A surprising cause of paresis following scoliosis correction.
Paralysis following scoliosis correction is a catastrophic situation. We report an unusual metabolic cause of neurological deficit after anterior thoracic release. A 15-year-old female developed proximal leg paralysis 1 day after surgery. Investigations disclosed severe serum hypokalaemia (2.8 mmol/l). After intravenous potassium substitution the neurological status completely normalized within a few hours. We assume that the condition was a manifestation of hypokalaemic paralysis since no further abnormalities could be disclosed. Spinal surgeons should bear in mind hypokalaemia as a benign and easily correctable cause of paresis following surgical scoliosis correction.
Kluba
T
T
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Germany. tnkluba@aol.com
Giehl
J P
JP
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000150:complications; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D010291:Paresis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011188:Potassium / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011188:Potassium