title: Ogilvie's syndrome following posterior spinal instrumentation in thoraco lumbar trauma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report unique cases of Ogilvie's syndrome (acute intestinal pseudo-obstruction) following posterior spinal instrumentation in thoraco lumbar trauma.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single centre retrospective study. We reviewed the surgical data of 420 patients who underwent thoracolumbar spinal surgery over a period of four years. Two patients who developed post operative Ogilvie's syndromes were identified.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The clinical presentation and blood investigations ruled out any infectious pathology. Computed tomography scans ruled out the mechanical obstruction. All patients improved with conservative management.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ogilvie's syndrome should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with postoperative significant abdominal distension who had undergone posterior instrumentation for spinal trauma. Early recognition and appropriate conservative treatment would be necessary to prevent complications such as bowel ischemia and perforation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Spine Division, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Krishnakumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Spine Division, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Mathew John
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kuzhimattam
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Spine Division, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Gaurav
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kumar
keywords: Acute intestinal pseudo-obstruction; Ogilvie's syndrome; ileus; posterior spinal instrumentations; spine fracture