OBJECTIVE:Early access to surgical care is increasingly recognized as an important principle in the management of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI); however, systems-level barriers that hinder delivery of care exist. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of race, insurance status, and frailty with the time to surgical intervention in patients with traumatic SCI, and to quantify institutional variation in surgical timing across North American trauma centers. METHODS:A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database (2010-2020). Adult patients (age ≥ 16 years) with blunt traumatic cervical SCI who underwent surgical decompression were included. A mixed-effects regression model was used to identify independent predictors of the time to surgery and to assess variation between and within trauma centers. Variance components from a null model (intercept only) and full model (case-mix adjusted) were compared, and the proportional change in variance at the hospital and individual levels was calculated to quantify the explanatory value of hospital- and patient-level characteristics, respectively. RESULTS:The cohort included 20,566 patients (15,977 male, mean age 53 years) from 503 trauma centers. The mean time to surgery was 30 hours (SD 28 hours), and 57% of patients underwent decompression within 24 hours of presentation. Black race, lack of insurance, and increasing frailty were independently associated with delayed surgery. Patients categorized as frail experienced a 3.4-hour longer delay in time to surgery (95% CI 2.03-4.63, p < 0.001). Uninsured patients waited 1.6 hours longer (95% CI 0.24-2.94, p = 0.023). Black patients experienced a 1.4-hour delay (95% CI 0.81-2.80, p = 0.005) compared with White patients. Observed case-mix and hospital-level characteristics did not account for between-hospital variability in surgical timing (proportional change in variance of -5.3%). Only 8.6% of the individual-level proportional change in variance was explained by these factors. The adjusted intraclass correlation coefficient was 8%, indicating low correlation in surgical timing for patients with similar characteristics treated at the same center. CONCLUSIONS:Delays in surgical treatment for cervical SCI persist, particularly among patients categorized as frail, those who were uninsured, and Black patients. Institutional variation remains substantial and largely unexplained by case-mix or hospital-level characteristics. These findings highlight the need for equity-focused quality improvement efforts and system-level interventions to improve timely care for individuals with SCI.

BACKGROUND: ARDS is a life-threatening respiratory complication after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), yet contemporary, large-scale estimates of its frequency, determinants, and impact on inpatient outcomes are scarce. RESEARCH QUESTION: Among adults with acute traumatic SCI, what is the incidence of ARDS; which patient, injury, and hospital factors are associated with it; and how does ARDS influence inpatient mortality and adverse events? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 2010 through 2020 from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program. Adults ? 16 years of age with SCI were identified by Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) codes. Multivariable logistic regression identified covariates associated with the development of ARDS and quantified the associations of ARDS with mortality and adverse events. Sensitivity analyses excluded patients with AIS code ? 3 extraspinal injuries and examined the Berlin criteria era after 2012. RESULTS: Of 55,643 SCI admissions, 1,791 patients (3.2%) demonstrated ARDS; yearly incidence fell from 7% to 2% over the study period. Covariates associated with ARDS included COPD (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.08-1.66), diabetes (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.15-1.62), smoking (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06-1.34), severe thoracic (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.57-2.04) or lower-extremity (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02-1.48) injury, motor vehicle mechanism (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03-1.36), and spine surgery (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.21-1.54). Negatively associated factors were Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 on presentation, incomplete SCI, and thoracic or lumbar levels affected. ARDS was associated with increased mortality (OR, 5.11; 95% CI, 4.37-5.97), ventilator-associated pneumonia (OR, 4.51; 95% CI, 4.00-5.09), sepsis (OR, 6.22; 95% CI, 5.21-7.44), cardiac arrest (OR, 4.02; 95% CI, 3.46-4.68), immobility-related complications (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 2.18-2.76), and prolonged ICU stay or mechanical ventilation (lasting ? 14 days; OR, 5.49; 95% CI, 4.57-6.60). In the subgroup excluding AIS code ? 3 extraspinal injuries, ARDS incidence fell to 1.8% with persistently elevated mortality and complication rates. INTERPRETATION: Our results show that although ARDS incidence after SCI has declined, it comorbidities and injury-related factors. CHEST Critical Care 2025; 3(4):100211

BACKGROUND:The aims of this study were to evaluate the timing and trend of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis initiation following surgical intervention, and the impact of VTE prophylaxis timing on the occurrence of VTE complications, across North American trauma centers in patients with complete traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS:This retrospective, observational cohort study utilized data from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) from 2013 to 2020. We identified surgically treated patients with complete traumatic cervical SCI. Patient variables included age, sex, race, insurance coverage, and comorbidity status. Outcomes of interest included time to VTE prophylaxis following surgery and the occurrence of VTE complications. Mixed-effect regression models were constructed to evaluate the adjusted estimate for each outcome accounting for patient-, injury-, and hospital-level covariates. RESULTS:The study included 5,325 patients treated across 463 trauma centers. The mean age in the cohort was 46.7 ± 18.9 years, with male predominance (81.1%). Race was predominantly White (62.3%) and Black (23.0%). The mean time to VTE prophylaxis initiation was 90 ± 112 hours, and the median time was 65 hours (interquartile range, 39 to 105 hours). The annual trend of VTE prophylaxis initiation after surgery was a decrease by 5.2 hours per year over the 8-year study interval. This was associated with an annual reduction of 6.2% in the odds of VTE complication occurrence. Multivariable mixed-effect regression models demonstrated a significant reduction in time to VTE prophylaxis (mean difference, -3.7 hours per year [95% confidence interval [CI], -5.3 to -2.1 hours per year]; p < 0.001) and VTE complications (odds ratio, 0.93 per year [95% CI, 0.88 to 0.98 per year]; p = 0.01) over the study period, after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS:This analysis provides insight into VTE prophylaxis practice patterns following surgery for complete cervical SCI across North American trauma centers from 2013 to 2020. The timing of VTE prophylaxis initiation consistently decreased, which appeared to be associated with a significant reduction found in VTE complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

This study aims to estimate real-world clinical practice trends in time to surgery following thoracolumbar spinal cord injury (SCI) in trauma centers across North America over the last decade (2010-2020). A multi-center retrospective observational study was conducted using Trauma Quality Improvement Program data from 2010 to 2020. All surgically treated patients with thoracic and lumbar SCI were included. Descriptive plots and a multivariable Poisson regression model with time to spine surgery as the primary outcome were constructed. This study included 4350 adult patients with complete SCI surgically treated across 449 trauma centers. Within this group, 3978 (91.4%) patients were diagnosed with thoracic SCI and 372 (8.6%) patients were diagnosed with lumbar SCI. The overall mean time to surgery was 31.6 h (+/- 34.1). Early surgery (<= 24 h) was performed in 2599 patients (59.7%). An estimated annual reduction of 1.6 h in time to surgery was demonstrated over the study period, starting initially at a mean of 47.6 h (+/- 40.6) in 2010, and reaching a mean of 25.3 h (+/- 30) in 2020. Multivariable Poisson regression adjusting for patient, injury, and institution confounders, demonstrated a significant decrease in time to surgery by 5% per year over the study period (incidence rate ratios [IRR] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93-0.96). Moreover, in a secondary analysis including 3270 patients with incomplete thoracolumbar SCI, a comparable significant annual reduction in time to surgery was demonstrated (IRR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91-0.94). This study provides real-world data on practice pattern trends with respect to time to spine surgery following traumatic thoracolumbar SCI. Over the years from 2010 to 2020, we found a significant reduction in time to surgery across trauma centers in North America.

The peripheral nervous system(PNS) comprises spinal and cranial nerves, which include motor, sensory, and autonomic nerves, as well as their roots, trunks, plexuses, ganglia, and accompanying supportive connective tissue distal to the brain and spinal cord. It is located peripheral to the central nervous system(CNS), and has very little in the way of protection from injury. In contrast to the CNS, it has a much higher innate capacity for repair and recovery after injury. Despite its physiological diversity, the PNS has a highly organized and choreographed injury response mechanism partially explaining its improved outcomes post-injury. In this chapter, we discuss the pathophysiology of peripheral nerve injury(PNI) and its ensuing reparative response. Before delving into PNIs and their classifications, it is important to review the basic anatomic organization of the PNS, its key cellular components, and supporting connective tissue.

Peripheral nerve injuries(PNIs) come in many varieties and their mechanism of injury can have a tremendous impact on a patient's expected outcome. As discussed in Chapter 26, depending on the mechanism, PNIs have a relatively well-choreographed response to injury. However, much of this sequence will be influenced by both modifiable and non-modifiable prognostic factors. Furthermore, this mechanism of injury and its severity will also help dictate the appropriate treatment of the injury. In this chapter, basic science principles and models addressing PNIs are more specifically examined as they occur in the context of trauma, entrapment, tumors, and the changes occurring in acute and chronic pain states. Clinical case examples of such injuries will be discussed to conclude each section, including their respective management.

One of the major advantages of a minimally invasive microdiscectomy is that when CSF leak occurs, there is minimal anatomic dead space for ongoing leakage following removal of the tubular retractor. However, there are no published reports that address the safety and long-term outcomes of same-day discharge for CSF leak after tubular microdiscectomy. This is a retrospective compartive study of 30 patients with incidental durotomy during minimally invasive tubular microdiscectomy occurring between January 1, 2009 to August 31, 2023 at our institution. There were 16 patients (53

Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is an underrecognized peripheral nerve disorder distinguished by severe pain followed by weakness in the distribution of one or more nerves, most commonly in the upper extremity. While classically felt to carry a favorable prognosis, updates in research have demonstrated that patients frequently endure delay in diagnosis and continue to experience long term pain, paresis, and fatigue even years after the diagnosis is made. A transition in therapeutic approach is recommended and described by this review, which emphasizes the necessity to target compensatory abnormal motor control and fatigue by focusing on motor coordination, energy conservation strategies, and behavioral change, rather than strength training which may worsen the symptoms. The development of structural hourglass-like constrictions (HGCs) on imaging can help confirm the suspected clinical diagnosis, and in association with persistent weakness and limited recovery on electrodiagnostic testing may be considered for surgical consultation. Given the complex nature of management, a multidisciplinary approach is described, which can provide an optimal level of care and support for patients with persistent symptoms from NA and allow more unified guidance of rehabilitation and surgical referrals.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent evidence suggests earlier tracheostomy is associated with fewer complications in patients with complete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aims to evaluate the influence of spine surgical approach on the association between tracheostomy timing and in-hospital adverse events treating patients with complete cervical SCI. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was performed using Trauma Quality Improvement Program data from 2017 to 2020. All patients with acute complete (American Spinal Injury Association-A) cervical SCI who underwent tracheostomy and spine surgery were included. Tracheostomy timing was dichotomized to early (within 1 week after surgery) and delayed (more than 1 week after surgery). Primary outcome was the occurrence of major in-hospital complications. Secondary outcomes included occurrences of immobility-related complications, surgical-site infection, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, and time on mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: The study included 1592 patients across 358 trauma centers. Mean time to tracheostomy from surgery was 8.6 days. A total of 495 patients underwent anterior approach, 670 underwent posterior approach, and 427 underwent combined anterior and posterior approach. Patients who underwent anterior approach were significantly more likely to have delayed tracheostomy compared with posterior approach (53% vs 40%, P < .001). Early tracheotomy significantly reduced major in-hospital complications (odds ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.84) and immobility complications (odds ratio = 0.78, 95% CI 0.6-1.0). Those undergoing early tracheostomy spent 6.0 (95% CI -8.47 to -3.43) fewer days in hospital, 5.7 (95% CI -7.8 to -3.7) fewer days in the intensive care unit, and 5.9 (95% CI -8.2 to -3.7) fewer days ventilated. Surgical approach had no significant negative effect on the association between tracheostomy timing and the outcomes of interest. CONCLUSION: Earlier tracheostomy for patients with cervical SCI is associated with reduced complications, length of stay, and ventilation time. This relationship appears independent of the surgical approach. These findings emphasize that tracheostomy need not be delayed because of the SCI treatment approach.

This study aims to quantify the change in time to surgery for treatment of complete traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) patients in American College of Surgeons accredited trauma centers across North America over the last decade (2010-2020). This multi-center retrospective observational cohort study used data from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program from 2010 to 2020. All surgically treated patients with complete traumatic cervical SCI were included. Primary outcome was time to spine surgery from treating hospital arrival in hours. Both descriptive statistics and a multi-variable Poisson regression model clustering standard of errors by each included trauma center were used to evaluate and quantify the annual change in time to surgical intervention. The study included 6855 complete traumatic cervical SCI patients managed across 484 trauma centers in North America. Median time to spine surgery was 14.6 h. A total of 4618 patients (67.3%) underwent surgical intervention within 24 h from hospital arrival. From 2010 to 2020, median time to surgery decreased by an average 0.6 h (+/- 0.15) per year. A multi-variable adjusted model for time to surgery demonstrated a significant downward annual reduction of 5% in time to surgery between the years 2010 and 2020 (Incidence rate ratio = 0.95; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.93-0.96). This study provides compelling real-world based quantification of the change in time to surgical intervention following traumatic cervical SCI. A significant decreasing annual trend pertaining to surgical timing across trauma centers in North America over the past decade was demonstrated.

Odontoid fractures are increasingly prevalent in older adults and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Optimal management remains controversial. Our study aims to investigate the association between surgical management of odontoid fractures and in-hospital mortality in a multi-center geriatric cohort. We identified patients 65 years or older with C2 odontoid fractures from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database. The primary study outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications and hospital length of stay. Generalized estimating equation models were used to compare outcomes between operative and non-operative cohorts. Among the 13,218 eligible patients, 1100 (8.3%) were treated surgically. The risk of in-hospital mortality did not differ between surgical and non-surgical groups, after patient and hospital-level adjustment (OR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.55–1.60). The risks of major complications and immobility-related complications were higher in the operative cohort (adjusted OR: 2.12, 95%CI: 1.53–2.94; and OR: 2.24, 95%CI: 1.38–3.63, respectively). Patients undergoing surgery had extended in-hospital length of stay compared to the non-operative group (9 days, IQR: 6–12 days vs. 4 days, IQR: 3–7 days). These findings were supported by secondary analyses that considered between-center differences in rates of surgery. Among geriatric patients with odontoid fractures surgical management was associated with similar in-hospital mortality, but higher in-hospital complication rates compared to non-operative management. Surgical management of geriatric patients with odontoid fractures requires careful patient selection and consideration of pre-existing comorbidities.

INTRODUCTION: Nerve transfers (NTs) have been recognized as a promising strategy to improve traumatic spine cord injury (tSCI) patient function. Although different tSCI NT options have been detailed, little is known about the epidemiological and injury-related aspects of this patient population. METHODS: TSCI patients presenting to our institution were identified through a prospectively collected tSCI data registry. Inclusion criteria consisted of: i) admission with cervical tSCI (C1-T1) between 2005-2019, ii);18-years-old, iii) documented tSCI severity using the ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS). Two peripheral nerve (PN) experts independently evaluated each patient’s suitability for NT. Demographic, and traumatic and neurological injury-related variables were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 224 (32%) patients were selected for based on tSCI level (C1-T1). After initial review, there was 94% agreement between PN experts with discordant cases being discussed before reaching a final consensus. A total of 108 patients (15% of tSCIs and 48% of cervical tSCIs) were deemed appropriate NT candidates. Average age was 43-years-old and the majority were male (82/108, 76%). TSCI severity range included: 54 (50%) patients being AIS A, 17 (16%) AIS B, 34 (31%) AIS C, and 3 (3%) AIS D. AIS motor level range included: 7 (6%) C4, 40 (37%) C5, 22 (20%) C6, 38 (35%) C7, and 1 (1%) C8 patient. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to detail the number of tSCI patients that may qualify for NT from a large prospective database. A large proportion of cervical tSCI patients were found to be candidates. Better characterizing the epidemiological and injury patterns of this patient population will form an important first step to increase awareness and inform tSCI NT candidate identification.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is believed that early tracheostomy in patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) may lessen the risk of developing complications and reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation and critical care stay. This study aims to assess whether early tracheostomy is beneficial in patients with traumatic cervical SCI. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database from 2010 to 2018. Adult patients with a diagnosis of acute complete (ASIA A) traumatic cervical SCI who underwent surgery and tracheostomy were included. Patients were stratified into those receiving early (at or before 7 days) and delayed tracheostomy. Propensity score matching was used to assess the association between delayed tracheostomy and the risk of in-hospital adverse events. Risk-adjusted variability in tracheostomy timing across trauma centers was investigated using mixed-effects regression. RESULTS: The study included 2001 patients from 374 North American trauma centers. The median time to tracheostomy was 9.2 days (IQR: 6.1-13.1 days), with 654 patients (32.7%) undergoing early tracheostomy. After matching, the odds of a major complication were significantly lower for early tracheostomy patients (OR: .90; 95% CI: .88-.98). Patients were also significantly less likely to experience an immobility-related complication (OR: .90; 95% CI: .88-.98). Patients in the early group spent 8.2 fewer days in the critical care unit (95% CI: −10.2 to −6.61) and 6.7 fewer days ventilated (95% CI: −9.44 to −5.23). There was significant variability in tracheostomy timeliness between trauma centers with a median odds ratio of 12.2 (95% CI: 9.7-13.7), which was not explained by case-mix and hospital-level characteristics. CONCLUSION: A 7-day threshold to implement tracheostomy seems to be associated with reduced in-hospital complications, time in the critical care unit, and time on mechanical ventilation.

: Introduction: Traumatic spinal cord injuries (tSCI) are common, often leaving patients irreparably debilitated. Therefore, novel strategies such as nerve transfers (NT) are needed for mitigating secondary SCI damage and improving function. Although different tSCI NT options exist,littleisknown abouttheepidemiologicalandinjury-relatedaspectsofthispatientpopulation.Here,wereportsuchcharacteristicsto better identify and understand the number and types of tSCI individuals who may benefit from NTs. Materials and Methods: Two peripheral nerve experts independently evaluated all adult tSCI individuals < 80 years old admitted with cervical tSCI (C1 – T1) between 2005 and 2019 with documented tSCI severity using the ASIA Impairment Scale for suitability for NT (nerve donor with MRC strength ≥ 4/5 and recipient ≤ 2/5). Demographic, traumatic injury, and neurological injury variables were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 709 tSCI individuals were identified with 224 (32%) who met the selection criteria for participation based on their tSCI level (C1 – T1). Of these, 108 (15% of all tSCIs and 48% of all cervical tSCIs) were deemed to be appropriate NT candidates. Due to recovery, 6 NT candidates initially deem appropriate no longer qualified by their last follow-up. Conversely, 19 individuals not initially considered appropriate then become eligible by their last follow-up. Conclusion: We found that a large proportion

OBJECTIVE:To assess the case volume and self-perceived competence of current mandatory skills in peripheral nerve surgery.DESIGN:Cross sectional survey based study examining case volume and self-reported competence in peripheral nerve surgery.SETTING:Canadian Neurosurgery and Plastic Surgery accredited residency programs PARTICIPANTS: All Canadian Neurosurgery and Plastic Surgery senior trainees (PGY 3+) invited to participate RESULTS: Much variability exists in both exposure to cases and perceived senior resident competence for both plastic and neurosurgery residents. Confidence in surgical ability as perceived competency is lower in trainees for more advanced peripheral nerve procedures. Self- reported confidence increased with post-graduate experience.CONCLUSIONS:Overall, the findings in this study highlight the importance of increasing operative experience in complex peripheral nerve surgery among surgical residents.

Abstract Odontoid fractures are increasingly prevalent in older adults and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Optimal management remains controversial. Our study aims to investigate the association between surgical management of odontoid fractures and in-hospital mortality in a multi-center geriatric cohort. We identified patients 65 years or older with C2 odontoid fractures from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database. The primary study outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications and hospital length of stay. Generalized estimating equation models were used to compare outcomes between operative and non-operative cohorts. Among the 13218 eligible patients, 1100 (8.3%) were treated surgically. The risk of in-hospital mortality did not differ between surgical and non-surgical groups, after patient and hospital-level adjustment (OR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.55–1.60). The risks of major complications and immobility-related complications were higher in the operative cohort (adjusted OR: 2.12, 95%CI: 1.53–2.94; and OR: 2.24, 95%CI: 1.38–3.63, respectively). Patients undergoing surgery had extended in-hospital length of stay compared to the non-operative group (9 days, IQR: 6–12days vs. 4 days, IQR: 3-7days). These findings were supported by secondary analyses that considered between-center differences in rates of surgery. Among geriatric patients with odontoid fractures surgical management was associated with similar in-hospital mortality, but higher in-hospital complication rates compared to non-operative management. Surgical management of geriatric patients with odontoid fractures requires careful patient selection and consideration of pre-existing comorbidities.

The use of multirod constructs in the setting of adult spinal deformity (ASD) began to prevent rod fracture and pseudarthrosis near the site of pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSOs) and 3-column osteotomies (3COs). However, there has been unclear and inconsistent nomenclature, both clinically and in the literature, for the various techniques of supplemental rod implantation. In this review the authors aim to provide the first succinct lexicon of multirod constructs available for the treatment of ASD, providing a universal nomenclature and definition for each type of supplementary rod. The primary rod of ASD constructs is the longest rod that typically spans from the bottom of the construct to the upper instrumented vertebrae. The secondary rod is shorter than the primary rod, but is connected directly to pedicle screws, albeit fewer of them, and connects to the primary rod via lateral connectors or cross-linkers. Satellite rods are a 4-rod technique in which 2 rods span only the site of a 3CO via pedicle screws at the levels above and below, and are not connected to the primary rod (hence the term ???satellite???). Accessory rods are connected to the primary rods via side connectors and buttress the primary rod in areas of high rod strain, such as at a 3CO or the lumbosacral junction. Delta rods span the site of a 3CO, typically a PSO, and are not contoured to the newly restored lordosis of the spine, thus buttressing the primary rod above and below a 3CO. The kickstand rod itself functions as an additional means of restoring coronal balance and is secured to a newly placed iliac screw on the side of truncal shift and connected to the primary rod; distracting against the kickstand then helps to correct the concavity of a coronal curve. The use of multirod constructs has dramatically increased over the last several years in parallel with the increasing prevalence of ASD correction surgery. However, ambiguity persists both clinically and in the literature regarding the nomenclature of each supplemental rod. This nomenclature of supplemental rods should help unify the lexicon of multirod constructs and generalize their usage in a variety of scientific and clinical scenarios.

Study Design. Cross-sectional study. Objective. The aim was to create and validate a novel patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) focusing on stiffness-related patient functional limitations after cervical spine fusion. Summary of Background Data. Cervical arthrodesis is a common treatment for myelopathy/radiculopathy, however, results in increased neck stiffness as a collateral outcome. No current PROM exists quantifying the impact of postoperative stiffness on patient function. Methods. The Cervical Spine Research Society-Cervical Stiffness Disability Index (CSRS-CSDI) was created through a modified Delphi process. The resultant 10-item questionnaire yields a score out of 100 with higher scores indicating increased functional difficulty related to neck stiffness. Cross-sectional study of control and postoperative patients was completed for CSRS-CSDI validation. Retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), responsiveness (levels fused vs. CSRS-CSDI scores), and discriminatory validation (CSRS-CSDI vs. neck disability index) scores) were completed. Results. Fifty-seven surgical and 24 control patients completed the questionnaire. Surgical patients underwent a variety of procedures: 11 (19%) motion preserving operations, nine (16%) subaxial 1-2 level fusions, seven (12%) subaxial 3-5 level fusions, five (9%) C1-subaxial cervical spine fusions, 20 (35%) C2-upper thoracic spine fusions, five (9%) occiput-subaxial or thoracic spine fusions. The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha=0.92) and retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.95, P<0.001). Good responsiveness validity with a significant difference between fusion cohorts was found (P<0.001, r (s)=0.63). Patient CSRS-CSDI scores also correlated with neck disability index scores recorded (P<0.001, r=0.70). Conclusion. This is the first study to create a PROM addressing the functional impact of cervical stiffness following surgical arthrodesis. The CSRS-CSDI was a reliable and valid measure of postoperative stiffness impact on patient function. This may prove useful in counseling patients regarding their expected outcomes with further investigation demonstrating its value in a prospective fashion.