Introduction: Cervical spine diseases such as radiculopathy and myelopathy are common and may
cause neurological deficits and functional limitation. Surgery is indicated when conservative treatment
fails, with various techniques depending on the severity and extent of compression. Although return to
work is a relevant clinical outcome, it is underreported in the literature, especially in mixed populations.
Objective: To evaluate the functional outcomes of patients undergoing cervical arthrodesis, with
emphasis on return to work. Clinical, surgical, and postoperative factors related to recovery were
analyzed. Methods: Retrospective study with 76 patients operated between January 2023 and December
2024. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and follow-up data were collected. Outcomes included return to
work, opioid use, neurological complications, dysphagia, and pain (VAS). Statistical analysis included
multivariate logistic regression. Results: The mean age was 55 years; 57% returned to work and 43%
did not. Factors associated with failure to return included preoperative myelopathy (p=0.0013), opioid
use (p=0.015), number of operated levels (p=0.0063), and multiple surgeries (p=0.0073). Dysphagia
occurred in 7.8% and reversible neurological deficits in 5.26%. Discussion: The findings confirm
that factors such as myelopathy, multilevel surgeries, and prolonged opioid use negatively influence
functional outcomes. Return-to-work rates are consistent with the literature but tend to be lower in
complex cases. Dysphagia was more frequent in surgeries involving anterior plating or combined
approaches. Despite the absence of standardized preoperative functional scores, the data reinforce the
importance of surgical planning and strict postoperative management. Conclusion: Return to work was
observed in just over half of the patients. Factors such as prior myelopathy, surgical complexity, and
opioid use negatively influenced recovery. Careful preoperative assessment and structured rehabilitation
strategies are essential to optimize outcomes.
