[The study of the C5 nerve root palsy after surgery of cervical spondylosis].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of the C5 palsy after surgery of cervical spondylosis.

METHODS

Two hundred and twenty-three cases treated from March 1994 to October 2003 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven of the 223 cases developed the complication of C5 palsy, manifesting the paresis of the deltoid muscle as well as the sensory deficits and (or) intractable pain in shoulder. The incidence was 3.1%. In this study, 2 cases occurred in the anterior subcorpectomy, 5 cases developed in the laminoplasty with 1 case on the opened side, 3 cases on the hinged side and 1 case on both sides. All the 7 cases with the C5 palsy recovered within 2 weeks to 6 months.

CONCLUSION

The C5 palsy can develop either anterior decompression or posterior open-door laminoplasty of cervical spondylosis. Generally speaking, patients with postoperative C5 palsy can be cured by conservative measures. And prognosis is good.