The effect of cervical spine surgery on respiratory parameters

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cervical spine surgery on respiratory function. Material and methods: Totally 46 patients who had undergone cervical spine surgery (30 patients in physiotherapy group and 16 patients in control) were evaluated in this study. Thoracic mobility, arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function parameters, and pain intensity were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively on the 7th day and the 8th week. Patients in the physiotherapy group were treated with chest physiotherapy program including deep breathing exercises, modified postural drainage, percussion, vibration, coughing, stimulation techniques and postural exercises twice a day, five days a week for two weeks. After being discharged, patients were given a home exercise program for 8 weeks. Results: When preoperative, postoperative 7th day and 8th week outcomes were compared, both physiotherapy and control groups showed statistically significant decrease in respiratory parameters on the postoperative 7th day (p<0.05). Respiratory parameters were significantly lower in the control group than the physiotherapy group (p<0.05). At the 8th week postoperatively, respiratory parameters were increased in both groups (p<0.05). There was no difference between the groups (p>0.05). On the postoperative 7th day, pain severity was significantly high in both groups (p<0.05); however, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Respiratory functions can be negatively affected in the patients who undergo cervical spine surgery. However, pulmonary parameters can be improved with the application of chest physiotherapy.