Journal of Spine

Delayed C5 Palsy after Laminectomy and Fusion for Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Abstract

Darryl Lau and Paul Park

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can cause myelopathy. Laminectomy with fusion is one surgical option for the treatment of symptomatic OPLL. In this report, we present 2 illustrative cases of unilateral C5 palsy occurring in a delayed manner after posterior decompression for OPLL. Both patients were successfully treated with conservative management. incidence, potential etiology, management and outcomes for this potentially debilitating complication are reviewed.