Evaluation of Physical Function in Individuals 11 to 14 Years After Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Surgery-A Comparison Between Patients and Healthy Reference Samples and Between 2 Surgical Techniques

In those studied, a large percentage of patients who had anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery have impairments in neck-related physical function when compared 11 to 14 years after surgery with age- and sex-matched healthy reference individuals. Neck-specific function, but not balance, was statistically correlated to pain. Neck muscle endurance was most affected, and balance impairments were also present in one-third of the individuals. There were no differences in long-term physical function between the 2 surgical techniques.