Complication Of Cervical Spine Surgery Research Articles

C5 palsy following esophageal diverticulum resection

Background: C5 palsy (C5P) is a recognized potential postoperative complication of cervical spine surgery but has rarely been reported following an open esophageal diverticulectomy. Methods: A 61-year-old underwent an open esophageal diverticulectomy for symptomatic Zencker’s diverticulum. Results: Postoperatively, she presented with right upper extremity weakness and sensory deficits consistent with a C5P that was later confirmed by electromyography. Conclusion: The potential for C5P after esophageal diverticulectomy for symptomatic Zencker’s diverticulum is rare. Postoperative recognition and appropriate management are critical to recovery.

A rare case of phrenic nerve palsy after cervical spine surgery

Abstract Phrenic nerve palsy is a rare complication of cervical spine surgery. There are very few previously reported cases of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis following posterior cervical spine surgery. We present a case of a 61-year-old man with cervical canal stenosis and myelopathy for which we performed C3–C6 laminectomy and lateral mass screw fixation. Postoperatively the patient developed right C5 palsy affecting his deltoid function which gradually improved. The patient developed respiratory distress postoperatively and was found to have an elevated hemidiaphragm secondary to phrenic nerve palsy. He was treated with respiratory support, with significant improvement in dyspnea. It is a very rare case of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis causing dyspnea due to phrenic nerve palsy following cervical spine surgery. This rare complication should be kept in mind when assessing any patient with respiratory distress following cervical spine surgery.

Feasibility and Efficacy of the Newly Developed Robotic Hybrid Assistive Limb Shoulder Exercises in Patients with C5 Palsy during the Acute Postoperative Phase.

Background and Objectives: Although postoperative C5 palsy is a frequent complication of cervical spine surgery, no effective therapeutic rehabilitation approach has been established for postoperative C5 palsy. The purpose of this study was to find evidence confirming the effectiveness and feasibility of robotic Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) shoulder exercises for C5 palsy. Materials and Methods: In this before-after, uncontrolled case series clinical study, we performed a mean of 11.7 shoulder training sessions using a shoulder HAL immediately after the onset of C5 palsy in seven shoulders of six patients who developed postoperative C5 palsy and had difficulty raising their shoulder during the acute postoperative phase of cervical spine surgery. Shoulder HAL training was introduced as early as possible after evaluating the general condition of all inpatients who developed C5 palsy. Patients underwent shoulder abduction training using shoulder HAL on an inpatient and outpatient basis at 2-week or 1-month intervals. Adverse events associated with shoulder HAL training were investigated. The shoulder abduction angle and power without the shoulder HAL were evaluated before shoulder HAL usage, at every subsequent session, and upon completion of all sessions. Results: Severe adverse events due to shoulder HAL training were not reported. After completion of all shoulder HAL sessions, all patients showed improved shoulder elevation, while shoulder abduction angle and power improved over time. Conclusions: Shoulder elevation training with HAL in patients in the acute stage of postoperative C5 palsy has the potential to demonstrate improvement in shoulder joint function with a low risk of developing severe adverse events.

Temporal analysis of complication rates of cervical spine surgery for degenerative spine disease between younger and older cohorts using the CSORN registry: Is age just a number?

An ambispective review of consecutive cervical spine surgery patients enrolled in the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network (CSORN) between January 2015 and September 2019. To compare complication rates of degenerative cervical spine surgery over time between older (> 65) and younger age groups (< 65). More elderly people are having spinal surgery. Few studies have examined the temporal nature of complications of cervical spine surgery by patient age groups. Adverse events were collected prospectively using adverse event forms. Binary logistic regression analysis was utilized to assess associations between risk modifiers and adverse events at the intra-, peri-operative and 3 months post-surgery. Of the 761 patients studied (age < 65, n = 581 (76.3%) and 65 + n = 180 (23.7%), the intra-op adverse events were not significantly different; < 65 = 19 (3.3%) vs 65 + = 11 (6.1%), p < 0.087. Peri-operatively, the < 65 group had significantly lower percentage of adverse events (65yrs (11.2%) vs. 65 + = (26.1%), p < 0.001). There were no differences in rates of adverse events at 3months post-surgery (< 65 = 39 (6.7%) vs. 65 + = 12 (6.7%), p < 0.983). Less blood loss (OR = 0.99, p < 0.010) and shorter length of hospital stay (OR = 0.97, p < 0.025) were associated with not having intra-op adverse events. Peri-operatively, > 1 operated level (OR = 1.77, p < 0.041), shorter length of hospital stay (OR = 0.86, p < 0.001) and being younger than 65years (OR = 2.11, p < 0.006) were associated with not having adverse events. Following degenerative cervical spine surgery, the older and younger age groups had significantly different complication rates at peri-operative time points, and the intra-operative and 3-month post-operative complication rates were similar in the groups.

Defining postoperative C5 palsy and recovery: a systematic review.

Postoperative C5 palsy (C5P) is a well-recognized and often-delayed complication of cervical spine surgery. Most patients recover within 6 months of onset, but the prognosis of severe cases is poor. The clinical significance and natural history of mild versus severe C5P appear to differ substantially, but palsy severity and recovery have been poorly characterized in the literature. Owing to the varying prognoses and expanding treatment options such as nerve transfer surgery to reconstruct the C5 myotome, this systematic review attempted to describe how C5P severity is classified and how C5P and its recovery are defined, with the aim of proposing a postoperative C5P scale to support clinical decision-making. PubMed was searched for articles in English published since 2000 that offer a clear definition of postoperative C5P or its recovery. Only articles reporting exclusively on C5 palsy for patients undergoing surgery for degenerative disease were included. A single reviewer screened titles and abstracts and reviewed the full text of relevant articles, with consultation as needed from a second reviewer. Data collected included postoperative C5P definitions, classification of C5P severity, and definition and/or classification of C5P recovery. Qualitative analysis was performed. Full-text reviews were conducted of 98 of 272 articles identified and screened, and 43 met the inclusion criteria. Postoperative C5P was most commonly defined as a reduction in deltoid muscle strength by ≥ 1 grade using manual muscle testing (MMT), with potential biceps involvement also noted by some studies. The few studies that stratified C5P on the basis of severity unanimously characterized severe C5P as MMT grade ≤ 2. Nine studies reported on C5P recovery. Deltoid muscle strength improvement of MMT grade 5 commonly defined complete recovery, with no MMT improvement considered partial recovery. This review identified clear discrepancies in the definitions of C5P and its recovery, leading to heterogeneity in its evaluation and management. With the emergence of therapeutic procedures for severe C5P, standardization of the definitions of C5P and its recovery is critical. The authors propose MMT grades of 4, 3, and ≤ 2 to classify C5P as mild, moderate, and severe, respectively, and grades of 5, 4, and 3 to classify recovery as complete, sufficient, and useful, respectively.

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT IN NEUROANESTHESIA.

Neurosurgical patients have specific airway management. Various conditions and diagnoses make intubation difficult and may also cause neurological damage. Spinal pathology, neurotrauma, cervical spine surgery, and pituitary gland surgery are just some examples. The aim of this review article is to present a broad spectrum of neurosurgical operations and potential complications in maintaining airway patency related to these issues. Quality perioperative preparation is a prerequisite to avoid the potentially irreversible consequences of difficult airways with a poor neurological or even fatal outcome. Patients with tumors of the pituitary region who present with Cushing's disease are prone to difficult ventilation, tracheal obstruction and difficult intubation. Awake craniotomy is also a challenge for the anesthesiologist, given that access to the airway is problematic due to the fixed frame. Unstable cervical spine occurs in cases of rheumatoid arthritis or blunt trauma, requiring precautions to be taken with spinal stabilization during intubation and induction. Pharyngeal edema and hematomas, possible complications of cervical spine surgery can endanger airway patency after extubation; postoperative patient supervision is thus required. Due to the potential threat to the patient's airway during neurosurgical procedures, quality anesthetic preoperative preparation is necessary to avoid irreversible damage and death.

Relationship between smoking and postoperative complications of cervical spine surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To determine whether smoking has adverse effects on postoperative complications following spine cervical surgery (PROSPERO 2021: CRD42021269648). We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science through 13 July 2021 for cohort and case–control studies that investigated the effect of smoking on postoperative complications after cervical spine surgery. Two researchers independently screened the studies and extracted data according to the selection criteria. The meta-analysis included 43 studies, including 27 case–control studies and 16 cohort studies, with 10,020 patients. Pooled estimates showed that smoking was associated with overall postoperative complications (effect estimate [ES] = 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.62–2.44, p < 0.0001), respiratory complications (ES = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.62–4.49, p < 0.0001), reoperation (ES = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.50–2.81, p < 0.0001), dysphagia (ES = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.06–2.10, p = 0.022), wound infection (ES = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.62–6.36, p = 0.001), and axial neck pain (ES = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.25–3.12, p = 0.003). There were no significant differences between the smoking and nonsmoking groups in terms of fusion (ES = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94–1.00, p = 0.0097), operation time (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.08, 95% CI: −5.54 to 5.71, p = 0.977), estimated blood loss (WMD = −5.31, 95% CI: −148.83 to 139.22, p = 0.943), length of hospital stay (WMD = 1.01, 95% CI: −2.17 to 4.20, p = 0.534), Visual Analog Scale-neck pain score (WMD = −0.19, 95% CI: −1.19 to 0.81, p = 0.707), Visual Analog Scale-arm pain score (WMD = −0.50, 95% CI: −1.53 to 0.53, p = 0.343), Neck Disability Index score (WMD = 11.46, 95% CI: −3.83 to 26.76, p = 0.142), or Japanese Orthopedic Association Scores (WMD = −1.75, 95% CI: −5.27 to 1.78, p = 0.332). Compared with nonsmokers, smokers seem to be more significantly associated with overall complications, respiratory complications, reoperation, longer hospital stay, dysphagia, wound infection and axial neck pain after cervical spine surgery. It is essential to provide timely smoking cessation advice and explanation to patients before elective cervical spine surgery.

Surgical Apgar Score and Controlling Nutritional Status Score are significant predictors of major complications after cervical spine surgery

Nutritional screening scores, including Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score and Surgical Apgar Score (SAS), which reflect intraoperative hemodynamics, have been reported to be useful for predicting major postoperative complications in various kinds of surgery. We assessed independent risk factors for major complications after cervical spine surgery using those scoring measurements. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who underwent cervical spine surgery at our institution from 2014 to 2019. Baseline clinical information, including the CONUT Score, and surgical factors, including the SAS, were assessed as risk factors for major postoperative complications. We analyzed 261 patients. Major postoperative complications occurred in 40 cases (15.3%). In the multivariate analysis, SAS (odds ratio [OR], 0.42; P < 0.01), CONUT (OR, 1.39; P < 0.01), and operative time (OR, 1.42; P < 0.01) were significant independent risk factors of major complications. The area under the SAS curve was 0.852 in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Postoperative hospitalization duration was significantly longer in major complications group. Evaluating preoperative nutritional condition and intraoperative hemodynamics with CONUT score and SAS was useful for predicting major postoperative complications of cervical spine surgery. In addition, both scoring measurements are easily calculated, objective evaluations. Perioperative management utilizing those scoring measurements may help prevent them.

Managing Tetraplegia with Blindness: Rehabilitation Approach

Background and aim: Spinal cord injury, especially tetraplegia, would severely disable an individual. The rare postoperative complication of cervical spine surgery, which caused bilateral blindness, would be catastrophic to a tetraplegic patient. Methods: A 60-year-old man sustained traumatic cervical cord injury (C2 AIS C) and underwent cervical decompression with dome laminoplasty of C3 – C6. He, unfortunately, developed bilateral central retinal artery occlusion, a rare postoperative complication leading to bilateral visual loss. Approximately 1-month post-injury, he was admitted to a rehabilitation ward with impairments of incomplete tetraplegia, non-perception of light in both eyes, orthostatic hypotension, neurogenic bladder, neurogenic bowel, neuropathic pain, multiple pressure injuries, and adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Results: Although the patient required caregiver assistance in most activities, functional improvement was observed by teaching him to incorporate other intact senses such as proprioception, stereognosis, and auditory sense. After 4 weeks of rehabilitation, the patient improved to C4 AIS D. His bed mobility required minimal assistance, transferred with the assistance of one person, was able to feed and groom with an assistive device. The rehabilitation process was complicated because the patient could not actively participate in therapy without assistance from his caregiver due to bilateral blindness and reduced sensation over all his limbs despite having adequate motor power for acquiring a certain level of independence in mobility and self-care. When vision loss presents together with sensory impairments, the impact of disability multiplies. Orientation and Mobility (O&amp;M) training and sensory education were further strengthened with repeated verbal instructions to compensate for the loss of visual and sensory feedback to help the patient regain mobility and daily living skills. Three months post-rehabilitation, he was able to perform stand transfer with a walking frame under close supervision. Conclusion: Although total blindness with tetraplegia has severely disabled the patient, O&amp;M strategies with remaining intact senses can be used to facilitate functional improvement.

Morphology of cervical periradicular fibrous sheath and nerve roots in relation to postoperative C5 palsy

Background ContextC5 palsy is a major complication of cervical spine surgery, however, its exact pathogenesis remains unclear. Some studies have shown that the superficial layer of the posterior longitudinal ligament extends laterally and forms the periradicular fibrous sheath (PFS), and envelopes the nerve roots. However, the anatomical relationship between the PFS and nerve root at each cervical level has not been fully revealed. PurposeTo examine the difference of the PFS that covers the nerve root at each cervical level, and to consider its potential in the onset of postoperative C5 palsy. Study DesignAnatomical study of cervical dissection of 13 embalmed cadavers. MethodsThirteen human formalin-fixed cadavers were dissected from posterior approach, and were observed their cervical nerves bilaterally from C3 to C8 (the total number of nerves was 156). The bare area length (BAL), which is the distance between the medial posterior edge of the PFS and the bifurcation of the nerve and dura mater, was measured by using electronic calipers. Thus, BAL is the uncovered area of the nerve root by the PFS. We examined whether BAL significantly varied at each cervical level. ResultsWe confirmed the PFS macro- and/or microanatomically in all cadavers. The average BAL gradually increased craniocaudally, and there was a significant step between that of C5 and C6 level. ConclusionThe average BAL of the C5 root was significantly shorter than that of C6, C7, and C8, suggesting that C5 root was more tightly anchored. This could be one reason for C5 palsy, making C5 nerve root vulnerable to the traction caused by the postoperative spinal cord shift. Clinical SignificanceThis study provides clinicians an additional understanding of the anatomical factor of C5 palsy. Consideration of the anchoring effect of the PFS for nerve roots, release of the PFS could be a preventive procedure for C5 palsy.

Association Between C5 Palsy and the Anterior Decompression Procedures, Corpectomy and Discectomy.

This is a retrospective study. The aim was to evaluate the influence of various decompression procedures on the incidence of C5 palsy (C5P). C5P is a well-known but unsolved complication of cervical spine surgery. Among anterior cervical decompressive procedures, both corpectomy and discectomy are important surgical methods, whose effects on the incidence of C5P are unknown. We retrospectively analyzed 818 patients (529 men; mean age: 59.2±11.6 y) who underwent anterior cervical decompression and fusion. The surgical choice to use corpectomy, discectomy, or hybrid decompression was based on standard treatment strategies depending on local compressive pathology and presenting clinical symptoms. We introduced an original "decompression combination score" as a means of quantifying the effects of the procedures on the development of C5P. The scores were based on the relative severity of various risk factors associated with the eventual development of C5P and were assigned as follows: C4 corpectomy, 1 point; C5 corpectomy, 1 point; C3 corpectomy successive to C4 corpectomy, 0.5 point; C6 or C7 corpectomy successive to C5 corpectomy, 0.5 point; C4/5 discectomy, 0.5 point; discectomy at another segment, 0 point. Each patient's decompression combination score was then comprised of the sum of these points. C5P occurred in 55 (47 men, mean age: 65.7±8.7 y) of the 818 (6.7%) patients. A larger number of operated disc segments was significantly associated with C5P. Higher decompression combination score was significantly associated with C5P. Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex, higher decompression combination score, and older age were significant risk factors. Corpectomy increased the incidence of C5P, while discectomy decreased the risk. The lower incidence of postoperative C5P after discectomy may be because of minimizing tethering effect to the C5 nerve root. As a preventive measure against C5P, corpectomy should be avoided, while discectomy is recommended as much as possible. Levels of Evidence: Step IV-Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011.

Computed tomographic angiography to analyze dangerous vertebral artery anomalies at the craniovertebral junction in patients with basilar invagination

ObjectiveFailure to detect dangerous anatomic vertebral artery anomalies (AVAAs) and dangerous functional vertebral artery anomalies (FVAAs) at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) in patients with basilar invagination (BI) can result in major complications such as intraoperative vertebral artery injury, brain infarctions, and even death. Iatrogenic vertebral artery injury is a rare but severe complication of cervical spine surgery. We aimed to evaluate dangerous vertebral artery anomalies at the CVJ in patients with BI using computed tomographic angiography (CTA). MethodsCTA images of 61 BI patients were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate AVAAs and FVAAs at the CVJ. Dangerous AVAAs include a persistent first intersegmental artery (FIA), fenestration of the vertebral artery (FEN), and posterior inferior cerebellar artery with an extradural C1/2 origin (PICA-C1/2). Dangerous FVAAs include a dominant vertebral artery (DVA) and hypoplastic vertebral artery ending in the PICA (HVA-PICA) without joining the basilar artery. ResultsOverall, 31 female and 30 male patients (mean age, 42.3 years) were included. The incidences of FIA, FEN, and PICA-C1/2 were 29.5 % (18/61), 3.3 % (2/61), and 3.3 % (2/61), respectively, whereas the incidences of DVA and HVA-PICA were 36.1 % (22/61) and 1.65 % (1/61), respectively. ConclusionDangerous vertebral artery anomalies at the CVJ have a high incidence in patients with BI. Preoperative CTA is highly recommended in such patients to identify anomalous vertebral arteries and reduce the risk of intraoperative injury.

Phrenic nerve palsy after cervical laminectomy and fusion

BackgroundPhrenic nerve palsy is a rare complication of cervical spine surgery. There are no previously reported cases of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis following posterior cervical spine surgery. Here, we present a case of a 69 year-old Caucasian male with severe cervical stenosis with myelopathy who underwent posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion (PSIF) from C2 to T2, with laminectomies at C3-C7. OutcomeThe patient developed respiratory distress post-operatively and was found to have an elevated hemidiaphragm secondary to phrenic nerve palsy. He was treated with respiratory support, with significant improvement in dyspnea. He was also noted to have a left C5 palsy affecting his deltoid function and proximal upper extremity sensation which gradually improved. ConclusionsThis is the first reported case of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis causing dyspnea due to phrenic nerve palsy following cervical spine surgery. This rare complication should be kept in mind when assessing any patient with respiratory distress following cervical spine surgery.

123. Residual foraminal stenosis and increasing levels decompressed are risk factors for postoperative C5 palsy

BACKGROUND CONTEXT C5 palsy stands as a known but poorly understood complication of cervical spine surgery with rates reported as high as 30%. Although there are multiple studies presenting different risk factors, variability in findings have led to controversy in the etiology of postoperative C5 palsy. PURPOSE To evaluate factors that predispose a patient to developing C5 palsy following cervical spine surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective review of a large single center academic institution. PATIENT SAMPLE This study included 239 cervical spinal procedures from 2013 to 2018. OUTCOME MEASURES Patient demographics, surgical procedure and approach, perioperative clinical characteristics, postoperative rate of C5 palsy, C5 palsy resolution, and radiographic outcomes. METHODS Patients ≥18 years of age who underwent cervical spinal surgery including the C4/C5 level, with minimum 1-year follow-up were included. C5 palsy was defined as deltoid +/- bicep weakness with Modified Rankin Scale grading at least 1 point below baseline (BL). Characteristics studied include: demographics, surgical procedure and approach (decompression and/or fusion). Radiographic analyses of MRI and CT measurements of foramen dimensions and spinal cord drift at BL and follow-up were performed. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square analysis, and multivariate logistic regression to determine independent predictive factors. A receiver operating characteristic curve was run to determine the cutoff levels for predictive factors. Significance set at p RESULTS A total of 239 patients were included, with a C5 palsy rate of 6.3% for all cases. Subjects that developed C5 palsy were older (64.67±8.61 vs 57.56±11.61, p=0.021), had more levels decompressed posteriorly (3.20±1.82 vs 1.12±1.74, p CONCLUSIONS C5 palsy following cervical spine surgery is correlated with residual postoperative foraminal stenosis and posterior surgery with increasing number levels decompressed. Patients undergoing more than 3.5 level laminectomy with less than 2.625mm foramen width postoperatively are at highest risk of developing C5 palsy. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Patterns of neurological deficits and recovery of postoperative C5 nerve palsy.

Paresis of the C5 nerve is a well-recognized complication of cervical spine surgery. Numerous studies have investigated its incidence and possible causes, but the specific pattern and character of neurological deficits, time course, and relationship to preoperative cord signal changes remain incompletely understood. Records of patients undergoing cervical decompressive surgery for spondylosis, disc herniation, or ossification of the longitudinal ligament, including the C4-5 level, were reviewed from a 15-year period, identifying C5 palsy cases. Data collected included age, sex, diabetes and smoking statuses, body mass index, surgical levels, approach, presence of increased cord signal intensity, and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores. Narrative descriptions of the patterns and findings on neurological examination were reviewed, and complications were noted. The minimum follow-up requirement for the study was 12 months. Of 642 patients who underwent cervical decompressive surgery, 18 developed C5 palsy (2.8%). The incidence was significantly lower following anterior surgery (6 of 441 [1.4%]) compared with that following cervical laminectomy and fusion (12 of 201 [6.0%]) (p < 0.001). There were 10 men and 8 women whose mean age was 66.7 years (range 54-76 years). The mean preoperative mJOA score of 11.4 improved to 15.6 at the latest follow-up examination. There were no differences between those with and without C5 palsy with regard to sex, age, number of levels treated, or pre- or postoperative mJOA score. Fifteen patients with palsy (83%) had signal changes/myelomalacia on preoperative T2-weighted imaging, compared with 436 of 624 (70%) patients without palsy; however, looking specifically at the C4-5 level, signal change/myelomalacia was present in 12 of 18 (67%) patients with C5 palsy, significantly higher than in the 149 of 624 (24%) patients without palsy (p < 0.00003). Paresis was unilateral in 16 (89%) and bilateral in 2 (11%) patients. All had deltoid weakness, but 15 (83%) exhibited new biceps weakness, 8 (44%) had triceps weakness, and 2 (11%) had hand intrinsic muscle weakness. The mean time until onset of palsy was 4.6 days (range 2-14 days). Two patients (11%) complained of shoulder pain preceding weakness; 3 patients (17%) had sensory loss. Recovery to grade 4/5 deltoid strength occurred in 89% of the patients. No patient had intraoperative loss of somatosensory or motor evoked potentials or abnormal intraoperative C5 electromyography activity. Postoperative C5 nerve root dysfunction appears in a delayed fashion, is predominantly a motor deficit, and weakness is frequently appreciated in the biceps and triceps muscles in addition to the deltoid muscle. Preoperative cord signal change/myelomalacia at C4-5 was a significant risk factor. No patient had a detectable deficit in the immediate postoperative period or changes in intraoperative neuromonitoring status. Neurological recovery to at least that of grade 4/5 occurred in nearly 90% of the patients.

Pharyngo-Esophageal Perforations After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: Management and Outcomes

To report about the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and postoperative management of pharyngo-esophageal perforations (PEPs) after anterior cervical spine (ACS) surgery in 17 patients. A retrospective multicenter case series of patients surgically treated for PEP after ACS surgery was performed. Data regarding cervical spine pathology and surgery, comorbidities, diagnosis and surgical management of PEP, airway management, antibiotic therapy, postoperative course, and feeding route after repair surgery at discharge and last follow-up were collected. Seventeen patients were included in the study, for a total of 22 surgical procedures for PEP repair. Seven PEPs (41%) had early onset, whereas 10 (59%) were delayed. All patients underwent PEP surgical repair through an anterior prevascular retrovisceral cervicotomic approach, consisting of multiple layer sutures of the perforation, with flap interposition. Despite the challenging management of these patients, 16 of 17 patients from our series restored oral feeding. PEPs are among the most appalling complications of cervical spine surgery. Because of their rarity and heterogeneous presentation, a standardized management is difficult to define. From our experience with the largest case series in the literature, a multidisciplinary approach is advisable to deal with these patients.

P91 PHARYNGO-OESOPHAGEAL PERFORATION FOLLOWING CERVICAL SPINE SURGERY: A SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCE

Abstract Aim Pharyngo-oesophageal perforation is a rare, life-threatening complication of cervical spine surgery. Only isolated cases are reported in the English literature and correct management of these patients remains poorly defined. The aim of this study is to review our experience to better clarify the appropriate treatment of this dreadful complication. Background and Methods Data regarding demographics, clinical course, diagnosis, management and outcomes of 13 patients (8 M, 5F, mean age 49 years) with oesophageal perforation after cervical spine surgery were collected during the period from 2002 to 2019. Results Pharyngo-oesophageal perforation occurred at a median of 8 days (range 0-4745 days) after cervical spine surgery. Clinical manifestations included neck abscess in 7 cases, fever in 3 cases, dysphagia and regurgitation in 3 cases. In 2 patients conservative management with fasting and antibiotics was attempted but, in both cases, a subsequent surgical intervention was required. All patients underwent surgical treatment. A step-up approach with initial surgical drainage of a purulent cervical collection was performed in 7 patients, delaying definitive surgery after resolution of cervical infection. Definitive surgical treatment with total or partial removal of spine fixation devices, autologous bone graft insertion or plate/cage replacement, anatomical suture of the fistula and suture line reinforcement with myoplasty (either with sternocleidomastoid or pectoralis major muscle flap) was performed in 10 patients. Perforation recurred in two cases, requiring further surgical management. At a median follow-up of 23 months (range 5-149 months) all patients exhibited permanent resolution of the perforation. Conclusions Pharyngo-oesophageal perforation following cervical spine surgery is a rare but dreadful complication: prompt recognition and treatment of these injuries is critical to minimize morbidity and mortality. Partial or total removal of the fixation devices, direct suture of the oesophageal defect and coverage with tissue flaps seems to be an effective surgical approach in these patients.

281. C5 palsy and neurological complications after cervical spine surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Neurologic complications of cervical spine surgery include C5 palsy, monoplegia, paraplegia and quadriplegia and can have significant impact on quality of life. C5 palsy has a reported incidence of 0-30% with few well-established risk factors. Postoperative cervical spine iatrogenic monoplegia, paraplegia and quadriplegia have little literature supporting their incidence. The Charlson Comorbidity Index is a measure of comorbidity in patients that is associated with surgical outcomes. PURPOSE The objective of this study was to identify the incidence and risk factors for severe neurological complications including C5 palsy after cervical spine surgery using a nationwide patient database. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective database study. PATIENT SAMPLE Patients from the Humana national database who underwent cervical spine surgery between 2007 and 2016. OUTCOME MEASURES Neurological complications, CCI, patient demographics. METHODS The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9), The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10), and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify and evaluate patients from the Humana national database for neurological complications following posterior fusion cervical spine surgery, anterior fusion cervical spine surgery, laminectomy/laminotomy of the cervical spine, and artificial disc replacement of the cervical spine. Neurological complications were evaluated over a 14-day postoperative period. Using Chi-squared testing, complication incidences and relative risk ratios were calculated with respect to type of cervical spine surgery, CCI, patient age, and patient sex. RESULTS A total of 45,373 patients from the Humana database fit the inclusion criteria for cervical spine surgery. Of these, 732 (1.61%) patients experienced a neurological complication within 14 days after cervical spine surgery. C5 palsy had an incidence of 0.06% across all cervical spine surgeries (29 of 45,373 patients). A CCI >3 had a 5.44 times relative risk for any neurological complication (RR: 5.44; 95% CI: 4.70 - 6.30; p CONCLUSIONS Patients who underwent cervical spine surgery and had a CCI > 3 were at a significantly increased relative risk for neurological complications including C5 palsy within 14 days after surgery. Compared to female patients, male patients had a statistically significant increased incidence in neurological complications, but no significant increase in incidence for C5 palsy. Posterior fusion cervical spine surgery had the highest incidence of neurological complications. Age was correlated with greater incidence of neurological complications. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Cervical spine surgery complicated by postoperative Guillain-Barré syndrome

Abstract Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an idiopathic, immune-mediated attack of the peripheral nervous system, with patients most commonly presenting with bilateral, ascending weakness, and loss of deep tendon reflexes. Considered an extremely rare post-operative complication, particularly in cervical spine patients, we report a unique case of GBS following anterior cervical spine surgery. The patient is a 65-year-old male with no relevant prior medical or surgical history who presented with right arm weakness and stiffness. After decompression and fusion via an anterior approach, the patient was discharged two days later without incident. On post-operative day 8, the patient returned to the hospital with profound weakness in the bilateral lower extremities. Subsequent cerebrospinal fluid analysis and nerve conduction studies revealed albuminocytologic dissociation and axonal polyneuropathy, respectively. The patient was diagnosed with GBS and was promptly treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). At 5-month follow-up, the patient returned to his pre-operative baseline and exhibited full strength in the lower extremities. GBS is an extremely rare post-operative complication of cervical spine surgery and needs to be identified quickly in patients presenting with post-operative sensorimotor changes to improve the natural history of the disease.

Dysphagia following C1 laminectomy and posterior atlantoaxial fixation for retro-odontoid pseudotumor: a case report

Purpose: Although dysphagia is known potential complication of cervical spine surgery, it rarely occurs after a posterior approach. We describe an unusual case of a retro-odontoid pseudotumor that suffered dysphagia following a C1 laminectomy and posterior atlantoaxial fixation.Materials and methods: A 79-year-old man presented with progressive tetraparesis and bladder and bowel dysfunction due to severe compression to cervical cord at C1 from a retro-odontoid pseudotumor. After C1 laminectomy and atlantoaxial fixation, the symptoms improved, but dysphagia and aspiration developed, associated with pharyngeal and esophageal stases on videofluoroscopy.Results and conclusions: Possible explanations for postoperative dysphagia include limitation of cervical spine motion, and cervical cord reperfusion injury in addition to the baseline anterior osteophyte and aging. This is the first case of dysphagia developing after laminectomy and posterior atlantoaxial fixation not involving the occipital bone.