Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that aimed to compare the rate of swallowing difficulties (known as dysphagia) after a specific type of neck surgery. The comparison was between two methods: one using a zero-profile anchored cage (ZPC) and the other using a cage with plate fixation (CP). The study analyzed previous research on this topic from 2008 to 2016.

The results from 16 different trials involving 1,066 patients suggested that people who had surgery using the ZPC method experienced less swallowing difficulties after their surgery compared to those who had the CP method. This was true immediately after the surgery, as well as 2 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the surgery.

While significant differences were only found in mild swallowing difficulties at 3 and 6 months after surgery, and moderate difficulties at 2 weeks after surgery, the overall results showed that the ZPC method had a lower rate of post-surgery swallowing difficulties in the short, medium, and long term.

In conclusion, the research suggests that using a zero-profile anchored cage has a lower risk of causing swallowing difficulties after neck surgery compared to using a cage with plate.

FAQs

  1. What is the main purpose of the study about discectomy?
  2. Which type of fixation after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) showed a lower incidence of postoperative dysphagia, according to the study?
  3. What time periods did the study consider when comparing the rate of postoperative dysphagia between zero-profile anchored cage fixation and cage with plate fixation?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about discectomy is to follow a postoperative care plan that includes regular follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and avoiding activities that could strain the neck. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise can help support the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients with cervical diseases who are undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) are typically recommended for discectomy. Specifically, patients who have symptoms such as neck pain, arm pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling caused by a herniated or degenerated disc in the cervical spine may benefit from discectomy surgery. Additionally, patients who have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections without improvement may also be recommended for discectomy.

Timeline

Before discectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as severe back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
  2. Patient undergoes a series of diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to determine the extent of the disc herniation.
  3. Patient may undergo conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections to manage symptoms.
  4. If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, patient may be recommended for discectomy surgery.

After discectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes the discectomy surgery to remove the herniated portion of the disc that is pressing on the nerves.
  2. Patient may experience pain and discomfort immediately following surgery, which is managed with pain medications.
  3. Patient is usually monitored in the hospital for a day or two post-surgery before being discharged.
  4. Patient is advised to gradually resume normal activities and physical therapy to aid in recovery and prevent future disc herniation.
  5. Patient may experience improvement in symptoms such as reduced pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area in the weeks and months following surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of discectomy surgery for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with discectomy surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after discectomy surgery?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. What are the chances of the disc herniating again in the future?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments to discectomy that I should consider?
  7. Will I need to modify my lifestyle or activities after the surgery?
  8. How soon can I expect to see improvement in my symptoms after the surgery?
  9. What is the long-term outlook for my condition after discectomy surgery?
  10. Are there any specific precautions I should take during the recovery period to prevent complications?

Reference

Authors: Xiao S, Liang Z, Wei W, Ning J. Journal: Eur Spine J. 2017 Apr;26(4):975-984. doi: 10.1007/s00586-016-4914-5. Epub 2016 Dec 21. PMID: 28004243