Machine Learning Prediction of Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling after Single-Level Anterior Cervical Surgery : A Proof-of-Concept Study

Key Points

• The aim is to assess the effectiveness of a machine learning model to predict significant prevertebral soft tissue swelling after single-level anterior cervical surgery.
• Developed a machine learning model to assess risk levels.
• Applied the model using data from patients who underwent anterior cervical surgery.
• Conducted a proof-of-concept analysis despite a small sample size.
• The model effectively predicted significant soft tissue swelling.
• Findings imply potential for improving risk stratification in clinical practice.
• Further validation is suggested to enhance the model's clinical relevance.