Delayed Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

BACKGROUND: Vocal cord dysfunction resulting from recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) is a known complication following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. RLNP occurs typically secondary to neurapraxia caused by intraoperative compression or traction on the nerve and less commonly from direct nerve injury intraoperatively in the setting of anterior cervical spine surgery. Patients with RLNP typically present with hoarseness immediately after surgery owing to unilateral vocal cord paralysis. In rare cases, there is late-onset, progressive development of RLNP that may potentially lead to permanent vocal cord paralysis or respiratory failure. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 75-year-old woman presented with myeloradiculopathy and chronic urinary incontinence. Imaging showed severe foraminal and central stenosis with T2 cord signal change. A C4-7 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion was successfully performed without immediate complications following surgery. The patient had a normal voice and was tolerating a regular diet well. On postoperative day 3, the patient developed new hoarseness and dysphagia. An otolaryngologist was consulted, and flexible nasolaryngoscopy showed left vocal cord paralysis consistent with left RLNP. The patient was treated with a course of steroids, and her hoarseness and dysphagia had resolved at the 6-month follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of delayed RLNP in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. This rare complication should be discussed during preoperative patient counseling. Previous literature indicates the underlying pathophysiology for delayed onset of RLNP may be small vessel ischemia, vasospasm, or viral resurgence that leads to recurrent laryngeal nerve dysfunction.