Analysis of the pathogenesis of postoperative cervical nerve root palsy

Objective:To explore the causes of postoperative cervical nerve root palsy through analysis of 8 patients' clinical and radiographic data,who experienced postoperative cervical nerve root palsy. Methods:The preoperative and postoperative MRI of the patients with cervical spondylosis and ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament who received cervical surgery were retrospectively analyzed. High signal changes and the spinal back drift backwards were observed. Results:In the 8 patients with cervical nerve root palsy,2 cases had the nerve root palsy phenomenon before the surgery,and it was in the same side before and after the surgery; nerve root palsy was unilateral,3 cases on the left side,5 cases on the right side. 5 patients had preoperative spinal high signal change,1patient came across enlarge of high signal scope and 4 patients did not have obvious change. At 1-year follow-up after the surgery,the improvement of muscle strength of 6 patients came to II level. Conclusions:Cervical nerve root palsy is associated with preoperative spinal cord high signal change,tethering effect caused by postoperative spinal cord drift backwards and preoperative mild nerve root palsy. Therefore,emphasis on the evaluation of preoperative nervous function may be of important reference to predict the occurrence of postoperative nerve root palsy.