Severe dysphagia after a posterior cervical spine fusion at the C1–C3 level and its improvement after correction surgery for malalignment: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background The development of dysphagia and trismus following posterior C1–C3 fusion is rare compared to occipitocervical fusion, and there are very few reports in the literature. Case presentation A 75-year-old Thai man who had an extradural tumor at the C1/C2 level developed severe dysphagia and trismus immediately after tumor resection and C1–C3 fusion. During the surgery for malalignment correction, the C1–C2 screws were re-aligned into an increased lordotic position. The symptoms resolved immediately post-surgery. Conclusions Short upper cervical fusion can produce trismus and dysphagia in a relatively flexed position. Preoperative planning should be individualized based on the patient’s resting neutral alignment to prevent complications.