Management of iatrogenic spinal stenosis complicating placement of a fusion cage. A case report
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S D Glassman1, J R Johnson, G Raque
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Study Design:
A case of iatrogenic spinal stenosis secondary to fusion cage retropulsion is presented.
Objectives:
To highlight fusion cage retropulsion, a potential complication that may become more prevalent as the use of fusion cage instrumentation expands. The difficulty in management of this complication is emphasized.
Summary Of Background Data:
Early reports regarding fusion cage instrumentation have been encouraging. At this point, however, the potential benefits are better defined than the potential complications.
Methods:
A significant complication of fusion cage instrumentation and the limited literature on this subject are reviewed.
Results:
The patient underwent successful revision surgery after retropulsion of a fusion cage, however, an extensive surgical procedure including partial vertebral body resection was required.
Conclusions:
The frequency and severity of complications related to fusion cage instrumentation remain poorly defined. Caution should be used in patient selection until additional experience more clearly defines the risk-to-benefit ratio for a given application of this new technology.