STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of the incidence and prevalence of dysphagia after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF). OBJECTIVES: To examine the incidence and prevalence of dysphagia after ACDF, determine possible associated patient and procedural characteristics, and examine dysphagia's impact on long-term health status and function. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Dysphagia is a common early complaint after ACDF, but the risk factors associated with its development are not understood. METHODS: Telephone surveys (Cervical Spine Outcomes Questionnaire) and clinical assessments (Oswestry Neck Disability Scale and SF-36) were used to evaluate 454 patients who had undergone ACDF at one of 23 nationwide sites for individual and procedure characteristics that might contribute to dysphagia. RESULTS: Of the 454 patients, 30% reported dysphagia at the 3-month assessment (incident cases). The incidence of new complaints of dysphagia at each follow-up point was 29.8%, 6.9%, and 6.6% at 3, 6, and 24 months, respectively. Dysphagia persisted at 6 and 24 months in 21.5% and 21.3% of patients, respectively. The risk of dysphagia increased with number of surgical vertebral levels at 3 months: 1 level, 42 of 212 (19.8%); 2 levels, 50 of 150 (33.3%); 3+ levels, 36 of 92 (39.1%). Patients reporting dysphagia at 3 months had a significantly higher self-reported disability and lower physical health status at subsequent assessments. CONCLUSION: Duration of preexisting pain and the number of vertebral levels involved in the surgical procedure appear to influence the likelihood of dysphagia after ACDF.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of the incidence and prevalence of dysphagia after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF). OBJECTIVES: To examine the incidence and prevalence of dysphagia after ACDF, determine possible associated patient and procedural characteristics, and examine dysphagia's impact on long-term health status and function. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Dysphagia is a common early complaint after ACDF, but the risk factors associated with its development are not understood. METHODS: Telephone surveys (Cervical Spine Outcomes Questionnaire) and clinical assessments (Oswestry Neck Disability Scale and SF-36) were used to evaluate 454 patients who had undergone ACDF at one of 23 nationwide sites for individual and procedure characteristics that might contribute to dysphagia. RESULTS: Of the 454 patients, 30% reported dysphagia at the 3-month assessment (incident cases). The incidence of new complaints of dysphagia at each follow-up point was 29.8%, 6.9%, and 6.6% at 3, 6, and 24 months, respectively. Dysphagia persisted at 6 and 24 months in 21.5% and 21.3% of patients, respectively. The risk of dysphagia increased with number of surgical vertebral levels at 3 months: 1 level, 42 of 212 (19.8%); 2 levels, 50 of 150 (33.3%); 3+ levels, 36 of 92 (39.1%). Patients reporting dysphagia at 3 months had a significantly higher self-reported disability and lower physical health status at subsequent assessments. CONCLUSION: Duration of preexisting pain and the number of vertebral levels involved in the surgical procedure appear to influence the likelihood of dysphagia after ACDF.
Authors: Alfred L Rhyne; Leo R Spector; Gary L Schmidt; Luke Madigan; Susan M Odum; Bruce V Darden; Faisal Siddiqui Journal: Eur Spine J Date: 2007-03-13 Impact factor: 3.134
Authors: Sarita van Geest; Anouk M J de Vormer; Mark P Arts; Wilco C Peul; Carmen L A Vleggeert-Lankamp Journal: Eur Spine J Date: 2013-11-13 Impact factor: 3.134
Authors: Kevin A Reinard; Diana M Cook; Hesham M Zakaria; Azam M Basheer; Victor W Chang; Muwaffak M Abdulhak Journal: Eur Spine J Date: 2016-03-14 Impact factor: 3.134