Occurrence of L4 Lumbar Artery Pseudoaneurysm After Posterior Reduction and L4-L5 Fusion for Grade I Anterolisthesis: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2020 Dec 24;10(4):e20.00117. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.20.00117.

Abstract

Case: We describe the case of a 53-year-old man who developed acute groin pain 20 days after a posterior L4-L5 interbody fusion. Despite positioning of pedicle screws within the safe zone, an L4 right lumbar artery pseudoaneurysm was found on computer tomography angiogram. Coil embolization was successfully performed.

Conclusion: Iatrogenic lumbar artery pseudoaneurysms are a rare complication of spinal surgery. Our case is, to the best of our knowledge, the only reported case where this lesion occurred despite good positioning of the screws: It is therefore important to always suspect and exclude this complication in case of suggestive symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm, False / etiology*
  • Aneurysm, False / therapy
  • Embolization, Therapeutic
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography, Interventional
  • Spinal Fusion / adverse effects*