Dynamic posturography in patients with cervical disc disease compared with patients with whiplash-associated disorders and healthy volunteers

Background: Today there is limited knowledge of postural control and remaining dizziness after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF). Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare the results from dynamic posturography (sensory organization test (SOT) 1–6 and SOT 1–2 in flexed and extended neck position, respectively) in patients with cervical disc disease with healthy controls and with patients with a previous whiplash-associated disorder (WAD). Another purpose was to investigate which objective and/or subjective factors that were related to the outcome on SOT 5 and SOT 6 in patients after ACDF. Design: Fifteen patients, half with self-perceived dizziness, who had undergone ACDF with cervical carbon fibre intervertebral fusion cage, were consecutively included in the study. Background data, active range of motion of the neck, neck and hand strength, neck muscle endurance and subjective variables were used in a multiple regression model to find the strongest factor of a good postural performance. Results: Not only WAD patients but also a major part of ACDF patients had dizziness and impaired postural control. Male patients without dizziness, with a low pain and disability level had the best results on dynamic posturography. Conclusions: Many patients with cervical disc disease had remaining disability due to postural control and are in need of specific physiotherapy after ACDF.