‘Growing mushroom on the back’ following minimally invasive spine fixation: The theory of iatrogenic compartment syndrome revisited

Abstract

The authors report a case of lumbar para-spinal muscle herniation following percutaneous thoraco-lumbar pedicle screw fixation. This is suggested to be due to subclinical iatrogenic increase in the intra-compartmental pressure. The possibility of ‘Iatrogenic paraspinal compartment syndrome’ following minimally invasive spine techniques has been discussed previously by other authors. Nevertheless, no such case has been reported so far in the literature. The awareness of this potential complication might be helpful for spinal surgeons for early detection and management.

Keywords

• MIS
• Paraspinal compartment syndrome
• Percutaneous pedicle screws
• Unstable spinal fractures