Posterior spinal fusion complicated by posterior column injury. A case report of a false-negative wake-up test.
A case is reported of an isolated posterior column injury secondary to direct mechanical trauma complicating a posterior spinal fusion. This case documents a rare complication of posterior spinal surgery. Intraoperative somatosensory-evoked potential (SEP) monitoring documented the injury whereas two intraoperative wake-up tests did not. This case demonstrates the value of intraoperative spinal cord monitoring in general. It also demonstrates the value of combining means to assess both anterior and posterior cord separately, intraoperatively. It is recommended that the wake-up test be used in conjunction with SEPs intraoperatively.
Ben-David
B
B
Department of Anesthesiology, Fairview Riverside Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Taylor
P D
PD
Haller
G S
GS
D000328:Adult; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods*; D012677:Sensation; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects*