Successful treatment of traumatic spinal epidural haematoma with fluoroscopically-guided percutaneous drainage: a report of two cases

Anaesth Intensive Care. 2016 Nov;44(6):777-780. doi: 10.1177/0310057X1604400611.

Abstract

We report two cases of spinal epidural haematoma that were successfully treated with percutaneous drainage. The patients initially presented with severe backache and progressive neurological symptoms due to traumatic epidural haematoma. After fluoroscopically-guided percutaneous drainage and irrigation, rapid physical decompression and full recovery was observed in both patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report indicating that traumatic spinal epidural haematoma can be successfully treated with fluoroscopically-guided percutaneous drainage. Because percutaneous puncture under fluoroscopy is less invasive than surgery, we recommend considering this procedure as a non-operative treatment option for epidural haematoma.

Keywords: neurology, pain, traumatic spinal injury, spinal epidural haematoma, percutaneous drainage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Drainage / methods*
  • Female
  • Fluoroscopy / methods*
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged