Neurological deterioration after posterior fixation surgery for traumatic cervical spine fractures

• Published in: Journal of Spine Research Vol. 15; no. 4; pp. 700 - 706
• Main Authors: Inoue, Taro, Yoshihara, Hisatake
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research 20.04.2024; 一般社団法人 日本脊椎脊髄病学会
• Subjects: C5 palsy; C5麻痺; facet injury in the cervical spine; neurological deterioration after surgery; 術後神経症状悪化; 頚椎椎間関節骨折
• ISSN: 1884-7137; 2435-1563
• DOI: 10.34371/jspineres.2024-0403

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of neurological deterioration after posterior fixation surgery for cervical spine injuries.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 51 patients (12 women and 39 men) with traumatic cervical fractures or dislocations who underwent posterior fixation surgery at our hospital between April 2015 and March 2022. Of these, 37 patients had cervical fractures and 14 had cervical dislocations or subluxations without fractures.Results: Of the 51 patients, 9 (18%) showed neurological deterioration after cervical posterior fixation surgery. Six patients had C5 palsy, 2 experienced other nerve root palsies, and 1 experienced severe tetraplegia. Additional surgeries were performed on 4 patients (8%), with 3 patients undergoing foraminotomy and 1 undergoing laminectomy. Two of the procedures were performed on the same day as the posterior fixation surgery.Conclusion: Surgeons should be aware that patients with cervical spine injuries who undergo posterior fixation surgery have a relatively high frequency of neurological deterioration.