Risk factors for vocal cord palsy in low anterior cervical spine surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Vocal cord palsy (VCP) or recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) following anterior cervical spine surgery is a devastating complication. A number of factors such as laterality of approach, duration of surgery and number of levels performed have been suggested to alter the rate of VCP. This study stratifies crucial risk factors for VCP and we aim to support the hypothesis that lower cervical levels, as measured by distance between operative level and the sternal notch, portend a greater rate of this debilitating neurological deficit.