Background: Incidental durotomy is an undesirable but significant complication of lumbar spine surgery
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to clarify the risk factors for ID in lumbar spine surgery and to assess the incidence, treatment and outcome of ID.
Study Design: Retrospective review.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 450 patients who underwent a surgical procedure for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal disease. Cases included in this study were operated for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and post-laminectomy syndrome. We excluded Patients treated for spinal tumors, trauma, infections and deformity.
Results: IDs were identified in 27(6%) patients. The incidence of ID was much higher in revision procedures (11.9%) than in primary spinal procedures (4.6%). 18(67%) of the 27 tears were caused by residents with the remaining 9(33%) caused by the attending surgeon. Of the 27 dural tears 11(40.7%) were caused by the Kerrison rongeur. All dural tears were repaired primarily. All patients achieved satisfactory outcomes other than 2 patients developed Pseudomeningocele.
Conclusions: Risk factors that can increase the likelihood of ID were older age, obesity, pervious spinal surgery and decreased experience of the surgeon. The most common instrument leading to ID is the Kerrison. Incidental durotomy can be treated successfully with primary watertight repair, subfascial drains and bed rest.
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