Anterior cervical spine surgery opens up concerns about thyroid function

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Endocrinology
• Degenerative Spine Disease

Background:

• Anterior cervical spine surgery is crucial for spinal cord decompression and stabilization.
• Thyroid complications are well-documented in other neck surgeries but understudied in anterior cervical spine procedures.
• This study investigates potential thyroid changes following anterior cervical approaches for degenerative conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate thyroid function alterations in patients undergoing anterior cervical spine surgery.
• To identify any correlation between surgical factors and thyroid hormone changes.
• To assess the impact of anterior cervical spine surgery on thyroid health.

Main Methods:

• Seventy patients undergoing anterior cervical spine surgery were enrolled.
• Demographic data and medical records were collected.
• Thyroid hormones (TSH, free T4, free T3) were measured pre-operatively and three months post-operatively.

Main Results:

• Cervical disc herniation was the most common diagnosis (60%).
• No significant correlation was found between TSH changes and surgical variables (levels, duration, incision type, surgery type).
• A significant positive correlation was observed between TSH changes and patient age.

Conclusions:

• Anterior cervical spine surgery did not demonstrate functional thyroid tissue injury.
• Age-related laboratory changes and rare case reports suggest caution.
• Pre-operative thyroid function tests are recommended for patients with degenerative cervical diseases, particularly older adults.