Postoperative Rare Presentation of Ventral Cervical Cord Herniation: A Case Report

Abstract

Cervical spinal cord herniation is a rare occurrence and is usually seen after C3-C5 fusion with C4 corpectomy using a posterior approach. Herniation in the cervical spine with an anterior approach is unusual and has only been reported in a few cases. Hereby, a case of a 53-year-old male who underwent C3-C5 fusion with C4 corpectomy for Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine is reported. Following surgery, the patient deteriorated, leading to re-exploration. Delayed postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) shows ventral cord herniation with an anterior pseudo meningocele. Spinal cord herniation should be considered if neurological deficits occur after C3-C5 fusion with C4 corpectomy.

Keywords

• cervical spine
• ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament
• surgery