A Case of Quadriplegia after Parotidectomy in a Patient with Asymptomatic Cervical Spondylosis
10.3342/kjorl-hns.2018.00402
- Author:
Min Jun SHIN
1
;
Hyun Gi SOHN
;
Jung On LEE
;
Yong Jin SONG
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea. yjsong.yjs@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
2019;62(7):413-415
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Cervical spondylosis is a common degenerative disease of the cervical spine affecting the cervical vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs. During parotidectomy, the patient is placed in a supine position with the neck extended and head rotated to the contralateral side. This position could exacerbate pre-existing cervical spondylosis and cause cervical myelopathy. We present a case of postoperative quadriplegia secondary to cervical myelopathy after parotidectomy. A 68-year-old man without symptoms of cervical spondylosis underwent partial parotidectomy for a right parotid mass and subsequently developed quadriplegia 8 hours postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed severe cervical myelopathy. Emergency laminoplasty was performed, and steroid therapy was initiated. He showed near-complete recovery six months later.
