Management of incidental durotomy without mandatory bed rest. A retrospective review of 20 cases.
METHODS
A retrospective review of 20 patients with incidental durotomy treated without mandatory bed rest.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether patients with incidental durotomy can be treated effectively without multiple days of bed rest.


BACKGROUND
Incidental durotomy can cause postural headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, photophobia, tinnitus, and vertigo. These symptoms are believed to result from a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid pressure, leading to traction on the supporting structures of the brain. Traditional management includes bed rest for up to 7 days to eliminate traction and reduce hydrostatic pressure during the healing process.


METHODS
Twenty incidental durotomies were repaired intraoperatively with dural stitches and fibrin glue. Patients were allowed to ambulate according to the natural course after surgery without mandatory bed rest. Symptoms were monitored closely for 1 week, and long-term follow-up assessments were obtained at a minimum of 10 months.


RESULTS
Of the 20 patients in this study, 75% had no symptoms after repair of the incidental durotomy. Each of the dural tears was 1-3 mm in length. Two patients reported headache, two reported nausea, and one reported tinnitus; no patients experienced vomiting. One patient (5%) had stitch loosening requiring revision surgery. There were no additional serious complications.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has shown that the majority of patients with incidental durotomy can be treated effectively with dural stitches and fibrin glue. Patients can be permitted to ambulate immediately after surgery but should be cautioned to lay flat if they develop symptoms. This will reduce the costs related to the hospital stay and missed work.
Hodges
S D
SD
Chattanooga Orthopaedic Group, Foundation for Research, Tennessee, USA.
Humphreys
S C
SC
Eck
J C
JC
Covington
L A
LA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001510:Bed Rest; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D013537:Sutures; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive