Late spinal subdural haematoma after spinal anaesthesia for total hip replacement

J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2009 Nov;91(11):1531-2. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.91B11.22258.

Abstract

We present a case of delayed presentation of a subdural haematoma causing cauda equina syndrome which occurred 96 hours after a spinal anaesthetic had been administered for an elective total hip replacement in an 86-year-old man. The patient had received low-molecular-weight heparin anticoagulation which had been delayed until 12 hours postoperatively. No other cause of the haemorrhage could be identified.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anesthesia, Spinal / adverse effects*
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip*
  • Hematoma, Subdural, Spinal / diagnosis
  • Hematoma, Subdural, Spinal / etiology*
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Polyradiculopathy / etiology
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / etiology*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight