Transient Paraparesis from Post-traumatic Muscle Herniation Through Laminectomy Defect: Rare Sequela of Thoracolumbar Kyphosis Correction: A Case Report.
Ajoy Prasad Shetty, Karthik Ramachandran, Sri Vijay Anand K S et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
An 8-year-old girl with congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis experienced acute paraparesis following minor trauma seven years after undergoing spinal correction surgery. Imaging revealed muscle herniation through a laminectomy defect that was compressing the spinal cord, while implants and fusion remained intact. Treatment with steroids and physiotherapy resulted in complete recovery within one month, confirmed at follow-up visits one and three years later.
What made this case unusual
The case illustrates a rare occurrence of transient paraparesis due to muscle herniation years after spinal correction, highlighting the long-term risks associated with laminectomy defects.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be aware that muscle herniation through laminectomy defects can lead to delayed neurological symptoms, even years after spinal surgery.
Why it matters
This case emphasizes the need for protective measures, such as titanium mesh or artificial lamina, to safeguard the spinal cord from potential trauma-related injuries post-surgery.