Lumbar plexopathy following transforaminal interbody fusion: a rare complication

Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2015;49(1):97-102. doi: 10.3944/AOTT.2015.14.0181.

Abstract

Postoperative radiculopathy has previously been reported as a common complication of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). However, no data has been published on lumbar plexopathy following TLIF. We present a rare case of lumbar plexopathy occurring following TLIF (L5-S1) in a patient with spondylolisthesis. Although initially a diagnostic challenge, sinister causes of neuropathy such as bleeding or neoplastic growths were excluded by imaging. A diagnosis of acute lumbar plexopathy of left L2 to L4 was eventually made after electromyographic studies was performed in consultation with a senior neurologist. The patient was treated supportively with good functional recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Diskectomy
  • Humans
  • Laminectomy
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Lumbosacral Plexus / injuries*
  • Male
  • Polyradiculopathy / etiology*
  • Polyradiculopathy / surgery*
  • Rare Diseases
  • Spinal Fusion / adverse effects*
  • Spinal Fusion / methods
  • Spondylolisthesis / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome