A Case Study and Reassessment of Pathophysiology: C5 Nerve Root Palsy Following Surgical Correction of Severe Congenital Cervicothoracic Scoliosis - Takeaways - MDSpire

A Case Study and Reassessment of Pathophysiology: C5 Nerve Root Palsy Following Surgical Correction of Severe Congenital Cervicothoracic Scoliosis

  • By

  • Bo Zhou

  • Qihui Duan

  • Wenjin Li

  • Li Zhang

  • Tao Li

  • Zhi Zhao

  • Yingsong Wang

  • April 22, 2026

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  • 1

    C5 nerve root palsy can occur post-surgery for congenital cervicothoracic scoliosis, even without laminectomy or direct cord manipulation.

  • 2

    In this case, dynamic foraminal stenosis from corrective maneuvers was identified as the mechanism causing C5 nerve root palsy.

  • 3

    The patient experienced significant improvement in pulmonary function following corrective surgery for severe scoliosis.

  • 4

    Conservative management, including cervical traction and hyperbaric oxygen, led to complete neurological recovery within three months.

  • 5

    Surgeons should avoid overtightening screws during deformity correction to prevent iatrogenic C5 nerve root palsy.

Original Source(s)

A Case Study and Reassessment of Pathophysiology: C5 Nerve Root Palsy Following Surgical Correction of Severe Congenital Cervicothoracic Scoliosis

  • by Bo Zhou, Qihui Duan, Wenjin Li, Li Zhang, Tao Li, Zhi Zhao, Yingsong Wang

  • April 22, 2026

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