Clinical outcomes and revision rates following four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Abstract

Studies on outcomes after four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) are limited in the literature. The purpose of this study was to report on clinical outcomes and revision rates following four-level ACDF. Patients operated with four-level ACDF were identified in a prospectively accrued single institution database. Outcome scores included the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for neck and arm pain. Reoperation rates were determined. Any complications were identified from a review of the medical records. Twenty-eight patients with a minimum of 12 months follow up were included in the analysis. The mean age at surgery was 58.5 years. The median radiographic follow up time was 23 (IQR = 16-31.25) months. Cervical lordosis was significantly improved postoperatively (- 1 to - 13, p < 0.001). At the median 24 (IQR = 17.75-39.50) months clinical follow up time, there was a significant improvement in the NDI (38 to 28, p = 0.046) and VAS for neck pain scores (5.1 to 3, p = 0.012). The most common perioperative complication was transient dysphagia (32%) followed by hoarseness (14%). Four (14%) patients required revision surgery at a median 11.5 (IQR = 2-51) months postoperatively. The results of this study indicate that patients who undergo four-level ACDF have a significant improvement in clinical outcomes at median 24 months follow up. Stand-alone four-level ACDF is a valid option for the management of complex cervical degenerative conditions.