Migration of Spinal Hardware Into the Popliteal Vein: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic surgery
• Vascular surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• A 41-year-old woman with a history of spinal instrumentation for adolescent lumbar scoliosis presented with persistent thigh pain.
• Initial diagnosis of adductor strain was made, but symptoms progressed over two years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of a spinal implant migrating to the popliteal vein.
• To emphasize the diagnostic utility of radiography in identifying foreign objects related to orthopaedic implants.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation and diagnostic workup of a patient with unexplained thigh pain and neurological symptoms.
• Radiographic imaging revealing a radiopaque object in the popliteal fossa and absence of lumbar spinal instrumentation.
• Surgical intervention for removal of the migrated spinal rod.

Main Results:

• A 13.6-cm spinal rod was identified in the popliteal vein.
• The rod was successfully removed via orthopaedic surgery.
• Patient symptoms resolved post-operatively.

Conclusions:

• Migrated spinal implants can present with diverse and misleading symptoms.
• Radiographs are crucial, cost-effective tools for diagnosing complications associated with orthopaedic implants.
• Early identification and surgical intervention are key to managing such rare but serious complications.