A COMPLICATION OF SPINAL DECOMPRESSION - A CASE-REPORT

Study Design. This case study is designed to report the previously unr eported specific complication of acute cauda equina compression after decompression surgery for spinal stenosis. Objectives. To inform other s of the possibility of such a complication; to suggest a possible mec hanism for this situation, namely hourglass constriction of the cauda causing ischemia to distal nerve roots; and to suggest a management pl an-immediate magnetic resonance imaging to identify the problem and re turn to the operating room for further decompression-which was success ful in this case. Summary of Background Data. Previous reports of caus es of paraparesis or paraplegia after surgery are listed, and previous theories on the etiology of acute cauda compression are discussed. Me thods. The clinical findings of spinal stenosis in a 32-year-old man a re presented, and subsequent details of the surgery, complications aft er surgery, investigation, and future surgery, including magnetic reso nance imaging scans before and after surgery, are provided. Results. T he result in this case was a patient free of symptoms. Conclusions. In complete decompression in surgery for spinal stenosis can result in ac ute cauda equina compression. In these circumstances, magnetic resonan ce imaging can reveal the cause, and in this case, immediate surgery w as successful in relieving the symptoms and signs.