Dysphagia Following Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery; Steroid vs Saline

This investigation is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial testing
peri-operative steroids versus saline and the effect on swallowing after anterior cervical
spine surgery. Swallowing symptoms will be measured using the patient reported Bazaz (Bazaz)
scale and the Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ). Swallowing data will be obtained
pre-operatively, one day and two days post-operatively and then one week, two weeks, four
weeks, three months, six months, and one year post-operatively. Patient clinical outcomes
will be captured using web-based progress reports. Patients will complete the Quality of Life
(QoL-12), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) questionnaires
electronically pre-operatively and at one year post-operatively. This outcome data will help
us analyze the swallowing function or symptoms with the overall clinical course of the
patients enrolled in this study.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Elective anterior approach to subaxial cervical spine (C3 - T1);

- ages 18-80

Exclusion Criteria:

- Traumatic or tumor etiologies

- undergoing anterior-posterior operations

- neoplastic, or infectious conditions requiring surgery

- a history of previous anterior cervical spine surgery

- any patient requiring a halo vest

- patients on chronic steroids

- patients remaining intubated post-operatively (please see more under risks below)

- less than 18 years of age

- pregnant women

- no phone