Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Recurrent Pneumothorax Following Multilevel Posterior Spinal Fixation in a Patient With Pre-Existing Pulmonary
Parisa Mirzaei1, Zahra Baghani2, Mohammad Javad Mousavi3,4
1Rajaee Trauma Hospital Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran.
Abstract:
Recurrent pneumothorax following posterior spinal fixation is a rare but life-threatening complication, particularly in polytrauma patients with underlying pulmonary contusion. We report a 19-year-old male involved in a high-speed maritime accident who sustained a T12 fracture and right-sided pulmonary contusion. Initial pneumothorax was managed with a chest tube, which was removed after radiographic resolution. Subsequently, the patient underwent posterior T10-L2 fixation. Immediately postoperatively, he developed acute dyspnea and massive recurrent pneumothorax requiring urgent re-intervention. Despite limited initial imaging data due to his foreign national status, the patient recovered fully following tertiary care referral. This case illustrates that radiographic lung re-expansion is an insufficient criterion for chest tube removal before spinal surgery. The physiological stress of prone positioning and positive pressure ventilation can reactivate occult air leaks in contused lungs. We recommend retaining chest tubes until after spinal fixation to prevent catastrophic recurrence.
More Related Videos
04:33Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Published on: November 8, 2024
04:57Prone Lateral Minimally Invasive Retropleural Corpectomy Using a Rotatable Radiolucent Jackson Table
Published on: July 3, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care