Retroperitoneal lymphocele associated with lumbar spine fracture: report of an unusual case
R Sato1, S Kobayashi, K Uchida
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Fukui University, Fukui, Japan.
Design:
To describe a case of retroperitoneal lymphocele as an extremely rare complication after lumbar spine fracture.
Objective:
To discuss the possible mechanism of development of retroperitoneal lymphocele following blunt trauma to the ureter and lumbar spine.
Setting:
Fukui University Hospital, Fukui, Japan.
Results:
A 71-year-old man presented with severe intractable low back pain caused by a huge retroperitoneal lymphocele, which was considered to be related to an occult L4 vertebral fracture and a blunt ureteral injury. The retroperitoneal lymphocele also caused significant instability at L3-4 level, thus requiring surgical resection followed by interbody fusion.
Conclusion:
Physicians should be aware that such unusual retroperitoneal lymphocele might develop even after a blunt ureteral injury or a minor lumbar spine fracture.