Objective: To investigate the temporal changes of Neck Disability Index (NDI), pain, grip strength, and numbness in postoperative patients with cervical degenerative diseases, and to obtain information to present for patient education.Methods: The participants were those who underwent decompression or fusion surgery for degenerative diseases of the cervical spine. NDI, neck and upper extremity pain, visual analogue scale, grip strength, and numbness were evaluated for a period of 1 year after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using the Bonferroni method with a mixed-effects model in which the dependent variable was each a measurement item and the fixed factor was time. Cochran’s Q test and McNemar test were both used to determine the presence of numbness. Results: NDI, neck pain, grip strength, and numbness improved significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery compared to before surgery (p<0.01). Upper extremity pain was significantly improved at 3 and 12 months postoperatively, compared to preoperatively (p<0.01).Conclusion: NDI, pain, grip strength, and numbness in postoperative patients with cervical degenerative disease was improved up to 3 months postoperatively compared with preoperatively, and persisted up to 1 year postoperatively. These results are useful for the education of patients and for providing goals for physical rehabilitation therapy.
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