Option for transverse midline incision and other factors that determine patient's decision to have cervical spine surgery.

BACKGROUND: Authors aim to determine patients' preference for surgical incision and factors affecting the decision for surgery to the anterior neck. METHODS: A questionnaire was presented prior to evaluation and if preceded to surgery followup given. RESULTS: 243 patients completed questionnaire, with 60% female population and younger than 50 years. 151 patients preferred a transverse midline incision with a statistically significant increase in outcomes and cosmesis importance and a decrease in the importance of board certification. CONCLUSION: Findings of questionnaire demonstrate that patients' prefer a transverse midline anterior neck incision, with surgical outcomes being the overall factor affecting decision making.