Conversion Paralysis After Cervical Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review

Miao Fang; Miao Fang; Jiaojiao Zhou; Yong Zeng; Shishu Huang; Yueming Song

doi:10.3389/fsurg.2022.814498

Frontiers in Surgery (Feb 2022)

Conversion Paralysis After Cervical Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review

Miao Fang,
Miao Fang,
Jiaojiao Zhou,
Yong Zeng,
Shishu Huang,
Yueming Song

Affiliations

Miao Fang: Department of Orthopedics, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
Miao Fang: Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Jiaojiao Zhou: Division of Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Yong Zeng: Department of Orthopedics, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
Shishu Huang: Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Yueming Song: Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2022.814498
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 9

Abstract

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We report a case of conversion paralysis triggered by cervical surgery that was caused by cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). A 67-year-old man underwent anterior cervical corpectomy decompression and fusion for CSM. Upon awakening from the anesthesia, he had incomplete paraplegia. Emergency surgery for hematoma evacuation was performed, but no obvious hematoma was found. After the second surgical procedure, he showed paraplegic. When the patient was informed that a third operation was needed, he recovered almost completely without any treatment. This case reminds us that spine surgeons should be aware of possible conversion paralysis, especially in patients who develop a new neurological deficit after spinal surgery.

Published in Frontiers in Surgery

ISSN: 2296-875X (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Surgery
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/surgery

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