Acute neurologic deficit associated with a posterior cervical drain: a case report.
METHODS
Descriptive.


OBJECTIVE
To document a rare complication involving the use of a wound drain after cervical laminectomy.


BACKGROUND
No previous reports describe spinal cord compression by a surgical drain resulting in a neurologic deficit. Most texts recommend the use of a drain following this procedure.


METHODS
An 80-year-old female underwent cervical laminectomy for myelopathy with initial improvement in symptoms. Approximately 6 hours following surgery, she developed acute onset of quadriparesis when repositioning in bed. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cord compression by the surgical drain, which was immediately removed.


RESULTS
The patient experienced partial improvement of the neurologic deficit. At 18-month follow-up, left handed weakness, left leg spasticity, and neurogenic bladder persist.


CONCLUSIONS
The development of neurologic deficits due to compression by a surgical drain can occur. This complication might be avoided by approximating the neck musculature before placement of the drain and closure of the fascia.
Banit
Daxes
D
Charlotte Orthopaedic Specialists, Charlotte, North Carolina 28207, USA.
Murrey
Daniel B
DB
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009333:Neck; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000209:etiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000601:surgery