Neurological outcomes after surgery and postoperative rehabilitation for cervical radiculopathy due to disc disease: a 2-year-follow-up of a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Reports on neurological outcomes in patients with cervical radiculopathy (CR) undergoing surgery and postoperative rehabilitation are important to inform prognosis. This 2-year-follow-up of a randomized clinical trial aimed to compare secondary neurological outcomes between structured postoperative rehabilitation and a standard approach after surgery for CR. A secondary aim was to increase knowledge about neurological outcomes in relation to patient-reported neck disability. Neurological outcomes included assessment of sensibility, motor function, arm reflexes and the Spurling test. A total of 153 and 135 participants (76% − 67% response rate) completed the clinical examination at 1- and 2-year-follow-up. Between-group difference and change over time in neurological impairments were investigated, as well as association between postoperative neurological impairments and the Neck Disability Index. There was no between-group difference in neurological outcomes at follow-up (p > 0.07). Although, prevalence of neurological impairments in sensibility, motor function and a positive Spurling test decreased over time in both groups (p < 0.04), postoperative neurological impairments were still common at follow-up, and were significantly associated with higher NDI score. Neurological outcomes improved over time with no difference between groups, although postoperative neurological impairments were still common, and associated with worse outcome for patient-reported neck disability.