A surprising cause of paresis following scoliosis correction

Paralysis following scoliosis correction is a catastrophic situation. We report an unusual metabolic cause of neurological deficit after anterior thoracic release. A 15-year-old female developed proximal leg paralysis 1 day after surgery. Investigations disclosed severe serum hypokalaemia (2.8 mmol/l). After intravenous potassium substitution the neurological status completely normalized within a few hours. We assume that the condition was a manifestation of hypokalaemic paralysis since no further abnormalities could be disclosed. Spinal surgeons should bear in mind hypokalaemia as a benign and easily correctable cause of paresis following surgical scoliosis correction.