Our Summary

This research looked at changes in levels of a substance called creatine kinase (CK) in the blood of patients who had neck surgery. CK levels can indicate damage to the body, so the scientists wanted to see if certain factors influenced these levels after surgery. They looked at 122 patients who had this type of surgery between January 2019 and May 2020, and checked their CK levels the day before their operation and for seven days afterwards.

They then compared these levels to factors such as the patients’ age, gender, whether a specific tool (a microendoscope) was used during surgery, the number of neck segments operated on, and the type of surgery done.

They found that the more neck segments that were operated on, the higher the CK levels were the day after surgery. The other factors (age, gender, use of the microendoscope, and type of surgery) didn’t seem to make a difference. This suggests that the number of neck segments operated on determines how much damage (or “iatrogenic injury”) is done during this type of surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the significance of creatine kinase (CK) levels in relation to neck surgery?
  2. Did the study find any factors that influenced CK levels after neck surgery?
  3. Does the type of tool used or the type of surgery performed impact CK levels after neck surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about spinal surgery is to discuss with their surgeon the number of neck segments that will be operated on and how this may impact their recovery. Understanding the potential for increased CK levels and iatrogenic injury can help the patient prepare for post-surgery care and rehabilitation. It is important to follow post-operative instructions closely and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their healthcare provider.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery include those with severe back or neck pain that does not improve with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections. Other indications for spinal surgery may include spinal instability, spinal deformities, spinal tumors, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spinal fractures. Ultimately, the decision to undergo spinal surgery is made on a case-by-case basis after a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist.

Timeline

Before spinal surgery:

  • Patient consults with a medical provider to discuss symptoms, potential treatment options, and risks of surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing such as blood work, imaging studies, and physical exams
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes or stop certain medications before surgery
  • Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including fasting before the procedure
  • Patient arrives at the hospital or surgical center on the day of surgery, checks in, and meets with the surgical team
  • Patient is taken to the operating room, given anesthesia, and the surgery is performed

After spinal surgery:

  • Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is monitored closely for any complications
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort, which is managed with pain medication
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days for observation and rehabilitation
  • Patient may need physical therapy or other interventions to help with recovery and mobility
  • Patient follows up with their medical provider for post-operative care, including wound care, medication management, and monitoring for any complications
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and follows a rehabilitation plan to improve strength and mobility
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal surgery based on this research include:

  1. How many neck segments will be operated on during my surgery?
  2. How might the number of neck segments operated on impact my recovery and potential damage to my body?
  3. Will the use of a microendoscope during surgery affect my CK levels or overall outcome?
  4. Are there any specific precautions or post-operative care I should take based on the findings of this study?
  5. How closely will my CK levels be monitored after surgery to ensure proper healing and recovery?
  6. Are there any alternative surgical techniques or approaches that could potentially minimize damage and improve outcomes based on this research?
  7. What is the overall success rate of this type of surgery, taking into consideration the factors mentioned in the study?
  8. Are there any specific risk factors or complications I should be aware of based on the findings of this research?
  9. How long can I expect my recovery to take, and what steps can I take to optimize my healing process?
  10. Is there any additional research or studies I should be aware of that could further inform my decision about undergoing spinal surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sang P, Ma Y, Chen B, Zhang M. Journal: Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Dec 23;100(51):e28300. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000028300. PMID: 34941118