Superior Laryngeal Nerve Palsy After Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion: A Case Report and Cadaveric Description.
Journal
Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.)
ISSN: 2332-4260
Titre abrégé: Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown)
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 101635417
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
01 08 2022
01 08 2022
Historique:
received:
15
09
2021
accepted:
06
03
2022
entrez:
15
7
2022
pubmed:
16
7
2022
medline:
20
7
2022
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) injury after high cervical dissection can result in changes in vocal pitch due to cricothyroid denervation and dysphagia with aspiration risk because of decreased sensation of the supraglottic larynx. We describe a 69-year-old singer with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent elective C3/4 and C4/5 anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion. Postoperatively, the patient reported changes in his voice, most noticeable with higher registers. A number of studies confirmed severe right superior laryngeal neuropathy. A cadaveric description included to highlight anatomic relationships critical in minimizing risk of SLN injury during an anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion approach. The SLN is a critical structure vulnerable to iatrogenic injury during high cervical dissections for anterior approaches to the spine. Therefore, it is critical for spine surgeons to have a firm understanding of SLN anatomy for these approaches.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE
Superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) injury after high cervical dissection can result in changes in vocal pitch due to cricothyroid denervation and dysphagia with aspiration risk because of decreased sensation of the supraglottic larynx.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
We describe a 69-year-old singer with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent elective C3/4 and C4/5 anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion. Postoperatively, the patient reported changes in his voice, most noticeable with higher registers. A number of studies confirmed severe right superior laryngeal neuropathy. A cadaveric description included to highlight anatomic relationships critical in minimizing risk of SLN injury during an anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion approach.
CONCLUSION
The SLN is a critical structure vulnerable to iatrogenic injury during high cervical dissections for anterior approaches to the spine. Therefore, it is critical for spine surgeons to have a firm understanding of SLN anatomy for these approaches.
Identifiants
pubmed: 35838480
doi: 10.1227/ons.0000000000000276
pii: 01787389-202208000-00035
doi:
Types de publication
Case Reports
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
e152-e155Informations de copyright
Copyright © Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2022. All rights reserved.
Références
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