Risk factors for C5 palsy: a systematic review and multivariate analysis
Vincent C Traynelis1, Ricardo B V Fontes1, Manish K Kasliwal2
11Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
Journal of Neurosurgery. Spine
|November 17, 2023
Summary
Postoperative C5 palsy risk increases with decreased foraminal diameter in cervical spine surgery. Reduced anterior-posterior diameter also elevates risk, though evidence is less clear.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Postoperative C5 palsy (C5P) is a complication following cervical spine surgery.
- The precise pathophysiology of C5P remains poorly understood.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for patient management and surgical planning.
Conclusions:
- Foraminal stenosis is clearly associated with C5P, particularly in posterior cervical procedures.
- Reduced anterior-posterior diameter is also linked to C5P, but the association is less definitive.
- Evidence quality for most identified risk factors is low to very low.
