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Updated: Feb 5, 2026
05:59
Reproducable Paraplegia by Thoracic Aortic Occlusion in a Murine Model of Spinal Cord Ischemia-reperfusion
Published on: March 3, 2014
12.5K
[Thoracic Aortic Injury after Spinal Fusion;Report of a Case]
Seiji Ichikawa1, Fumihiko Murakami
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Meijo Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.
Kyobu Geka. the Japanese Journal of Thoracic Surgery
|September 7, 2018
Summary
A broken spinal fusion rod caused a screw to penetrate a patient's aorta. Surgeons repaired the aortic wall and shortened the screw, successfully managing this rare complication.
Area of Science:
- Spinal Surgery
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- A 32-year-old female presented with back pain following spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis.
- The patient was informed of a potential metal rod fracture from her previous surgery.
Observation:
- Computed tomography (CT) indicated a screw potentially penetrating the descending aorta.
- Aortography confirmed the aortic wall was dented by the protruding screw.
Findings:
- During thoracotomy, the screw tip was observed penetrating the aortic adventitia.
- The aortic adventitial defect was repaired with continuous suture after screw detachment.
- The screw was surgically shortened to prevent further aortic injury.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but serious complication of spinal fusion surgery.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing screw-related aortic injury.
- Successful management allowed for subsequent scoliosis re-operation.
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