Anterior and Posterior Decompression Surgery in Individuals with Cervical Radiculopathy and Headache

The Differences Between Anterior and Posterior Decompression Surgery in Individuals with Cervical Radiculopathy and Headache - a Registry Study with 2-year Follow-up

This is a prospective observational register-based cohort study with 2 years follow-up with data from the national Swedish Spine Register (Swespine). The aim is to study the differences between anterior and posterior decompression surgery on neck-related disability, headache, and neck- and arm pain in individuals with cervical radiculopathy and headache. Secondary, to study predictive factors for an improvement in neck-related disability, headache and neck- and arm pain after decompression srurgery. All individuals underwent either anterior or posterior decompression surgery and were operated between 2014-2021. Patient-reported data was collected preoperatively (baseline), and at 1- and 2-year follow-ups and surgeon-reported data regarding the operation were collected directly after the operation. Primary outcome is self-reported neck-related disability measured with Neck Disability Index and secondary outcomes are headache, measured with an item about headache of Neck Disability Index, and neck- and arm pain, measured with a 0 to 10-point numeric rating scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Underwent anterior cervical decompression surgery or posterior cervical foraminotomy with or without laminectomy for cervical radiculopathy 2014 - 2021
• Age ≥ 18 years
• Preoperatively rated 1 (I have slight headaches, which come infrequently) - 5 (I have headaches almost all the time) on an item about headache of Neck Disability Index (27)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Myelopathy
• Previous neck surgery