Hydrocephalus Caused by Fat Embolism: A Rare Complication of Atlanto-Axial Fixation for Odontoid Fractures

Abstract

Odontoid fracture is not uncommon and surgical treatment that uses posterior screw/rod fixation is an acceptable option. This is the first report of delayed hydrocephalus due to subarachnoid fat migration as a complication of posterior atlanto-axial (AA) fixation. A 27-year-old man underwent posterior C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screw fixation for a recent Anderson-D'Alonzo type 2 odontoid fracture. Autologous bone graft was wired for onlay fusion. The surgery was smooth, except that there was an incidental durotomy intraoperatively. The patient had significant relief of his neck pain, although computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a medial breach of the left C1 screw postoperation; however, he gradually developed headache and dizziness after discharge. Five weeks after operation, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large pseudo-meningocele at the surgical site, which was managed conservatively. Nine weeks after the AA fixation, the patient was sent to the emergency department for altered consciousness. A brain CT demonstrated hydrocephalus and multiple fat emboli in the subarachnoid and intraventricular space. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was inserted to manage the hydrocephalus and pseudo-meningocele. The patient recovered well and was followed up to 13 months after operation. To date, this was the first report of delayed hydrocephalus caused by fat embolism after AA fixation surgery. Incidental durotomy in posterior AA fixation may predispose the patient to a serious complication of fat-cerebrospinal fluid embolism and subsequent hydrocephalus. There should be a heightened awareness for such a complication. Both CT and magnetic resonance imaging are useful for the diagnosis of subarachnoid fat droplets.