Overview
Evaluate voice and swallowing outcomes post operatively.
Description
Anterior Cervical Decompression and fusion is one of the most common spinal surgical procedures performed in the United States. Common complications of this type of surgery are difficulty swallowing and nerve dysfunction that can effect voice. The chance of having voice and swallowing disturbances increases if this type of surgery has to be repeated. The purpose of this study is to document the voice and swallowing function of patients undergoing this type of surgery in an effort to find better ways to identify and treat these common complications.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients undergoing revision anterior cervical spine surgery
Exclusion Criteria:
- Primary pathology of the upper aero-digestive tract other than mild chronic pharyngitis, pre-existing vocal cord paralysis.