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.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
2,889
The aim of the surgery is to reduce the compression of the affected nerve. With anterior cervical decompression surgery this is achieved by removing the disc and osteophytes.
The aim of the surgery is to reduce the compression of the affected nerve. With posterior cervical decompression surgery more space is created for the nerve by widening the foramina where the nerve exits
Neck Disability Index
To measure neck-specific disability; 0-100 % (0 % = no disability)
Time frame: Preoperatively to 24 months follow-up
Headache measured with an item of Neck Disability Index
To measure headache; 0-5 (0 = no headache)
Time frame: Preoperatively to 24 months follow-up
Numeric rating scale
To measure neck and arm pain; 0-10 (0 = no pain)
Time frame: Preoperatively to 24 months follow-up
Bakground variables
To measure gender, age, body mass index, educational level, smoker/non-smoker,
Time frame: Preoperatively
Duration of neck pain
To measure duration of neck pain; 0-4 (4 = more than 2 years) or 0-2 (2 = more than 2 years)
Time frame: Preoperatively
Duration of arm pain
To measure duration of arm pain; 0-4 (4 = more than 2 years) or 0-2 (2 = more than 2 years)
Time frame: Preoperatively
Work status
To measure the patient's work status; working (student), age retirement, sick leave, disability pension
Time frame: Preoperatively
Consumption of pain-relieving drugs
To measure the consumption of pain-relieving drugs; 0-2 (0 = no consumption)
Time frame: Preoperatively
Walking ability
To measure the walking ability; ≤ 1 km or \> 1 km
Time frame: Preoperatively
Specific questions about operation data
To study the operation and any complications reported by the surgeon.
Time frame: Immediately after the operation
Self-reported other diseases that greatly limit the quality of life
To measure self-reported other diseases that greatly limit the quality of life; Yes or No (heart disease, neurological disease, cancer, others disease that limitswalking ability, other disease that causes pain)
Time frame: Preoperatively
EQ-5D-3L index
To measure health-related quality of life ; -0.594 - 1 (1 = best possible health status)
Time frame: Preoperatively
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