Background:

Delayed arterial symptomatic epidural hematoma (SEH) on the 14^th day after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is rare but it may lead to severe complications if not identified and treated in a timely manner. After diagnosis of the current case, early surgical removal of the hematoma and strict hemostasis treatment was accomplished. This case report highlights the importance of swift diagnosis and treatment in SEH patients.

Case summary:

A 41-year-old male patient with a single-segment lumbar disc herniation underwent left-side PLIF. On the 14^th post-operative day, the patient complained of lumbar incision pain with sudden onset accompanied by left limb radiation pain and aggravated cauda equina symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging examination and a puncture blood draw at the incision site confirmed a delayed arterial SEH. Emergency surgical removal of the hematoma and hemostasis was performed. About 70 mL of hematoma was found in the left incision. Continuous bleeding was found in the anterior branch of the transverse process of the 4^th lumbar artery in the muscle area about 2 cm below the transverse process of the 4^th lumbar vertebra. A blood jet of about 10 cm in height was observed and bipolar electrocoagulation was used to stop the bleeding. Post-operative lumbar incision pain and left lower limb pain were relieved immediately and gradually disappeared. There was no recurrence during the 12-mo follow-up.

Conclusion:

For delayed arterial SEH on the 14^th day after PLIF, preventive measures including pre-, intra- and post-operative prevention should be implemented.