Osteodiskitis of Lumbar Spine Due to Migrated Fractured Inferior Vena Cava Filter

Venous thromboembolism can be a significant cause of morbidity in the trauma population. Medical and surgical specialties have been pushing the indication for prophylactic filter placement.

A 36-year-old man presented with axial lower back pain with a radicular right L2 component after lifting a heavy object. He had a history of penetrating brain trauma 3 years prior, with placement of a prophylactic inferior vena cava filter. His radiograph, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine showed fracture of his filter, with migration of the fractured fragment through the inferior vena cava and into the L2-L3 disk space, and surrounding bony lysis and severe osteodiskitis. He was treated medically with intravenous and then oral antibiotics and improved clinically and radiographically.

Conservative use of filter devices and early retrieval once their indication expires are paramount to avoid unnecessary complications.