Quiz Form

Question Date: 05/08/2023

Question: Which of the following surgical complications is more common with a posterior cervical surgical approach than with an anterior cervical surgical approach?

Options:

• CSF leak
• Dysphagia
• Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy
• Transient weakness in the distribution of the C5 nerve root

Correct Answer: Transient weakness in the distribution of the C5 nerve root

Explaination: CSF leak, dysphagia, and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occur more commonly with the anterior surgical approach, whereas transient weakness in the distribution of the C5 nerve root, exacerbation of subluxation, and increased neck pain are more common with posterior approaches. Bleeding and infection occur with both anterior and posterior approaches.

Reference: Page 59 , Tavee JO, Levin KH. Myelopathy due to degenerative and structural spine diseases. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2015 Feb21(1 Spinal Cord Disorders)52-66. doi 10.121201.CON.0000461084.71618.35. PMID 25651217.