Anterior Fusion and Long-Term Cervical Mobility in Patients With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: An Observational Study

Objective This study aims to determine and quantify the impairment of cervical mobility and range of motion in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and subsequent cervical subaxial fusion surgery. Methods A total of 89 patients who underwent interbody fusion of the cervical spine and were admitted to the Spinal Cord Injury Center of the BG Klinikum Hamburg, Germany between 2003 and 2018 were examined after their in-facility rehabilitation was successfully completed. Reclination, inclination, tilt, and rotation of the cervical spine were examined and documented in addition to overall patient characteristics and fusion extent. Results We could identify fusion length and age to be independently negatively correlated with the cervical range of motion in different degrees of movement. We could also show a significant decrease in cervical mobility within our patients when compared to healthy adults. The ability to tilt and rotate the cervical spine was particularly impaired. Conclusions Patients with traumatic SCI and intervertebral fusion suffer from significant impairment of mobility in different degrees of movement. This knowledge can be used to evaluate the rehabilitative challenges and reintegrative needs of individuals after traumatic SCI. Rehabilitation should be adjusted accordingly.