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Journal of Medical Case Reports
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Dysphagia | Case report

Severe dysphagia after a posterior cervical spine fusion at the C1–C3 level and its improvement after correction surgery for malalignment: a case report

Authors: Siravich Suvithayasiri, Payothorn Decharin

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

The development of dysphagia and trismus following posterior C1–C3 fusion is rare compared to occipitocervical fusion, and there are very few reports in the literature.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old Thai man who had an extradural tumor at the C1/C2 level developed severe dysphagia and trismus immediately after tumor resection and C1–C3 fusion. During the surgery for malalignment correction, the C1–C2 screws were re-aligned into an increased lordotic position. The symptoms resolved immediately post-surgery.

Conclusions

Short upper cervical fusion can produce trismus and dysphagia in a relatively flexed position. Preoperative planning should be individualized based on the patient’s resting neutral alignment to prevent complications.
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Metadata
Title
Severe dysphagia after a posterior cervical spine fusion at the C1–C3 level and its improvement after correction surgery for malalignment: a case report
Authors
Siravich Suvithayasiri
Payothorn Decharin
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-022-03505-5

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