Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
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Optimizing functional outcomes and disability status are essential for effective surgical treatment of cervical spine disorders. Mental impairment is common among patients with cervical spine complaints; yet little is known about the impact of baseline mental status with respect to overall patient-reported outcomes. This was a retrospective analysis of patients with cervical spondylosis with myelopathy(CM) or radiculopathy(CR: cervical disc herniation, stenosis, or spondylosis without myelopathy) at 2-year follow-ups. ⋯ Postoperative CR patients with lower baseline mental status saw less improvement and significantly worse outcomes than patients with higher baseline mental status. Improving baseline mental health may improve post-operative recovery. Implementing additional screening and care can optimize functional outcomes and disability status for patients with CR.