Postoperative Stroke after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Clinical Case Report

Abstract

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) spine surgery has been performed extensively for the treatment of degenerative spine diseases with relatively low rates of complications. The reported incidence of postoperative cerebrovascular events associated with ACDF is only 0.13%, representing 1.51% of all complications. However, this complication is often highly disastrous and can lead to paralysis, and even death. In this study, a 42year-old male underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at C34 and C45 levels through a right-sided approach. Three hours after the surgery, the patient suddenly developed left hemiplegia and facial palsy.. The patient was  treated with  aspirin and cerebromysin and fully recovered from motor and sensory deficits after 1 month.

Keywords: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, postoperative stroke.

References

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