Gelfoam-induced acute quadriparesis after cervical decompression and fusion.
METHODS
Case report.


OBJECTIVE
To acknowledge a potential serious complication of Gelfoam use in enclosed space.


BACKGROUND
The gelatin sponge has been used for hemostasis in spine surgery. Its complication rate is very low, but it has the potential for compression of vital tissues when left next to the spinal cord within an enclosed space.


METHODS
Case report.


RESULTS
Retained Gelfoam sponges were found in an enclosed space next to the spinal cord. These expanded and compromised the spinal cord.


CONCLUSIONS
There is potential for expansion of the Gelfoam sponge in enclosed spaces after spinal surgery. There is the possibility of neurologic compromise in these cases. Gelfoam should be removed.
Alander
D H
DH
Division of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA.
Stauffer
E S
ES
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005781:Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000209:etiology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000601:surgery*; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods