The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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Vocal cord palsy (VCP) is a known complication of anterior cervical spine surgery. However, the true incidence and interventions to minimize this complication are not well studied. ⋯ Vocal cord palsy is a significant morbidity after anterior cervical surgery with incidence up to 24.2% in the immediate postoperative period, with a higher risk in reoperation of the anterior cervical spine. Moderate evidence exists for ETT cuff pressure adjustment in preventing this complication.