Objective:

To present a rare case of C5 nerve root palsy following corrective surgery for severe congenital cervicothoracic scoliosis and explore its unique pathogenesis and treatment strategy.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• C5 nerve root palsy developed postoperatively on day 7 with decreased left deltoid strength.
• CT imaging excluded direct implant impingement and laminectomy, ruling out classic posterior cord drift.
• Dynamic foraminal stenosis due to excessive traction through the C5 pedicle screw was identified as the mechanism for C5 palsy, highlighting the significance of imaging studies.

Interpretation:

Iatrogenic alteration of foraminal geometry during cervical deformity surgeries can lead to C5 nerve root palsy, underscoring the need for careful surgical technique and awareness of this novel mechanism.

Limitations:

• Single case report limits generalizability of findings.
• Lack of long-term follow-up data on neurological recovery.
• Absence of comparative cases to further assess the findings.

Conclusion:

Surgeons should avoid overtightening screws during rod reduction to prevent C5 palsy; conservative treatment typically results in favorable outcomes, emphasizing the importance of surgical technique.

Attribution Notice

This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.