Transient L5 Nerve Root Palsy Caused by Subfascial Drain After Lumbar Surgery: Case Report and Literature Review. Issue 2 (18th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barile, Francesca; Ruffilli, Alberto; Viroli, Giovanni; Manzetti, Marco; Traversari, Matteo; Faldini, Cesare
• Is Part Of: JBJS case connector. Volume 12:Issue 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04-18
• Subjects: spine -- complications -- transient palsy -- neurological deficit -- motor deficit -- posterior fusion; Orthopedic surgery -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedic Procedures; Orthopedic surgery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Case studies; Periodicals; 616.7
• DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.22.00006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2160-3251

Abstract

Abstract : Case: We describe the case of a 45-year-old woman who developed a transient L5 deficit after a posterior L4-L5 interbody fusion. A perfusion computed tomography scan ruled out all described causes of postoperative deficit and showed compression of the right L5 root by the subfascial drain. The deficit spontaneously resolved. Conclusion: New neurological deficit after spine surgery is a complication that requires a quick diagnostic and therapeutic approach. This particular case is of interest not only because it describes a rarely reported complication (transient neurological motor deficit after posterior fusion) but also because the hypothesized cause has never been described before.