Occurrence of Dysphagia After Correction Surgery in the Cervical Spine for Dropped Head Syndrome.

ABSTRACT

Correction surgery for dropped head syndrome (DHS) is a challenging procedure that requires extensive realignment of the cervical spine and is associated with a high rate of complications. Postoperative occurrence of dysphagia related to the change of the cervical alignment is well known as a complication of occipito-cervical fusion, and it is thought to be caused by narrowing of the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) due to the change of the alignment. We experienced a case of severe dysphagia requiring tracheotomy and gastrostomy after correction surgery for DHS. Revision surgery which downgraded the cervical lordosis immediately solved this problem. We report this case and discuss the possible risk factors causing this complication.