Open AccessThe Effects of Perioperative Corticosteroids on Dysphagia Following Surgical Procedures Involving the Anterior Cervical Spine
Author(s) -
Shari Cui,
Scott D. Daffner,
Sanford E. Emery
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of bone and joint surgery. american volume/the journal of bone and joint surgery. american volume
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.634
H-Index - 260
eISSN - 1058-2436
pISSN - 0021-9355
DOI - 10.2106/jbjs.19.00198
Subject(s) - medicine , dysphagia , corpectomy , anterior cervical discectomy and fusion , perioperative , surgery , anesthesia , cervical spine
Dysphagia is one of the most common complications of surgical procedures in the anterior cervical spine, and can persist up to 2 years postoperatively. Corticosteroids are relatively safe and inexpensive for treating various inflammatory conditions. Perioperative corticosteroid administration for anterior cervical spine procedures may effectively minimize postoperative dysphagia, potentially leading to better outcomes, decreased readmission rates, and improved patient satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of perioperative corticosteroids in decreasing the severity and duration of dysphagia following single-level and multilevel anterior cervical spine procedures.