Cervical Spinal Cord Herniation After Laminectomy

Following a recent cervical laminectomy, a 67-year-old female patient developed neck pain and torticollis after a coughing episode. On physical examination, manifestations of neck pain, stiffness, and 4/5 quadriparesis were noted. Magnetic resonance imaging findings indicated the presence of herniation of the cervical medulla, accompanied by cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Consequently, surgical intervention was performed to reposition the herniated cord within its original subarachnoid space, thereby averting potential recurrence. The patient experienced complete resolution of symptoms within a few days postoperatively. It is important to recognize that postoperative cervical spinal cord herniation following laminectomy is an infrequent complication that manifests with a delayed onset. Surgical repair serves as the main therapeutic modality.