Severe complication subsequent to surgical site infection after cervical laminoplasty: a case report

Surgical site infections (SSI) following spinal surgery can result in serious complications. Although early detection and intensive care are essential to minimize possible sequelae, more than one surgical intervention is required to alleviate the infection in some cases.

A 66-year-old man with long-standing Parkinson's disease (PD) developed SSIs after cervical laminoplasty. Despite surgical debridement and irrigation, his neurological status worsened severely and anterior infectious involvement at the C4-5 level was identified by magnetic resonance imaging. He underwent another urgent surgery for anterior debridement and iliac bone grafting. His laboratory results gradually normalized with antibiotic therapy, and his neurological status improved. One year after surgery, he was ambulatory with walker assistance. However, his right hand remained difficult to control with significant sensory loss and numbness.

To our knowledge, this is the first case of SSI that extended rapidly to the anterior side despite immediate and intensive treatment in a patient with PD after laminoplasty. During SSI treatment, meticulous observation should be performed to check for exacerbations.