# Delayed Post-Operative C5 Palsy After Reduction of Unilateral Cervical Facet Dislocation: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 60-year-old woman developed C5 palsy after cervical spine surgery for a dislocation, recovering fully with conservative treatment.

## Contribution

This is the first reported case of C5 palsy following reduction of a cervical facet dislocation at a non-C4-5 level.

## Key findings

- Delayed C5 palsy occurred after reduction of a unilateral C3-4 cervical facet dislocation.
- The patient fully recovered with conservative management over eight months.
- This case highlights the risk of C5 palsy in cervical spine surgery regardless of the operative level.

## Abstract

A 60-year-old female sustained a left unilateral C3-4 facet dislocation and underwent urgent open reduction and posterior instrumentation. The patient subsequently developed delayed onset right upper extremity weakness affecting the C5 myotome, prompting a diagnosis of post-operative right C5 palsy (C5P). With conservative management, the patient had a complete neurologic recovery in eight months. Surgeons must be aware of the development of post-operative C5P whenever operating on the cervical spine, regardless of the operative level or procedure performed. This is the first documented case of C5P after the reduction of a facet dislocation, which occurred after a procedure not involving the C4-5 level.