Objective: To review the definition and possible etiologies for C 5 palsy.
Methods: The literature on C 5 palsy at home and abroad in recent years was extensively reviewed, and the possible etiologies were analyzed based on clinical practice experience.
Results: There are two main theories (nerve root tether and spinal cord injury) accounting for the occurrence of C 5 palsy, but both have certain limitations. The former can not explain the occurrence of C 5 palsy after anterior cervical spine surgery, and the latter can not explain that the clinical symptoms of C 5 palsy is often the motor dysfunction of the upper limb muscles. Based on the previous reports, combining our clinical experience and research, we propose that the occurrence of C 5 palsy is mainly due to the instrumental injury of anterior horn of cervical spinal cord during anterior cervical decompression. In addition, the C 5 palsy following surgery via posterior approach may be related to the nerve root tether caused by the spinal cord drift after decompression.
Conclusion: In view of the main cause of C 5 palsy after cervical decompression, it is recommended to reduce the compression of the spinal cord by surgical instruments to reduce the risk of this complication.
目的: 总结颈椎减压术后C 5麻痹发生的可能原因。.
方法: 广泛查阅近年国内外有关C 5麻痹研究文献，结合临床实践经验对C 5麻痹发生原因进行分析。.
结果: 目前C 5麻痹发生原因主要包括神经根拴系和脊髓损伤两种学说，但均存在一定局限性。前者不能解释颈椎前路手术后C 5麻痹的发生，后者无法解释C 5麻痹的发生往往表现为上肢部分肌肉的运动功能障碍。结合临床实践分析颈椎前路手术后C 5麻痹的发生与术中器械损伤脊髓前角有关，颈椎后路手术后C 5麻痹的发生与减压后脊髓后移导致的神经根拴系有关。.
结论: 针对颈椎减压术后C 5麻痹发生的主要原因，提倡减少手术器械对脊髓的挤压，以降低该并发症发生风险。.
Keywords: C5 palsy; Cervical decompression; nerve root; spinal cord.