Diaphragmatic paralysis caused by cervical spondylosis. Case report.

The authors describe a rare case of diaphragmatic paralysis caused by cervical spondylosis. A 64-year-old man presented with dyspnea as well as cervical radicular pain and left-sided upper-extremity motor weakness. Chest radiography revealed elevation of both sides of the diaphragm. All symptoms were ameliorated immediately after cervical laminoplasty, and spirometry revealed improvement of ventilatory function 6 months after surgery. Cervical spondylosis should be considered a factor that can cause respiratory dysfunction.