The impact of operative level on reoperation rates and short-term patient-reported outcomes in 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

In patients undergoing 3-level ACDF, the operative level was associated with reoperation rates and baseline symptom profiles. However, the likelihood of achieving clinically meaningful improvements was similar across levels. Our findings support the need for construct-specific preoperative counseling while reinforcing the overall efficacy of 3-level ACDF across cervical levels.