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External iliac artery occlusion in posterior spinal surgery
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
Spine
|May 1, 1999
Summary
External iliac artery occlusion is a rare complication of posterior spinal surgery. Prolonged pressure on the inguinal area during surgery may cause this issue, but early treatment leads to recovery.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Medical Complications
Background:
- External iliac artery occlusion is an extremely rare complication following posterior spinal surgery.
- While central retinal artery occlusion has been documented, external iliac artery occlusion has not been previously reported in this context.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus developed left leg paralysis, sensory impairment, and cyanosis post-posterior spinal fusion.
- Physical examination revealed absent pulses in the left leg, and angiography confirmed complete external iliac artery occlusion.
Findings:
- Emergency thrombus removal was performed for the external iliac artery occlusion.
- One year post-intervention, the patient experienced complete resolution of neurologic symptoms and normalization of leg vasculature.
Implications:
- Prolonged direct pressure on the inguinal region during posterior spinal surgery, particularly when using a Hall frame, can lead to external iliac artery occlusion.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for preventing severe long-term consequences of this rare surgical complication.