Relation of spinal shifting and C5 palsy after cervical decompression surgery

Objective To study the relationship between spinal shifting and C5 palsy after posterior approach cervical decompression surgery (PACDS).Methods Twenty-four patients underwent PACDS were examined with MRI before and one month after operation.The spinal shifting were measured.Clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with post-operative C5 palsy were observed.Analyzed the correlation between C5 palsy and spinal shifting after operation.Results The average spinal shifting was (2.41 ± 0.46) mm.Three cases developed C5 palsy,whose spinal shifting at C5 level was significantly greatert han those without C5 palsy.Conclusion Excessive posterior spinal shifting after PACDS can drag C5 nerve root leading to C5 palsy. Key words: Spinal shifting;  C5 palsy;  PACDS;  Decompression, surgical;  Magnetic resonance imaging;  Spinal cord