The effect of preoperative psychological state on postoperative outcomes of anterior cervical approach in cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a retrospective case‒control study

Patients with CSM exhibit a high incidence of psychological distress. Anterior cervical surgery effectively improves both physical symptoms and mental health outcomes in these patients. Key factors associated with poorer mental health recovery include a low preoperative MCS score, shorter follow-up duration, and female sex. Importantly, preoperative psychological distress does not negatively affect the improvement in neurological function or overall postoperative satisfaction.