Functioning in Individuals with Cervical Radiculopathy After Posterior Cervical Decompression

Functioning in Individuals with Cervical Radiculopathy After Posterior Cervical Decompression: a Prospective Multicenter Observational Study with a 2 Year Follow-up.

Compression on structures, as spinal nerves, in the cervical spine can cause cervical radiculopathy which leads to pain, disability, and reduced quality of life for the affected individual. Cervical foraminotomy with our without laminectomy are common posterior decompression surgical techniques for treating cervical radiculopathy. There is a lack of knowledge regarding function in patients with cervical radiculopathy after posterior cervical decompression.

The aim with this study is to study pain, function, psychosocial factors, and health related quality of life after posterior cervical decompression in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

This is a prospective multicenter longitudinal observational cohort study with follow-up at three, 12- and 24 months postoperative. A total of 154 individuals scheduled to undergo foraminotomy with our without laminectomy due to cervical radiculopathy will be included. Primary outcome is neck-specific function measured with the Neck Disability Index. Data will be collected preoperatively and at three, 12 and 24 months with electronic questionnaire.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Cervical radiculopathy, confirmed by MRI images (or alternative neuroradiological imaging if MRI contraindicated) compatible with clinical findings of nerve root compression (neurological examination performed by a neurosurgeon/orthopedic surgeon)
• Posterior cervical decompression as foraminotomy with our without laminectomy
• At least 3 months of persistent arm pain
• Age 18-75 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Nurick score 2 or more (to exclude individuals with moderate to high myelopathy)
• Previous surgery of cervical spine
• Previous fracture or dislocation of the cervical spine
• Malignancy or benign spinal tumor (eg, neuromas)
• Spinal infection
• Previous spondylodiscitis
• Servere mental disorder
• Known alcohol or drug abuse
• Lack of ability to write/comprehend/express oneself in Swedish