Obesity Does Not Negatively Affect Patient-perceived Outcomes After Cervical Disc Replacement for Disc Herniation.

Area of Science:

• Spine surgery outcomes
• Patient-reported outcome measures
• Obesity and health

Background:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) is a potential factor influencing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after spinal surgery.
• Understanding the impact of obesity on recovery after cervical disc replacement (CDR) is crucial for patient counseling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of Body Mass Index (BMI) on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following cervical disc replacement (CDR).
• To compare outcomes between non-obese and obese patients undergoing CDR.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of primary CDR recipients with BMI <40.
• Cohorts were divided into non-obese (BMI <30) and obese (BMI ≥30).
• Comparison of in-hospital complications, and pre/postoperative PROMs using t tests and multivariable regression.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in in-hospital complications between obese and non-obese cohorts.
• Both groups showed significant improvements in most PROMs, including physical function, neck disability, and pain.
• After adjusting for demographic factors, no significant inter-cohort differences were found in PROMs, improvement magnitude, or clinically important difference achievement.

Conclusions:

• Patients with and without obesity experience significant improvements in function, pain, and mental health after CDR.
• Obesity does not lead to inferior patient-perceived outcomes following cervical disc replacement.
• Findings support that surgeons can counsel obese patients undergoing CDR with confidence regarding expected outcomes.