Postoperative Bone Graft Migration Into The Thecal Sac, And Shifting Down To The Lower Level After An Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Case Report And Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract Background Postoperative bone graft migration (PBGM) is a fairly rare spinal postoperative complication. Its occurrence after endoscopic surgery has rarely been reported in the literature so far. This is a case report of a 52-year-old male occurring PBGM into the thecal sac in the 8th days after an endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (ELIF). Case Presentation A 52-year-old male patient, underwent a L4-5 ELIF, presented with an acute radiculopathy on right leg and urinary incontinence in the 8th postoperative day. An emergency lumbar Computed Tomography(CT scan) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrated bone graft migration into the thecal sac at the L4-5 level, and shifting down to the lower level. The revision surgery was performed at once. Finally, the patient get well managed before discharge. Conclusion PBGM into thecal sac is a rare but horrible complication of ELIF. However, too much volume of bone graft and its posteriorly placement are more prone to developing this complication. An emergency revision surgery is indicated once occurs.