Intraoperative cardiac arrest during cervical spine stabilization surgery in a 74-year-old male with pre-existing comorbidities: A case report
Keywords:
cardiac arrest, cervical stabilization, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosisAbstract
In this report, we present a case of intraoperative cardiac arrest in a 74-year-old male patient undergoing elective two-stage cervical stabilization for C5-C6 fracture (type B3) associated with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and an oblique fracture of the C5 spinous process. This case highlights the challenges of perioperative hemodynamic management in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities and an extended surgical duration. The case was successfully managed with immediate resuscitation, multidisciplinary team involvement, and postoperative intensive care support, ultimately leading to a favorable neurological outcome.
Tha case report aims is to share a prone-supination cardiac massage procedure that can play a very significant role in the management of patients and who develop cardiac arrest during surgery. Incorporating training routines and protocols for healthcare professionals involved in the surgical room work of prone-supination massage could have a very significant impact on the survival of patients
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Copyright (c) 2026 Eleonora Case, Nerlep Rana, Moreno Ghiraldini , Paolo Maino
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