Multilevel Spinal Combined Subdural/Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Resulting in Paraplegia: An Unusual Complication of Kyphoplasty

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Paraplegia due to spinal combined subdural/subarachnoid hemorrhage is an extremely rare complication following percutaneous spinal augmentation procedures. METHODS: A 63-year-old male patient presented with severe neurologic decline (paraplegia with sensory and autonomic dysfunction) resulting from a multilevel spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage shortly after bilateral kyphoplasty. RESULTS: Reduction of intrathecal pressure via multiple dural and arachnoidal incisions and removal of the hematoma resulted in a good neurologic recovery with surgical decompression even though evacuation was performed with a significant delay after the onset of neurologic worsening. CONCLUSION: Spinal augmentation procedures should only be performed in a setting where management of complications can also be diagnosed and performed. Robot-assisted or navigation-assisted pedicle perforation should be considered because complications can be reduced significantly.