T12 Compression Fracture Complicated with Delayed Spinal Epidural Hematoma: A casereport

Abstract

Delayed spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) after a spinal compression fracture is a very rare but important cause of symptomatic spinal cord compression. We report a patient with spinal cord compression and cauda equina syndrome due to delayed SEH after a traumatic T12 compression fracture. A 74-year-old male patient had severe back pain without neurologic deficits after a traumatic T12 compression fracture. He developed progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness, sensory loss, and sphincter dysfunction 2.5 months after the injury. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed a huge spinal epidural hematoma at the level of T12 to L5. He then received decompressive surgery half a month later. He also received rehabilitation training after surgery. His neurologic deficits improved gradually, and he could walk independently with a quadricane 1.5 years after the injury. Education about the possibility of complications and close follow-up of patients with spinal compression fracture enhances the chance of early diagnosis and treatment, which ensure a good clinical outcome and thus avoids medico-legal issues.