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Bilateral vocal cord paralysis after anterior cervical discoidectomy and fusion in a case of whiplash cervical spine injury: a case report.
- Source :
-
Surgical neurology [Surg Neurol] 2000 Jun; Vol. 53 (6), pp. 586-8. - Publication Year :
- 2000
-
Abstract
- Background: Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a risk of anterior cervical discoidectomy and fusion. We discuss the mechanism of vocal cord paralysis and the precautions necessary to avoid this catastrophic complication. A rare case of bilateral vocal cord paralysis after anterior cervical discoidectomy and fusion (ACD/F) is reported.<br />Case Description: The patient, a 37-year-old male, was paraplegic, had bilateral intrinsic hand muscle weakness and sphincter involvement following a whiplash cervical spinal injury. A C5-C6 ACD/F for traumatic C5-C6 disc prolapse was performed. On the third postoperative day, he developed difficulty in coughing and a husky voice. Otolaryngological evaluation revealed bilateral vocal cord paralysis. He later required a tracheostomy that partially alleviated his major symptoms.<br />Conclusion: In patients undergoing ACD/F, a mandatory preoperative evaluation of the vocal cords should be performed. An appropriate modification in surgical planning should be made if vocal cord palsy is diagnosed preoperatively to prevent bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Proper and judicious use of Cloward retractors is advocated.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Humans
Male
Severity of Illness Index
Tracheostomy methods
Vocal Cord Paralysis diagnosis
Vocal Cord Paralysis surgery
Cervical Vertebrae surgery
Diskectomy methods
Spinal Fusion methods
Spinal Injuries complications
Spinal Injuries surgery
Vocal Cord Paralysis etiology
Whiplash Injuries complications
Whiplash Injuries surgery
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0090-3019
- Volume :
- 53
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Surgical neurology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 10940428
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/s0090-3019(00)00245-7