Is the likelihood of dysphagia different in patients undergoing one-level versus two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?

Background Context: Dysphagia following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a common complication, the etiology of which has not been established. Given that one potential mechanism for dysphagia is local tissue edema, it is thought that a greater number of operative levels may result in higher dysphagia rates. However, prior reports comparing one-level to two-level ACDF have shown varying results.

Retrospective Review of Immediate Restoration of Lordosis in Single-Level Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Comparison of Static and Expandable Interbody Cages.

Background: Sagittal alignment is an important consideration in spine surgery. The literature is conflicted regarding the effect of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) on sagittal parameters and the role of expandable cage technology.

Objective: To compare lordosis generated by static and expandable cages and to determine what factors affect postoperative sagittal parameters.

Predictive Factors of Postoperative Dysphagia in Single-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Objective: To investigate if zero profile devices offer an advantage over traditional plate/cage constructs for dysphagia rates in single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Summary Of Background Data: Dysphagia rates following ACDF have been reported to be as high as 83%, most cases are self-limiting, but chronic dysphagia can continue in up to 35% of patients.

Restoration of lumbar lordosis after minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a systematic review.

Background: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a well-accepted surgical technique for the treatment of degenerative spinal conditions and spinal deformity. The TLIF procedure can be performed open or using minimally invasive techniques. While several studies have found that minimally invasive TLIF (MI-TLIF) has advantages over open TLIF procedures with less blood loss, postoperative pain and hospital length of stay, opponents of the minimally invasive technique cite the lack of restoration of lumbar lordosis as a major drawback.