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Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review
Luis Felipe Colón1, Jorge Isaza2, Yoshihiro Katsuura3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Case:
A 37-year-old man was found to have hypoglossal nerve palsy after undergoing anterior cervical spine surgery at C3-C5, an injury that would cause him severe disability and further complications.
Conclusion:
Knowledge of the hypoglossal nerve is crucial for cervical spine surgery even at lower levels (C4-C7), including variations in its course and potential displacement during the induction of anesthesia.
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