Isolated Marginal Mandibular Nerve Injury Due to Prone Positioning During Cervical Spine Surgery: A Case Report
Tarsem Motten1, Sabarathinam R Subramaniyam1, Rashid Anjum1
1Department of Orthopedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Vijaypur, Jammu, Vijaypur, IND.
Cureus
|May 1, 2026
Summary
Marginal mandibular nerve (MMN) injury is a rare complication of prone posterior cervical spine surgery. This case highlights positional MMN neuropraxia, emphasizing anatomical awareness for spine surgeons.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Posterior cervical spine surgery in the prone position carries potential risks.
- Injury to the marginal mandibular nerve (MMN) is an exceptionally rare complication.
- Existing literature documents few instances of isolated MMN injury during this procedure.


