Impaired Swallowing Function After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: Incidence, Long-term Nutritional Effects, and Oral Neuromuscular Training Evaluation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying impaired swallowing (dysphagia) following anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS) performed between the C2 and Th1 spinal levels due to trauma. The study aims to understand how often dysphagia occurs after this surgery, its long-term impact on nutritional health over about 12 months, and to test a new rehabilitation method for those with swallowing difficulties after surgery. The study has two parts. The first part observes patients' swallowing function using a flexible video endoscopic evaluation (FEES) within 14 days after surgery and again 2-3 weeks later, alongside nutritional assessments including clinical tests and blood samples. Patients receive conventional care like postural adjustments and swallowing exercises. Those with ongoing swallowing problems at about 4 weeks post-surgery can join the second part, a randomized trial comparing standard care to an 8-week oral neuromuscular training program using a special oral device. Swallowing function, quality of life, and nutritional status are measured at multiple points during and after treatment. Participants will be assessed multiple times: swallowing function and nutritional status are evaluated early after surgery, at treatment start, mid-treatment, end of treatment, and around 12 months later. Assessments include clinical tests, blood samples, and quality of life questionnaires. All procedures take place at the University Hospital, and clinical data such as age, sex, injury severity, and hospital stay details are recorded. Evaluators measuring swallowing function are blinded to treatment groups to ensure unbiased results.

Dysphagia After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery