title: Anterior cervical decompression and fusion on neck range of motion, pain, and function: a prospective analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intractable cervical radiculopathy secondary to stenosis or herniated nucleus pulposus is commonly treated with an anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) procedure. However, there is little evidence in the literature that demonstrates the impact such surgery has on long-term range of motion (ROM) outcomes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to compare cervical ROM and patient-reported outcomes in patients before and after a 1, 2, or 3 level ACDF.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, nonexperimental.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-six patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The following were measured preoperatively and also at 3 and 6 months after ACDF: active ROM (full and painfree) in three planes (ie, sagittal, coronal, and horizontal), pain visual analog scale, Neck Disability Index, and headache frequency.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients undergoing an ACDF for cervical radiculopathy had their cervical ROM measured preoperatively and also at 3 and 6 months after the procedure. Neck Disability Index and pain visual analog scale values were also recorded at the same time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both painfree and full active ROM did not change significantly from the preoperative measurement to the 3-month postoperative measurement (ps>.05); however, painfree and full active ROM did increase significantly in all three planes of motion from the preoperative measurement to the 6-month postoperative measurement regardless of the number of levels fused (ps≤.023). Visual analog scale, Neck Disability Index, and headache frequency all improved significantly over time (ps≤.017).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that patients who have had an ACDF for cervical radiculopathy will experience improved ROM 6 months postoperatively. In addition, patients can expect a decrease in pain, an improvement in neck function, and a decrease in headache frequency.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453029, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA. Electronic address: merrill.landers@unlv.edu.
authors.forename: Merrill R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Landers
authors.forename: Kate A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Addis
authors.forename: Jason K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Longhurst
authors.forename: Bree-lyn
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Vom Steeg
authors.forename: Emilio J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Puentedura
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Daubs
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Cervical; Outcomes; Radiculopathy; Range of motion