Acute spinal subdural haematoma complicating a posterior spinal instrumented fusion for congenital scoliosis: A case report

Background: Acute spinal subdural haematoma (ASSH) is a rare and potentially devastating condition with a variable prognosis. Previously described subdural haematomas were thought to have occurred spontaneously or be related to major or minor iatrogenic or traumatic injuries caused by surgery, spinal puncture or epidural anaesthesia. Other contributing pathologies have been described, such as intradural tumours or spinal arteriovenous malformations. ASSH has also been associated with anticoagulation therapy, haemostatic abnormalities and risk factors such as pregnancy. To the best of our knowledge, this case study described the first reported occurrence of an ASSH during spinal surgery in a paediatric patient. The patient was not known to have any coagulopathies, and no obvious vascular lesions were documented. The surgical procedure did not directly involve the dura mater, and no evident intraoperative dural tears were found.

Case summary: We reported and discussed a case of ASSH complicating a posterior spinal instrumented fusion during surgery for paediatric congenital scoliosis. This condition has not been previously described. We made recommendations for facing such an occurrence, explored its aetiology in the context of malformation and discussed the benefits of neuromonitoring during scoliosis correction and the management protocol. We conducted a PubMed literature review for cases of paediatric ASSH and other closely related disorders. We reviewed recommendations regarding neuromonitoring and treatment management in such cases.

Conclusion: ASSH is a rare complication of posterior spinal instrumented fusion. Published cases are more often associated with anticoagulation therapy or coagulopathy. Neuromonitoring is strongly recommended to detect and assess neurological status, thus enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment and facilitating early spinal decompression and a return to a normal neurological status.