examined both the extent and time course to which motor function can be expected to improve, few have shown that these improvements in motor function translate to improved health related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes.PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of preoperative weakness and duration of symptoms on HRQOL outcomes in patients who underwent ACDF.STUDY DESIGNRetrospective cohort study.PATIENT SAMPLEAdult patients who underwent an ACDF procedure at an academic hospital from January 2015 to December 2016 by a fellowship-trained spine surgeon.OUTCOME MEASURESThe primary outcomes of interest were HRQOL outcomes: Short Form-12 Physical/Mental Component Scores (SF-12 PCS/MCS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Visual Analog Scale Arm/Neck scores (VAS Arm/Neck).METHODSPatient demographics, surgical case characteristics, and motor strength exams were collected in patients who underwent ACDF over a 2-year period. Preoperative weakness was defined by a strength grade ≤3 (on a scale from 0 to 5) in at least one upper extremity muscle group. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of the preoperative weakness on HRQOL outcomes.RESULTSOf the 276 patients identified, 45 (16.3%) showed evidence of preoperative weakness, 44 (97.8%) of which showed subsequent postoperative motor improvements after ACDF. All patients reported significant improvements in all HRQOL outcome measures. Patients with preoperative weakness reported significantly worse preoperative VAS Arm (6.9 vs. 5.2; p=.01) and VAS Neck (6.1 vs. 4.8; p=.02) pain scores. Compared with patients without preoperative weakness, those with preoperative weakness reported significantly more improvement in NDI (β: −10.9; p=.001). Patients with symptoms greater than or equal to 12 months and preoperative weakness showed significantly less improvement in NDI (β: 14.8; p=.03).CONCLUSIONSPatients with preoperative weakness generally exhibited worse pain and HRQOL measures preoperatively, and showed greater potential for improvement after ACDF. Patients with a shorter duration of preoperative weakness had greater potential for improvement in HRQOL measures after ACDF compared with those with longer duration of symptoms. ACDF is an effective procedure to improve strength and HRQOL measures across all patient groups under appropriate indications.     

Osteophyte formation after multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion causing a delayed presentation of functional dysphagia

Background ContextAnterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a common procedure used to treat radiculopathy and myelopathy from cervical degenerative disc disease. The complications for this procedure are well known. Dysphagia can occur in the postoperative setting. However, it is typically transient and does not last longer than 1 month after an operation. A de novo presentation of dysphagia occurring years after an operation is unique. Osteophyte formation can cause mass effect on the esophagus leading to obstruction of this conduit. However, there have been no reported cases of osteophyte growth fusing to surrounding structures leading to a functional dysphagia.PurposeThe authors describe a delayed presentation of functional dysphagia 9 years after an ACDF. This resulted from osteophyte formation originating from the cervical plate and tethering the thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone, thus limiting mobilization of the larynx.Study Design/SettingCase report.MethodsThe osteophyte was disconnected at the origin of the plate allowing the contents of the neck to move independently.ResultAfter removal of the osteophyte complex at the base of the cervical plate, this patient experienced resolution of his dysphagia.ConclusionFunctional dysphagia can occur in a delayed fashion after ACDF from osteophytes tethering the cervical plate to the surrounding contents of the neck used for swallowing. Freeing the contents of the neck from the tethering osteophytes can alleviate symptoms related to a dysfunctional swallowing mechanism.     

Comparison of adverse events between cervical disc arthroplasty and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a 10-year follow-up

BACKGROUND CONTEXTCervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) has been advocated as an alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with the added potential to reduce the risk of adjacent level disc degeneration and segmental instability. However, the long-term adverse events of arthroplasty have yet to be fully reported.PURPOSETo investigate the 10-year follow-up adverse events rates between CDA and ACDF.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGThe study was a randomized, prospective, multicenter Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) trial and its continued follow-up as a postapproval study (PAS). Single level surgeries were performed for cervical disc pathologies between May 2002 and October 2004.PATIENT SAMPLEn=463 patients.OUTCOME MEASURESAdverse events comparison of CDA and ACDF from self-reported and physiologic measures.METHODSAt each evaluation time point, subjects were queried for adverse events since their last visit; and all adverse events were documented, regardless of whether or not they appeared related to the surgery or device. Adverse events were recorded, categorized, and assessed for severity and relationship to the study device and/or surgical procedure. The 10-year cumulative rates for each type of adverse events were summarized using a life-table method for the time-to-event analysis. A log-rank test was used to compare the two treatment groups.RESULTSA total of 242 patients received CDA and 221 patients received ACDF. At 10-year follow-up, 54% (130/242) of CDA patients and 47% (104/221) of the ACDF subjects were evaluated. At up to 10-year follow-up, 231 patients in the CDA group (cumulative rate 98.4%) and 199 patients in the ACDF group (cumulative rate 98.7%) had at least one adverse event. Overall, the difference in the cumulative rate of all adverse events over 10 years was not statistically different (p=0.166). The cumulative rates of the following adverse events were not different between the two groups for cancer, cardiovascular, death, dysphonia/dysphagia, gastrointestinal, infection, urogenital, respiratory, implant displacement/loosening, implant malposition, neck and arm pain, neurological, other pain, spinal events, and intraoperative vascular injury. However, there were more adverse events in the CDA group resulting from trauma (p=.012) and more spinal events at the index level (p=.006). The ACDF group had significantly more nonunion events (p=.019), and nonunion outcome pending (p=.034), adjacent level spinal events (p=.033), and events that fell into the “other” category (p=.015).CONCLUSIONSThe cumulative rates of patients who had any adverse events were not different between the artificial cervical disc and the anterior cervical arthrodesis groups. In addition, the cumulative rates were not different between the two groups for the majority of categories as well.     

Are preoperative depression and anxiety associated with patient-reported outcomes,health care payments,and opioid use after anterior discectomy and fusion?

BACKGROUND CONTEXTDepression and anxiety are common psychiatric conditions among US adults, and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is one of the most commonly performed spinal surgeries. Mental health conditions can affect physical health, and thus have the potential to contribute to adverse outcomes after spine surgery; however, a comprehensive assessment of long-term outcomes and the additive economic burden of these conditions in patients undergoing ACDF has not been well described.PURPOSEOur goal was to assess the associations between depression/anxiety and adverse outcomes and health-resource utilization after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).STUDY DESIGNRetrospective database study.PATIENT SAMPLEWe retrospectively analyzed a private administrative health claims database to identify patients who underwent ACDF in the United States from 2010 to 2013. A total of 16,306 patients met our inclusion criteria. Mean (± standard deviation) patient age was 50±7.9 years. Approximately 4,800 patients (30%) had a depression diagnosis and 4,000 (25%) had a diagnosis of anxiety.OUTCOME MEASURESThe primary outcomes of interest were intensive care unit admission, multiday hospitalization, discharge disposition, 30- and 90-day hospital readmission, 1- and 2-year rates of revision surgery, and chronic postoperative opioid use. Secondary outcomes were 1- and 2-year total cumulative health care payments and cumulative postoperative opioid consumption.METHODSRegression models controlled for demographic and medical covariates, alpha=0.05.RESULTSA preoperative diagnosis of depression was associated with higher odds of multiday hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.19), 90-day readmission (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.46–2.02), revision surgery within 2 years (OR 1.43 95% CI 1.16–1.76), and chronic postoperative opioid use (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.45–1.72) and an increase of $5,915 in adjusted 2-year health care payments (p<.001). Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of anxiety had higher odds of multiday hospitalization (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06–1.25), revision surgery within 2 years (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.07–1.65), and chronic postoperative opioid use (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.48–1.77) and an increase of $4,471 in adjusted 2-year health care payments (p<.001). Neither anxiety nor depression was associated with intensive care unit admission, discharge disposition, 30-day readmission, revision surgery within 1 year, 1-year cumulative health care payments, or cumulative postoperative opioid consumption.CONCLUSIONSPatients with preoperative diagnoses of depression or anxiety have a greater likelihood of adverse outcomes, increased opioid consumption, and increased cumulative health care payments after ACDF compared with patients without depression or anxiety.     

双小切口前路颈椎椎间盘切除融合术治疗连续4节段脊髓型颈椎病

目的比较单/双小切口前路颈椎椎间盘切除融合术(ACDF)治疗连续4节段脊髓型颈椎病(CSM)的疗效及术后并发症发生情况。方法回顾性分析2014年10月—2017年9月上海交通大学附属仁济医院骨科采用ACDF治疗的64例连续4节段CSM患者临床资料,根据手术切口分为单切口组(n=31,SI)和双小切口组(n=33,DI)。比较2组手术切口、颈肩疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分,日本骨科学会(JOA)评分和改善率;记录并比较术后并发症发生情况(切口感染、吞咽困难、声音嘶哑、C5神经根麻痹和脑脊液漏)。结果所有手术均顺利完成。所有患者随访时间>12个月,最长2.5年。2组患者术后72 h切口疼痛均明显缓解,术后3个月切口疼痛基本消失。末次随访时,2组患者VAS评分和JOA评分均较术前显著改善,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。SI组16例发生手术并发症,其中切口感染1例,吞咽困难11例,声音嘶哑2例,C5神经根麻痹1例,脑脊液漏1例;DI组5例发生手术并发症,吞咽困难3例,声音嘶哑1例,C5神经根麻痹1例。结论对于以前方脊髓压迫为主的连续4节段CSM,采用单/双小切口ACDF治疗,均能有效改善患者的神经功能,缓解颈肩疼痛,但双小切口可有效降低术后吞咽困难发生率。     

Timing of inpatient medical complications after adult spinal deformity surgery: early ambulation matters

BACKGROUNDThe substantial risk for medical complication after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery is well known. However, the timing of medical complications during the inpatient stay have not been previously described. Accurate anticipation of complications and adverse events may improve patient counseling and postoperative management.PURPOSE(1) Describe the rate of medical complication and adverse events by postoperative day after ASD surgery and (2) determine whether early ambulation is protective for complications.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGSingle institution retrospective cohort study.PATIENT SAMPLETwo hundred thirty-five patients with ASD who underwent posterior-only fusion of the lumbar spine (≥5 levels to the pelvis) between 2013 and 2020.OUTCOME MEASURESMedical complications, categorized per the International Spine Study Group-AO system (cardiopulmonary [CP], gastrointestinal [GI], central nervous system [CNS], infectious [nonsurgical site], and renal) and adverse events (postoperative blood transfusion, urinary retention, and electrolyte abnormalities).METHODSPatients were identified from an institutional ASD database. Outcome measures were classified by the first postoperative day the event was recognized. Demographics, year of surgery, surgical factors, radiographic parameters, surgical invasiveness (ASD-S Index), frailty (Modified Frailty Index-5 [mFI-5]), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), smoking, preoperative opioid use, depression, and post-operative day of ambulation were assessed as risk factors for inpatient medical complications.RESULTSAfter exclusions of patients with incomplete medical chart data, 191 patients were available for analysis, mean age 66±10 y, BMI 28±5 kg/m2, PI-LL 24±20°, T1PA 28±13°. Inpatient medical complications occurred in 55 (28.8%) patients; adverse events occurred in 137 (71.7%). Length of stay was higher in patients with medical complications (mean 8.5±3.8 vs. 5.8±2.3 days, p<.001). However, for patients who had an adverse event, but no medical complication, LOS was comparable (p>.05). Most medical complications occurred by POD3 (58% of all complications). Risk (defined as the proportion of patients with that complication out of all inpatients that day) of CNS, CP, and GI complication peaked early in the postoperative course (CNS on POD1 [2.1% risk]; GI on POD2 [3.7%]; CP on POD3 [2.7%]). Risk for infectious and renal complications (infectious POD8 [2.7%]; renal POD7 [0.9%]) peaked later (Figure 1). On univariate analysis, patients with medical complications had higher rates of OSA (9.1% vs. 2.2%, p=.045), ASD-S (45.9 vs. 40.8, p=.04), max coronal cobb (46.9 vs. 36.7°, p=.003), ASA class (2.5 vs. 2.3, p=.01), and POD of ambulation (1.9 vs. 1.3, p=.01). On multivariate logistic regression (c-statistic 0.78), larger coronal cobb and later POD of ambulation were independent risk factors for complications (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07 and OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2–4.7, respectively).CONCLUSIONSOur data may inform peri-operative management and patient expectations for hospitalization after ASD surgery. Early ambulation may reduce the risk of complications.