The impact of mental health on outcome after anterior cervical discectomy: cohort study assessing the influence of mental health using predictive modelling

Category	Detail
Condition	Cervical radiculopathy due to single-level disc herniation undergoing anterior cervical discectomy
Key Mechanisms	Impact of baseline mental health status (anxiety and depression) on postoperative functional outcomes measured by Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Target Population	Patients with cervical radiculopathy undergoing anterior cervical spine surgery
Care Setting	Multicentre randomized controlled trial setting with prospective data collection

Depression and anxiety are prevalent in patients with pain and chronic diseases and influence pain perception and recovery.
Baseline mental health status assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is associated with postoperative functional outcomes measured by NDI.
A predictive linear mixed model incorporating baseline HADS and NDI scores was developed to improve preoperative patient counselling.

Use Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to screen for anxiety and depression preoperatively in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy.

Consider mental health status in preoperative assessment and counselling to set realistic expectations for postoperative recovery.
Address anxiety and depression symptoms as part of comprehensive perioperative care to potentially improve outcomes.

Monitor changes in HADS scores over time alongside Neck Disability Index (NDI) to evaluate mental health and functional recovery postoperatively.

Patients with higher baseline anxiety or depression scores may experience worse postoperative functional outcomes and prolonged pain.

Patients with cervical radiculopathy undergoing anterior cervical discectomy with baseline mental health assessment.

Baseline mental health status influences postoperative functional outcomes; predictive modeling can aid in personalized patient counselling.

Incorporate routine screening for anxiety and depression using HADS in patients scheduled for anterior cervical spine surgery.
Use predictive models combining baseline mental health and disability scores to inform patients about expected postoperative outcomes.
Provide multidisciplinary care including mental health support to optimize recovery after cervical spine surgery.

Clinical Scorecard: The Role of Mental Health in Postoperative Outcomes Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy: A Cohort Study Utilizing Predictive Modeling to Evaluate Mental Health Effects