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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2022 Sep;32(3):473-482.
doi: 10.1007/s10926-021-10015-6. Epub 2021 Dec 11.

Work Ability After Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Followed by a Structured Postoperative Rehabilitation: Secondary Outcomes of a Prospective Randomized Controlled Multi-Centre Trial with a 2-year Follow-up

Anneli Peolsson  1   2 , Johanna Wibault  3   4 , Håkan Löfgren  5 , Åsa Dedering  6 , Birgitta Öberg  3 , Peter Zsigmond  7 , Charlotte Wåhlin  3   8   9
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Work Ability After Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Followed by a Structured Postoperative Rehabilitation: Secondary Outcomes of a Prospective Randomized Controlled Multi-Centre Trial with a 2-year Follow-up

Anneli Peolsson et al. J Occup Rehabil. 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose Information on work ability after ACDF and postoperative rehabilitation is lacking. The aim of the present study is therefore to investigate the work ability benefits of a structured postoperative treatment (SPT) over a standard care approach (SA) in patients who underwent anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) for cervical radiculopathy and factors important to the 2-year outcome. Methods Secondary outcome and prediction model of a prospective randomized controlled multi-centre study with a 2-year follow-up (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01547611). The Work Ability Index (WAI) and Work Ability Score (WAS) were measured at baseline and up to 2 years after ACDF in 154 patients of working age who underwent SPT or SA after surgery. Predictive factors for the WAI at 2 years were analysed. Results Both WAI and WAS significantly improved with SPT and SA (p < 0.001), without any between-group differences. Thoughts of being able to work within the next 6 months, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and work-related neck load explained 59% of the variance in WAI at the 2-year follow-up after ACDF. Conclusions Patients improved over time without group differences, suggesting the improvement to be surgery related. Expectation to work within the next 6 months, self-reported neck functioning and work-related neck load were important to work ability and are central factors to ask early after ACDF, to identifying further interventions promoting return to work.

Keywords: Cervical radiculopathy; Rehabilitation; Spine; Surgery; Work ability.

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Conflict of interest statement

No conflict of interest/ competing interest is reported for the present study. The Manuscript does not contain information about medical device(s)/drug(s).

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Work Ability Index at baseline and follow-up. The results are based on the total number of participants at each time point. SA standard care approach, SPT structured postoperative treatment
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Work Ability Score at baseline and follow-up. The results are based on the total number of participants at each time point. SA standard care approach, SPT structured postoperative treatment
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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