Five Years of Follow-up after Posterior Cervical Fusion Surgery for Hirayama Disease : A Case Report

Background : Hirayama disease (HD) is characterized by slow progression of muscle atrophy without sensory disturbance in a single upper extremity in adolescent boys. HD can be treated using both conservative measures and surgery. However, the optimal treatment remains controversial. Case Presentation : We have encountered an 18-year-old man with HD who presented to us with a 2-year history of progressive muscle atrophy and weakness of the left upper extremity. He underwent posterior cervical fusion surgery in the extended position without decompression. As of 5 years postoperatively, there has been no deterioration of his muscular atrophy and weakness and his condition has mildly improved. He was able to return to daily life and work with no difficulty. Conclusions : Although cervical fusion surgery has several risks, including adjacent segment disease, posterior spinal fusion surgery without decompression in the short segment can be considered as a surgical option for HD. J. Med. Invest. 71 : 298-302, August, 2024