[Cement embolism in the vena cava after pedicle screw augmentation]

Area of Science:

• Spinal surgery
• Interventional radiology
• Vascular procedures

Background:

• A 52-year-old female sustained lumbar vertebral body 3 and thoracic vertebral body 12 fractures after a fall.
• The patient had no neurological deficits.

Observation:

• Balloon kyphoplasty was performed on thoracic vertebral body 12.
• Percutaneous fixator internal instrumentation with cement-augmented pedicle screws was applied to lumbar vertebral bodies 2-4.
• Cement leakage into the inferior vena cava was observed.

Findings:

• Detachment of cement parts occurred within the inferior vena cava.
• Endovascular removal of the detached cement using the sling technique was successfully performed.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates the efficacy of the endovascular sling technique for managing cement emboli after spinal augmentation procedures.
• Minimally invasive endovascular techniques can be crucial for managing complications arising from spinal surgeries.
• Successful management of cement embolism ensures favorable patient outcomes after vertebral augmentation.