The Effect of Local vs Intravenous Steroids on Dysphagia and Dysphonia Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Single-Blinded, Prospective, Randomized Control Trial

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Dysphagia and dysphonia are the most common complications following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Fortunately, most post–ACDF dysphagia is mild and transient, but in the limited number of patients who develop severe dysphagia, it will have profound effects on overall health and surgical outcomes. Severe dysphagia places the patient at higher risk for dehydration, malnutrition, social isolation, aspiration, pneumonia and death. Previous studies have demonstrated that intravenous (IV) and local steroids can decrease prevertebral soft-tissue swelling; however, no standardized studies have compared the efficacy of local steroid application to controls during ACDF on postoperative dysphagia and dysphonia.

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