Acute neurologic deficit associated with a posterior cervical drain: a case report.

Study Design: Descriptive.

Objectives: To document a rare complication involving the use of a wound drain after cervical laminectomy.

Summary Of The Background Data: No previous reports describe spinal cord compression by a surgical drain resulting in a neurologic deficit. Most texts recommend the use of a drain following this procedure.

Methods: An 80-year-old female underwent cervical laminectomy for myelopathy with initial improvement in symptoms. Approximately 6 hours following surgery, she developed acute onset of quadriparesis when repositioning in bed. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cord compression by the surgical drain, which was immediately removed.

Results: The patient experienced partial improvement of the neurologic deficit. At 18-month follow-up, left handed weakness, left leg spasticity, and neurogenic bladder persist.

Conclusion: The development of neurologic deficits due to compression by a surgical drain can occur. This complication might be avoided by approximating the neck musculature before placement of the drain and closure of the fascia.