Vertebral instrumentation and Phlegmasia cerulea dolens

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a very infrequent condition secondary to a deep venous thrombosis of multietiological origin usually affecting the lower extremities. It presents with pain and edema in the lower limb rapidly progressive that can compromise the perfusion of the limb, being able to cause gangrene, amputation and even death. We present an extremely rare case of a phlegmasia secondary to a massive deep venous tombosis of the left iliofemoral axis caused by chronic compressive hematoma of a traumatic origin due to a S1 screw shearing in a patient operated three months ago of a lumbar herniated disc through a L5-S1 fussion. This article shows the need to perform a scrupulously scrutinize of the screws both intra and postoperatively when we are close to the great vessels.