Surgical Management of C5 Palsy Resulting from Posterior Spinal Decompression for the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Abstract

Objective: To assess the feasibility of anterior cervical procedures in the treatment of C5 palsy occurring after posterior cervical decompression procedures done for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Introduction:In this study we hypothesized that anterior cervical decompression would benefit these patients through widening the cervical foramen, directly by rongeurs and drills and indirectly by placing an intervertebral spacer (cervical cage). The aim of the study is to assess whether a more proactive approach would benefit these patients.