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[Research progress of etiologies for C 5 palsy after cervical decompression]
Chuan Guo1,2, Xinyue Song1, Qingquan Kong2
1West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China.
Objective:
To review the definition and possible etiologies for C 5 palsy.
Methods:
The literature on C 5 palsy at home and abroad in recent years was extensively reviewed, and the possible etiologies were analyzed based on clinical practice experience.
Results:
There are two main theories (nerve root tether and spinal cord injury) accounting for the occurrence of C 5 palsy, but both have certain limitations. The former can not explain the occurrence of C 5 palsy after anterior cervical spine surgery, and the latter can not explain that the clinical symptoms of C 5 palsy is often the motor dysfunction of the upper limb muscles. Based on the previous reports, combining our clinical experience and research, we propose that the occurrence of C 5 palsy is mainly due to the instrumental injury of anterior horn of cervical spinal cord during anterior cervical decompression. In addition, the C 5 palsy following surgery via posterior approach may be related to the nerve root tether caused by the spinal cord drift after decompression.
Conclusion:
In view of the main cause of C 5 palsy after cervical decompression, it is recommended to reduce the compression of the spinal cord by surgical instruments to reduce the risk of this complication.
