Dysphagia After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery

Launched by UMEÅ UNIVERSITY · Apr 20, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, that can occur after a specific type of neck surgery called anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). Researchers want to understand how common these swallowing problems are after the surgery and to see how these issues might affect nutrition about a year later. They are also testing a new rehabilitation method to help improve swallowing for those who experience difficulties after their surgery.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 65 and 74 years old and have had ACSS due to an injury at specific levels of your spine. If you have trouble swallowing about 4 weeks after your surgery, you might be eligible for the second part of the study, which focuses on the new rehabilitation method. Participants will undergo assessments to evaluate their swallowing and overall health. It’s important to note that younger individuals under 18, those with pre-existing swallowing issues, or severe brain damage are not eligible for this study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • All patients enrolled at the University Hospital of Umeå who have undergone ACSS between C2 and Th1 level due to trauma are eligible participants in the first part of the study.
• • Eligibility criteria to participate in part 2 is swallowing dysfunction on FEES at 4±1-week post-operation
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients \<18 years of age
• • known dysphagia prior to the trauma/injury
• • affected brainstem that is shown on a CT or MRI
• • severe brain damage.