Risk factors for postoperative dysphagia and dysphonia following anterior cervical spine surgery: a comprehensive study utilizing the hospital for special surgery dysphagia and dysphonia inventory (HSS-DDI)

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Postoperative dysphagia and dysphonia (PDD) are prevalent com-plications after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Identification of risk factors for these complications is necessary for effective prevention. Recently, patient reported outcome meas-ures (PROM) have been used to determine PDD after ACDF. The Hospital for Special Surgery Dysphagia and Dysphonia Inventory (HSS-DDI) is a validated PROM that specifically assesses dysphagia and dysphonia after anterior cervical spine surgery. PURPOSE: To identify the perioperative risk factors for PDD utilizing the HSS-DDI. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Observational study of prospectively collected data at a single aca-demic institution. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion from 2015 to 2019 who enrolled in the prospective data collection. OUTCOME MEASURE: The HSS-DDI administered 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 4-6 months after surgery. METHODS: As potential risk factors, the data on demographic factors, analgesic medications, history of psychiatric illness, preoperative sagittal alignment, surgical factors, preoperative diagnoses, and preoperative Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores were collected. Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses utilizing the Tobit model were conducted. RESULTS: 291 patients were included in the final analysis. The median HSS-DDI at 4-weeks, 8 weeks, and 4-6 months postoperatively, were 80.7, 92.7, and 98.4, respectively. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that current smoking, previous cervical spine surgery, preoperative C2-7 angle, upper level surgery, multilevel surgery, opioid use, and a high preoperative NDI score, were independent contributing factors to a low HSS-DDI score at 4-weeks follow-up. Intraoperative topical steroid use was an independent protective factor for a low HSS-DDI score. Opioid use and high NDI score remained independent factors at 4-6 months. Sub-domain analysis demonstrated that prior cervical surgery, preoperative C2-7 angle, multilevel surgery, and intraoperative topical steroid use were significant for dysphagia only. Current smoking was significant for dysphonia only. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that preoperative opioid use and a high preoperative NDI score are novel independent risk factors for postoperative dysphagia and dysphonia in addition to other known factors. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.