‘Growing mushroom on the back’ following minimally invasive spine fixation: The theory of iatrogenic compartment syndrome revisited

摘要

The authors report a case of lumbar para-spinal muscle herniation following percutaneous thoraco-lumbar pedicle screw fixation. This is suggested to be due to subclinical iatrogenic increase in the intra-compartmental pressure. The possibility of ‘Iatrogenic paraspinal compartment syndrome’ following minimally invasive spine techniques has been discussed previously by other authors. Nevertheless, no such case has been reported so far in the literature. The awareness of this potential complication might be helpful for spinal surgeons for early detection and management. Highlights ? Paraspinal compartment syndrome (PSCS) is a rare condition caused by raised pressure in the enclosed fibro-osseous space. ? Iatrogenic PSCS following MIS surgery has been described previously but no clinical cases have been presented so far. ? This report presents a case of paraspinal muscle hernia following MIS fixation of thoracolumbar spine trauma. ? The authors suggest that the underlying mechanism for this muscle herniation is iatrogenic paraspinal compartment syndrome. ? Knowledge of this potential complication might be helpful for spinal surgeons in early identification and management.