Influence of Predominant Neck versus Arm Pain on Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Outcomes: A Follow-Up Study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess differences in postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) attainment following single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion based on predominant preoperative pain symptom.

METHODS

Patients undergoing primary, single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were identified. PROMs included visual analog scale (VAS) arm and neck, 12-item short-form physical component summary (SF-12 PCS), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS-PF), and Neck Disability Index, collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients were placed in preoperative predominant arm pain (pAP) and preoperative predominant neck pain groups. χ test compared demographic and perioperative characteristics, and MCID attainment rates. Student t test evaluated change from preoperative to postoperative PROM values and compared PROMs between groups.

RESULTS

There were 110 patients assessed (52 neck pain, 58 arm pain). Patients with preoperative predominant neck pain improved significantly from preoperative to postoperative at 12 weeks to 1 year for PROMIS-PF, 6 months and 1 year for SF-12 PCS, 6 weeks to 1 year for VAS neck, 6 weeks to 6 months for VAS arm, and 6 weeks to 2 years for Neck Disability Index (all P ≤ 0.035). Patients with pAP improved significantly from preoperative to all postoperative time points for PROMIS-PF, 6 months to 2 years for SF-12 PCS, 6 weeks to 1 year for VAS neck, 6 weeks to 1 year for VAS arm, and 6 weeks to 6 months for Neck Disability Index (all P ≤ 0.040). Mean PROMIS-PF was higher at 6 weeks, preoperative VAS neck was lower, and preoperative VAS arm was higher for pAP patients (all P ≤ 0.013). MCID attainment was significantly higher in pAP patients for PROMIS-PF from 6 weeks to 6 months, SF-12 PCS 6 weeks, and VAS arm 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Predominant pain symptom demonstrated little effect on perioperative characteristics and postoperative PROMs. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion candidates will likely experience similar clinically meaningful postoperative improvements in physical function, disability, and pain.