Delayed neurological dysfunction following posterior laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation: A case report and review of literature

This paper presents a case of postoperative spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) that developed three days after hematoma evacuation. The patient had undergone a cervical laminectomy and lateral mass screw fixation surgery. The patient experienced neck pain and subcutaneous swelling on the third day postoperatively, his muscle strength decreased, and his ASIA score was grade A. Magnetic resonance imaging showed hypointense signals on T1 weighted image (T1WI) and T2WI located behind the epidural space, with spinal cord compression. Emergency hematoma evacuation is an effective method to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord. A literature review of similar cases was performed.

• 1
  Hypoproteinemia and pleural effusion can aggravate spinal cord edema and worsen neurological symptoms after cervical spine surgery.
• 2
  Delayed postoperative spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) can occur even after uneventful cervical spine surgery, leading to neurological deficits.
• 3
  Emergency surgical intervention for hematoma evacuation can lead to neurological recovery, emphasizing the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment.