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Driving reaction time before and after anterior cervical fusion for disc herniation: a preliminary study

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Abstract

Purpose

Reduced 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.

Methods

We 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.

Results

All 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).

Conclusion

The 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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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Ricarda Lechner, Martin Thaler, Martin Krismer & Christian Haid

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Jochen Obernauer & Alois Obwegeser

Authors
  1. Ricarda Lechner
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  2. Martin Thaler
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  3. Martin Krismer
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  4. Christian Haid
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  5. Jochen Obernauer
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  6. Alois Obwegeser
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ricarda Lechner.

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Lechner, R., Thaler, M., Krismer, M. et al. Driving reaction time before and after anterior cervical fusion for disc herniation: a preliminary study. Eur Spine J 22, 1517–1521 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-2688-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-2688-6

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