Korean J Spine.  2017 Sep;14(3):103-105. 10.14245/kjs.2017.14.3.103.

Incarceration of Spinal Nerve Root through Incidental Durotomy as a Cause of Sciatica

• Kim YJ

• KMID: 2396049
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14245/kjs.2017.14.3.103

Abstract

Incidental durotomies are a frequent complication during spinal surgery. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage from a dural tear may be visually apparent intraoperatively, but occasionally, a tear may not be recognized during the procedure. We report our experience in 2 cases of postoperative incarceration of nerve root as a cause of sciatica, without CSF leakage intraoperatively. When durotomy attributable to surgical manipulation does occur, intraoperative identification is mandated. If a patient develops unexplainable postoperative pain and neurological deficits after lumbar discectomy, incarceration of nerve root should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Keyword

Incidental durotomy; Sciatica; Cerebrospinal fluid leakage

MeSH Terms

Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak
Diagnosis, Differential
Diskectomy
Humans
Pain, Postoperative
Sciatica*
Spinal Nerve Roots*
Spinal Nerves*
Tears