C5 palsy after posterior cervical decompression and fusion: cost and quality-of-life implications.
BACKGROUND
C5 palsy is a debilitating postoperative complication of cervical decompression surgery. Although the prognosis is typically good, patients may be unable to perform basic activities of daily living, resulting in a decreased quality of life. No studies have investigated the quality-of-life and financial implications.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to determine the impact on quality-of-life and costs of C5 palsy after posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF).


METHODS
A 2:1 matched retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary-care institution between 2007 and 2012.


METHODS
Individuals who had undergone PCDF were included.


METHODS
Self-reported: Euroqol-5 Dimensions quality-of-life survey. Physiologic: postoperative change in deltoid and biceps strength via manual muscle testing. Functional: cost of interventions and missed workdays postoperatively.


METHODS
Individuals with postoperative C5 palsy were matched to controls based on age, gender, body mass index, and diagnosis. Demographic, operative, postoperative, quality-of-life, and cost data were collected for both the C5 palsy and control groups, with 1-year follow-up.


RESULTS
We reviewed 245 patients who underwent PCDF and 17 were identified (6.9%) with C5 palsy and matched to 34 controls. No significant differences in demographic or operative characteristics were observed between groups. The C5 palsy group had a significantly reduced capacity for self-care in the immediate postoperative (2.0±0.71 vs. 1.2±0.4, p<.001) and long-term (1.6±0.6 vs. 1.2±0.4, p=.004) periods and a significantly reduced capacity for completion of usual activities (2.4±0.7 vs. 1.9±0.6, p=.014) compared with controls. Furthermore, the C5 group had a significantly greater cost of physical/occupational therapy, an increase of $2,078 ($4,386±$2,801 vs. $2,307±$1,907, p=.013). There were no significant differences between groups in the cost of hospital stay, surgery, or other direct or indirect costs. Overall, there was a significantly greater cost ($1,918) for the C5 palsy group compared with the control group ($7,584±$3,992 vs. $5,666±$2,359, respectively, p=.038).


CONCLUSIONS
This study represents the first quantification of the impact of C5 palsy on patients' quality of life and the associated costs for care. We found that C5 palsy adds a significant burden on patients' quality of life and presents a financial burden to the health-care system.
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, 9500 Euclid Ave., NA41, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., S40, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., S40, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. Electronic address: millerj13@ccf.org.
Jacob A
JA
Miller
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, 9500 Euclid Ave., NA41, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., S40, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., S40, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
Daniel
D
Lubelski
Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., S40, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
Matthew D
MD
Alvin
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, 9500 Euclid Ave., NA41, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., S40, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., S40, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
Edward C
EC
Benzel
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, 9500 Euclid Ave., NA41, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., S40, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., S40, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
Thomas E
TE
Mroz
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010243:Paralysis / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000191:economics*; D011788:Quality of Life; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects*
C5 palsy; Cost; EQ-5D; Posterior cervical decompression and fusion; Quality of life; Spine surgery