Prognostic factors of posterior cervical disc surgery: A prospective, consecutive study of 54 patients

OBJECTIVE: To our knowledge, there is no prospective study to date about the prognostic factors of dorsal foraminotomy. The aim of this prospective study was to provide further information in this field, METHODS: From January 1 994 to January 1995, we performed a prospective, consecutive study of 54 patients, each of whose lateral herniated cervical disc was operated on via a dorsal foraminotomy. We analyzed the general data, the case history, the neurological examination at admission, and all data from imaging examinations and therapy. Most of the patients (93%) were followed up at 1 year, postoperatively. The patients were divided into one group with good results and another group with bad results, according to their ratings on a pain scale. The groups were analyzed in relation to the patients' initial condition. RESULTS: At follow-up, 94% of the patients had completely recovered or their condition had improved. CONCLUSION: A long duration of preoperative complaints and a long-standing neurological deficit seem to be important prognostic factors for a bad outcome after dorsal foraminotomy.