title: Fragmentation to epidural space: first documented complication of Gelstix(TM.).
abstract: The knowledge of minimal invasive spinal surgery has increased greatly in recent years. A current issue is the hydrogel implant inserted through nucleus pulposus. In this paper we present a case in which the hydrogel implant was found to be fragmented into the spinal canal at follow up. The patient was a 40-year-old female. She was examined at another clinic because of low back pain about four months ago, and a hydrogel implant was inserted at the L5-S1 level. She was admitted to our clinic due to severe radicular pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a posterolateral annular tear only and she was explored microneurosurgically as she did not benefit from a foraminal injection. A fragmented hydrogel implant that compressed the spinal root was seen peroperatively and it was excised. Postoperatively the radicular complaints of the patient disappeared and she was discharged with total recovery. Although rare, complications causing compression of neural structures can be seen after placing implants into the disc. In this case, the assessment of the patient according to the clinical presentation and microsurgical exploration if necessary are important.
authors: Elazig Education and Research Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Elazig.
authors: Emre
authors: E
authors: Durdag
authors: Omer
authors: O
authors: Ayden
authors: Serdal
authors: S
authors: Albayrak
authors: Ibrahim Burak
authors: IB
authors: Atci
authors: Ercan
authors: E
authors: Armagan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004824:Epidural Space / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D020100:Hydrogels