Pneumocephalus Following Combined Spinal Epidural Anaesthesia for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report

Abstract

The authors describe a case of pneumocephalus following epidural anaesthesia for total knee arthroplasty. Multiple attempts in locating the epidural space for the anaesthesia and the use of loss of resistance to air (LORA) technique were identified as the source of air entry. Supportive management was given including high flow oxygenation therapy and spontaneous reabsorption of air was noted five days after surgery. The presence of pneumocephalus should be kept in mind if patient develops neurological complications postoperatively following epidural anaesthesia.

Keywords

• pneumocephalus
• total knee arthroplasty
• epidural anaesthesia
• loss of resistance to air (LORA)