RESUMO
Objective To evaluate the effects of C4-5 partial foraminotomy on reducing the occurrence of C5 palsy after posterior cervical decompression surgery. Methods A total of 127 patients (male 62, female 65) underwent the cervical decompression surgery with lateral cervical mass screw insertion between January 2011 and December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. In these patients sixty-one cases (Group A) underwent the posterior laminectomy with lateral cervical mass screw insertion, while 66 cases (Group B) received posterior laminectomy with lateral cervical mass screw insertion, combined with partial C4/5 foraminotomy at C4-5 level. The clinical data, radiographic parameters and the occurrence of C5 palsy were assessed in two groups of patients. Results There was no significant difference in JOA recovery rate and change of cervical curvature index between preoperation and postoperation in each group (P>0.05). Postoperative C5 palsy occurred in 11 cases (18.03%) in group A and 3 cases (4.05%) in group B. The difference in the incidence of C5 palsy was significant between the two groups (P=0.022). Conclusion The cervical decompression surgery can improve the function of the spinal cord effectively. C4-5 partial foraminotomy after cervical decompression surgery is effective for preventing C5 palsy.