Object: The postoperative quality of life of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM) ramains unclear. The current study evaluated occupational recovery after surgical treatment for patients with CSM. Method: Across sectional survey was performed using 70 patients with CSM who were employed prior to surgical treatment. Pre-surgical occupations were classified into three categories; light sedentary, light labor, and heavy labor. High-rise workers and automobile drivers were analyzed separately. The subjects were rated by occupational category for occupational recovery ratio. Factors analyzed for impact on recovery were pre- and post-surgery severity of myelopathy, age at surgery and gender. Of the 70 patients studied, 38 (54%) returned to work. Poor results were observed in heavy labor, high-rise workers and professional drivers. The length of time required for return to work differed among occupations. The category of occupation, pre-surgery severity of myelopathy, and post-surgery severity of myelopathy correlated significantly with occupational recovery. Conclusion: Patient occupation should be carefully considered when designing post-surgery occupational rahabilitation programs. In addition, postoperative advice on suitability of occupation should be provided to patients.
