Lymphatic Injury After Vertebral Column Resection from a Posterior Approach for Spinal Deformity Correction: A Case Report. Issue 4 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ladd, Bryan; Jones, Kristen; Polly, David
• Is Part Of: JBJS case connector. Volume 11:Issue 4(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: spinal deformity -- lymphatic injury -- vertebral column resection -- chyle leak; 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.21.00145
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2160-3251

Abstract

Abstract : Case: We describe a case of lymphatic injury that occurred during a 2-level vertebral column resection for spinal deformity correction from a posterior-only approach. Large surgical drain volume output with laboratory findings of high levels of triglycerides and lymphocytes prompted conservative treatment with an elastic wrap bandage and a "no fat" diet. The patient responded to the treatment with no sequelae noted. Conclusion: Lymphatic complications are rare in spine surgery. All reported cases are associated with anterior approaches. The lymphatic injury presented here demonstrates the potential for this complication to occur during posterior-only approaches as well.