MANAGEMENT OF IATROGENIC SPINAL STENOSIS COMPLICATING PLACEMENT OF A FUSION CAGE - A CASE-REPORT

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 m anagement of this complication is emphasized. Summary of Background Da ta. Early reports regarding fusion cage instrumentation have been enco uraging. At this point, however, the potential benefits are better def ined than the potential complications. Methods. A significant complica tion of fusion cage instrumentation and the limited literature on this subject are reviewed. Results. The patient underwent successful revis ion surgery after retropulsion of a fusion cage, however, an extensive surgical procedure including partial vertebral body resection was req uired. Conclusions. The frequency and severity of complications relate d to fusion cage instrumentation main poorly defined. Caution should b e used, in patient selection until additional experience more clearly defines the risk-to-benefit ratio for a given application of this new technology.