Cauda equina compression due to a laminar hook: A late complication of posterior instrumentation in scoliosis surgery

• Published in: European spine journal Vol. 8; no. 5; pp. 417 - 420
• Main Authors: Rittmeister, M, Leyendecker, K, Kurth, A, Schmitt, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Springer Nature B.V 01.10.1999; Springer-Verlag
• Subjects: Adult; Case Report; Cauda Equina - diagnostic imaging; Female; Humans; Myelography; Nerve Compression Syndromes - diagnostic imaging; Nerve Compression Syndromes - etiology; Nerve Compression Syndromes - surgery; Orthopedic Fixation Devices - adverse effects; Postoperative Complications; Scoliosis - surgery; Spinal Fusion; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0940-6719; 1432-0932
• DOI: 10.1007/s005860050197

Whilst neurologic injury following correction of scoliosis with CD-instrumentation is generally known to be an early complication, any late occurrence of cauda compression secondary to employment of a laminar hook-rod construct is exceptional. We report on such a rare case of late occurrence of cauda equina syndrome, when a laminar hook at level L2 became symptomatic causing compression of the cauda equina almost a decade after spine surgery. This case demonstrates that one should not only be aware of a potential neural injury at intraoperative placement of laminar hooks, but also one is reminded that a laminar hook poses the threat of late neurologic injury years after successful osseous spinal fusion. The surgeon treating patients with scoliosis must be aware of the possible complication described in our patient in addition to those that have already been well documented.