The authors performed a literature review to evaluate the current classification metrics for quantifying dysphagia after anterior spine surgery and, specifically, cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). They selected 19 articles after reviewing literature from 2005 to 2021. The result of their review showed that the most valuable subjective tests were the EAT-10 and HSS-DI as they are sensitive, quick and strongly correlate to the established measurements of postoperative dysphagia. The HSS-DDI tool was found to be useful for stratifying the severity of postoperative dysphagia. Objective measures such as MBS and FEES require time and equipment compared to the surveys, although they do provide accurate measurements of postoperative dysphagia severity. The authors recommend performing objective tests in all patients with preoperative dysphagia.
Metrics to evaluate post-ACDF dysphagia
Reviewed by Gauri Mankekar
Evaluation of outcome measures for post-operative dysphagia after cervical discectomy and fusion.
CONTRIBUTOR
Gauri Mankekar
Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Louisiana, USA.
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