The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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Review Case Reports
Postoperative spinal epidural hematoma at a site distant from the main surgical procedure: a case report and review of the literature.
Postoperative spinal epidural hematomas are known complications of spinal surgery. However, to our knowledge, there are no known cases of postoperative spinal epidural hematoma that occurred distant from the portion of the procedure that breached the spinal canal. ⋯ Spinal epidural hematomas are rare but dangerous complications that can result in severe neurologic deficits. A neurologic examination should always be conducted in the operating room immediately after surgery; if it is abnormal, spinal epidural hematoma should be suspected. If the examination indicates a deficit at a site distant from the original surgery, then diagnostic reimaging (magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography myelogram) is indicated.
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Many Americans seek and are influenced in their decision making by medical information on the Internet. Past studies have repeatedly found information on most medical Web sites to be deficient and of low quality. Physicians must remain aware of the quality and reliability of the information available on the Internet for patient education purposes. ⋯ There is wide variability in Web site quality, with most of the Web sites failing to be sufficiently comprehensive and accurate. Physicians treating patients with cervical disc herniation must remain vigilant in guiding their patients to proper information on the Internet.