title: Vertebral body compression fracture after percutaneous pedicle screw removal in a young man.
abstract: Hazards and potential complications associated with pedicle screw insertions have been reported. In contrast, complications due to implant removal are rarely described. An unreported case of acute vertebral body compression fracture following pedicle screw removal in a young man occurred during an episode of forceful coughing. Spinal implants need to be removed in cases of complications, pain or tissue irritation, and removal is mandatory when fixation involves L2 or the lower segments. Complications associated with spinal implant removal are rare but possible, and patients must be informed of this potential risk.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology - Spine Surgery, Maggiore Hospital, Largo Nigrisoli, 2, 40100, Bologna, Italy. m.cappuccio73@gmail.com.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cappuccio
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology - Spine Surgery, Maggiore Hospital, Largo Nigrisoli, 2, 40100, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Iure
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology - Spine Surgery, Maggiore Hospital, Largo Nigrisoli, 2, 40100, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Amendola
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology - Spine Surgery, Maggiore Hospital, Largo Nigrisoli, 2, 40100, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martucci
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001915:Braces; D020878:Device Removal; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D050815:Fractures, Compression / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D065289:Pedicle Screws; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics
keywords: Complication; Compression fracture; Implant removal; Spine surgery