Pulmonary embolism after a single-stage, combined anterior and posterior approach lumbar surgery

Pulmonary embolism is a fatal complication in orthopaedics surgery. While, the incidence of this life-threatening condition is low in spine surgery and few detailed reports have been published in English literatures. We present a case of pulmonary embolism which occurred after a single-stage, combined anterior and posterior approach surgery for L2 burst fracture. Although positive and timely rescue measures were performed, the patient died finally. We report the case to help spine surgeons to be aware of and take precautions against the fatal condition in spine surgery.