Cervical Spondylosis: A Hidden Cause of Phrenic Nerve Delayed Motor Latency?

Cervical spondylosis, a chronic degenerative condition of the cervical spine, can have a significant impact on the cervical nerve roots. Recent studies have shown that patients with cervical spondylosis may experience delayed motor latency (DML) in their phrenic nerves. This delay can be indicative of subtle phrenic nerve affection, which is often overlooked.

A recent case-control study conducted by researchers aimed to investigate this phenomenon further. The study involved 30 patients suffering from neck pain diagnosed as cervical spondylosis above C5, and 30 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers in the control group.

The results of the study revealed a significant correlation between DML and X-ray score (r < 0.05). Additionally, the patients with cervical spondylosis showed a statistically highly significant prolongation of phrenic nerve distal motor latency (DML) compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

The study's findings suggest that cervical spondylosis is an underestimated cause of phrenic nerve delayed DML. The researchers used nerve conduction studies (NCS) to investigate possible subtle phrenic nerve affection in patients with cervical spondylosis.

The origin of the phrenic nerve makes it vulnerable to injury, particularly in patients with cervical spondylosis. Patients presenting with a lesion that can possibly affect the phrenic nerve, such as respiratory disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, high-level spinal cord injury, sarcoidosis, muscle dystrophy, cardiac and thoracic surgery, trauma, infections (Herpes zoster and Lyme disease), and/or malignancy were excluded from the study.

Both patients and volunteers were recruited from a physical medicine, rheumatology, and rehabilitation outpatient clinic. The researchers hope that their findings will lead to further investigation into this area, ultimately improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes for patients with cervical spondylosis.

In conclusion, the results of this case-control study highlight the need for healthcare providers to consider cervical spondylosis as a potential cause of phrenic nerve delayed DML. Early detection and management of this condition can significantly improve patient outcomes.

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