Dural leakage due to ipsilateral needle placement for spinal level localization in unilateral decompression surgery: A case report

Abstract

Background: A spinal dural defect caused by needle placement for spinal level localization is an uncommon complication of cerebrospinal fluid leak with the potential for the development of intracranial hypertension. Case Description: Our 48-year-old patient underwent unilateral fenestration and sequestrectomy for intractable L5 radiculopathy due to disc herniation at the level L4–5 on the right side. The spinal level was identified with fluoroscopy after placement of a 24-gauge Sprotte spinal needle on the right side. Intraoperatively, a sub-millimeter spinal dural defect was visualized on the ipsilateral side. Conclusion: Caution is needed when needle placement is used to localize the spinal level for unilateral surgery.