NECK HYPEREXTENSION is used commonly during surgical positioning to provide optimal
anatomic positioning and exposure. Iatrogenic tetraplegia has been reported in patients
with asymptomatic cervical stenosis after prolonged neck extension during cardiac
and noncardiac surgeries. Standardized protocols to screen patients for underlying
degenerative cervical disease, such as cervical spondylotic myelopathy or cervical
stenosis, have been shown to alter perioperative decision-making.
1
Here, the authors present the case of a patient with a significant risk of intraoperative
spinal cord injury during combined cardiac and vascular surgery, which was managed
successfully without complication. They discuss the pathophysiology, prevention, and
treatment of this devastating complication.Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 28, 2023
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
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