Subdural hygroma as a rare complication after revision spine surgery

Abstract

Spinal fusion surgery is the most commonly performed orthopaedic surgical procedure. However, subdural hygroma occurrence is a very rare complication after revision spinal fusion surgery. Here, we report a case of revision lumbar fusion surgery at the L3–4 level. The patient developed acute conus medullaris syndrome at 10 days postoperatively. MRI showed a subdural, extra-arachnoid area fluid collection following the T12–L2, cephalad to the area of revision spinal fusion. When patients have a decreased motor grade, difficulty in voiding urine and neurological abnormalities after lumbar spine surgery, conus medullaris syndrome with a possible occurrence of subdural hygroma should be considered. In this situation, immediate imaging investigations and emergency surgery might be necessary to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord.