• Ricarda Lechner, Martin Thaler, Martin Krismer, Christian Haid, Jochen Obernauer, and Alois Obwegeser.
• Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. ricarda.lechner@i-med.ac.at
• Eur Spine J. 2013 Jul 1;22(7):1517-21.

PurposeReduced driving reaction time (DRT) has already been studied in context with lumbar disc surgeries. Data on whether cervical spine pathologies impair driving abilities are still lacking. In addition, no return-to-driving recommendations after anterior cervical fusion procedures have been published. Therefore, we assessed DRT before and after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.MethodsWe performed a prospective study with 12 patients (mean age 47.2 years; female 7, male 5). DRT as well as arm and neck pain were evaluated before surgery, on the day before discharge from hospital and at the 4-6-week follow-up examinations. 31 healthy subjects were tested for DRT as a control group.ResultsAll patients showed significant improvement in DRT in the longitudinal course (p < 0.05). DRT was 601 ms (median, IQR: 63) before surgery, which was reduced to 580 ms (median, IQR: 112) on the day before discharge from hospital and to 532 ms (median, IQR: 48) at follow-up examination. Control subjects had a driving reaction time of 487 ms (median, IQR: 116), which differed significantly from that of patients at all three testing times (p < 0.05). VAS for arm and neck pain showed significant improvement (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe present results show a positive effect of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion on driving safety. Based on our data we state that it appears to be safe to resume driving after discharge from hospital. However, patients scheduled to undergo anterior cervical discectomy and fusion should be informed about increased DRT as compared to healthy individuals.

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