Nerve Root Herniation With Entrapment After Endoscopic Spine Decompression

Abstract

Incidental dural tears are common complications of endoscopic lumbar spine surgery. Postoperative nerve root herniation with entrapment is a rare consequence. We report our experience of postoperative nerve root herniation with an incidental dural tear as a cause of sudden sciatic pain. If a dural tear is not amenable to repair using an endoscopic method, open conversion with microscopic duroplasty should be considered as the initial approach given its prognosis. Additionally, if a patient suddenly develops unexplained sciatica after lumbar spine surgery, nerve root herniation with entrapment should be considered in the differential diagnosis.