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.
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 language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 9-Oct-2023 |
Place of Publication | [Groningen] |
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Print ISBNs | 978-94-6473-199-6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2023 |