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

Objective To explore the clinical features,treatment and prognosis of the C_5 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 C_5 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 C_5 palsy recovered within 2 weeks to 6 months. Conclusion The C_5 palsy can develop either anterior decompression or posterior open-door laminoplasty of cervical spondylosis. Generally speaking, patients with postoperative C_5 palsy can be cured by conserative measures. And prognosis is good.