Unilateral multilevel cervical radiculopathies as a late effect of poliomyelitis. A case report

A severe left-sided cervical radiculopathy that developed after a work-related injury is reported. Because this involved the upper limb opposite to a long-standing postpolio sequela, it is suggestive of postpolio syndrome. Work-up showed left-sided multilevel acquired foraminal stenosis. These unilateral degenerative changes were very likely the result of overuse of the cervical apophyseal joints, the consequence of the muscle imbalance created by the poliomyelitis. It was successfully treated by appropriate surgical decompression.