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

Journal: JBJS Case Connector
Published:
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.

Authors
Amy Xu, Kevin Mo, Jacob Babu, Brian Neuman