Spinal Epidural Hematoma Producing Neural Compression After Bilateral Rod Fractures in Failed Long-Construct Fusion: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2022 Feb 10;12(1). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.21.00745.

Abstract

Case: A 75-year-old woman with remote history of T10-S1 spinal fusion with pelvic fixation presented with radicular back pain and numbness in the right lower extremity. Imaging showed bilateral rod fractures at L4-5 and a dorsal spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) with associated severe canal narrowing and cauda equina compression. The patient underwent bilateral L4-5 laminectomies, hematoma evacuation, reinforcement of multilevel nonunion, and implant replacement. Her symptoms resolved after the procedure.

Conclusion: SEH is a rare complication that may occur secondary to failed spinal fusion and must be considered in the differential diagnosis of new or progressive neurological symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Female
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal* / etiology
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Laminectomy
  • Spinal Diseases* / complications
  • Spinal Fusion* / adverse effects