Neglected major vessel injury after anterior spinal surgery: a case report.
METHODS
This is a case report.


OBJECTIVE
To present a case of neglected major vessel injury after anterior spinal surgery.


BACKGROUND
Vascular complications during spinal surgery are fortunately few in number. The incidence and management of vascular complications during anterior approaches to the thoracolumbar spine are not well known, and it is likely that most acute or delayed vascular injuries and complications are not reported.


METHODS
A case that underwent anterior spinal surgery for T12 burst fracture with an iatrogenic injury to the aorta was presented.


RESULTS
Paraparesis (Frankel B) was present before last operation and disappeared completely at 30 months of follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
As with any complication, the best treatment is prevention. Careful and meticulous exposure of the involved anatomic area is very important for prevention. Early recognition with rapid treatment of vascular complications can reduce potential morbidity and mortality.
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey. anakha@superonline.com
Ufuk
U
Aydinli
Cagatay
C
Ozturk
David
D
Saba
Salim
S
Ersozlu
D000328:Adult; D001011:Aorta / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*