Management of C5 Palsy After Anterior Cervical Decompression Using Oberlin Nerve Transfer: A Case Report

C5 palsy is a potential complication of cervical decompression surgery from which many patients do not recover or partially recover function. We present the case of a 48-year-old patient who developed elbow flexion paralysis after anterior decompression surgery with fusion of the C5-C7 levels. Muscle function was not spontaneously restored until eight months after surgery. In this case, we performed an Oberlin procedure to restore the function of the arm. Muscle strength (5/5) and volume were obtained 13 months after surgery. A reasonable waiting period is required after C5 palsy in case spontaneous recovery occurs. Treatment decision should be based on the patient's symptoms. Nerve transfers have been shown to be effective when performed after six months, especially in Oberlin transfer.