Costs and clinical effectiveness in the surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy

    Research output: ThesisThesis fully internal (DIV)

    479 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The general aim of this dissertation was to evaluate surgical treatments for patients with cervical radiculopathy in terms of clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Cervical radiculopathy refers to arm pain caused by compression of a nerve in the neck. Currently, there is no established optimal surgical treatment in the scientific literature. Various surgical approaches are available, with surgeons currently favoring an anterior approach (front of the neck). Another option is the posterior approach ( back of the neck). Potential advantages of the posterior approach include proximity to fewer critical structures (such as the carotid artery and esophagus in the front), no need for artificial materials, and potential cost savings.

    The main focus of the dissertation is a study conducted in 9 hospitals in the Netherlands, where patients were randomly assigned to undergo either anterior or posterior surgery. The results of the study demonstrate that posterior surgery is not inferior to anterior surgery. Additionally, posterior surgery is cheaper and therefore likely cost-effective compared to anterior surgery. These findings play a significant role in the treatment of patients with cervical radiculopathy and support the idea that despite surgeons' preference for the anterior approach, patients should be informed about both approaches.
    Original languageEnglish
    QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
    Awarding Institution
    • University of Groningen
    Supervisors/Advisors
    • Groen, Rob, Supervisor
    • Reneman, Michiel, Supervisor
    • Kuijlen, Jos, Co-supervisor
    • Soer, Remko, Co-supervisor
    Award date9-Oct-2023
    Place of Publication[Groningen]
    Publisher
    Print ISBNs978-94-6473-199-6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2023

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Costs and clinical effectiveness in the surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this