The impact of mental health on patient-reported outcomes in cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy surgery

Optimizing functional outcomes and disability status are essential for effective surgical treatment of cervical spine disorders. Mental impairment is common among patients with cervical spine complaints; yet little is known about the impact of baseline mental status with respect to overall patient-reported outcomes. This was a retrospective analysis of patients with cervical spondylosis with myelopathy(CM) or radiculopathy(CR: cervical disc herniation, stenosis, or spondylosis without myelopathy) at 2-year follow-ups. Patients were assessed for several health-related quality of life HRQOL) measures at baseline and 24-months post-operatively: Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analog Scale(VAS), Short Form-36(SF) Physical(PCS) and Mental(MCS) Components. Patients were dichotomized by MCS score: LOW-MCS(SF-MCS < 40th percentile) vs. HIGH-MCS(SF-MCS > 60th percentile). Independent and paired t-tests compared improvement in each group for HIGH-MCS and LOW-MCS cohorts. 375 patients were analyzed(65.4yrs, 67.6%F). LOW-MCS radiculopathy patients showed significant improvement in NDI, VAS Neck and Arm Pain(p < 0.05). HIGH-MCS radiculopathy patients showed greater improvement in NDI score, VAS Neck and Arm Pain, and improvement in PCS(all p < 0.05). Comparing baseline and 2-year follow-up, LOW-MCS CM patients showed significant improvement in PCS, NDI, VAS Neck and Arm Pain(p < 0.05). HIGH-MCS myelopathy patients group showed marked improvement in NDI scores, VAS Neck and Arm Pain(p < 0.05). LOW-MCS CR patients were more likely to be less satisfied 2-years post-op(p < 0.001). Postoperative CR patients with lower baseline mental status saw less improvement and significantly worse outcomes than patients with higher baseline mental status. Improving baseline mental health may improve post-operative recovery. Implementing additional screening and care can optimize functional outcomes and disability status for patients with CR.