Effect of cervical brace on postoperative axial symptoms in patients with Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Objective: This study was intended to investigate the effect of cervical brace on postoperative axial symptoms in patients with single-segment anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent anterior cervical single-segment ACDF from May 2020 to August 2021 was performed. Patients were divided into the cervical brace group (Group 1) and the non-cervical brace group (Group 2) according to whether to wear cervical brace in postoperative patients. The incidence of axial symptoms ,cervical mobility and postoperative quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 121 patients, 62 in the Group 1 and 59 in the Group 2. The general data of age, gender, BMI, smoking status, disease duration has no statistically differences. The incidence of axial symptoms at 1 month after surgery in the Group 2 was significantly lower. The cervical mobility in the Group 2 at 1 month after surgery were significantly higher. Conclusion: The absence of brace after surgery in patients with single-segment ACDF can reduce the incidence of early postoperative axial symptoms, improve their quality of life, and facilitate the recovery of postoperative cervical mobility.