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. 2020 Aug 3;12(8):e9532.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.9532.

Postoperative Restrictions After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Gaetano De Biase  1 , Selby Chen  1 , Mohamad Bydon  2 , Benjamin D Elder  2 , Jamal McClendon  3 , Hugh G Deen  1 , Eric Nottmeier  1 , Kingsley Abode-Iyamah  1
Affiliations

Postoperative Restrictions After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Gaetano De Biase et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

No scientific evidence on restrictions for patients following an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is available. The goal of this study is to assess the practice and patterns of restrictions after single-level and multilevel ACDF at an academic institution. We submitted two questionnaires, for restrictions after single-level and multilevel ACDF, to 18 spine surgeons at our institution. Questions included length of time in practice, use of cervical collar, postoperative restrictions and practices. We received 10 complete responses. Four (40%) of the respondents were in practice for less than 5 years; 3 (30%) 5 or more years, but less than 10; 1 (10%) 10 or more years, but less than 20; 2 (20%) 20 or more years. Only two (20%) surgeons recommend a cervical collar after a single-level ACDF, while seven (70%) do so after a multilevel ACDF, for an average of 9.1 weeks and standard deviation (SD) of 2.8. Nine surgeons (90%) reported providing lifting restrictions after a single-level and multilevel ACDF, with a mean of 10 kg and SD of 2.5 in both cases. 5 (50%) give driving restrictions after a single-level ACDF, eight (80%) do so after a multilevel. eight (80%) recommend physical therapy after both single-level and multilevel ACDF. three (30%) obtain a CT to confirm fusion at one year. Only two (20%) recommend a bone stimulator. Significant variability exists among surgeons in regards to restrictions following ACDF, but some areas of consensus emerged: 90% of respondents give lifting restrictions, with a mean of 10 kg, 80% recommend physical therapy for a range of motion and muscle strengthening.

Keywords: acdf; activity restrictions; cervical brace; driving; eras.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Duration of practice of the questionnaire respondents
Figure 2
Figure 2. Weight lifting restriction responses after single-level and multilevel ACDF
ACDF, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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