J Korean Neurotraumatol Soc.  2006 Dec;2(2):124-127. 10.13004/jknts.2006.2.2.124.

Monoplegia after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Case Report

• Choi KS
• Jang IT
• Park HK
• Sheen YC
• Lim JH

• KMID: 2162979
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13004/jknts.2006.2.2.124

Abstract

Spinal cord injury is one of the complications of the anterior cervical surgery. Motor weakness is occurred as a result of spinal cord injury and most of the motor weaknesses are accompanied by sensory deficit. We experienced a case of monoplegia of the lower extremity without sensory deficit after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). A 36-year-old male patient had multiple cervical disc protrusion at C4-5, 5-6 and 6-7. He had no neurologic deficit. Monoplegia was developed at the early postoperative period of ACDF. Reoperation was performed, but a definite spinal cord compression was not showed on operative field. We thought that spinal cord ischemia was the cause of monoplegia and was related to the operative posture of the hyperextension of the neck and poor blood supply to the spinal cord. A case of monoplegia without sensory deficit has not been reported. Therefore, we discuss the pathophysiology of monoplegia without sensory deficit.

Keyword

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion; Monoplegia; Spinal cord ischemia

MeSH Terms

Adult
Diskectomy*
Hemiplegia*
Humans
Lower Extremity
Male
Neck
Neurologic Manifestations
Postoperative Period
Posture
Reoperation
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord Compression
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal Cord Ischemia