ABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis was performed to identify the diagnostic and therapeutic factors related to postoperative compressive neuropathy by hematoma after posterior spinal decompressive surgery. OBJECTIVES: To document by analysis the clinical course of postoperative compressive neuropathy by hematoma, the efficacy of early surgical decompression, and to recommend methods of prevention. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Various diagnostic and treatment modalities have been applied to postoperative compressive neuropathy after spinal surgery. However, the timing of surgical decompression remains controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five cases of postoperative compressive neuropathy after posterior spinal decompressive surgery, which occurred from May 1996 to May 2000, were investigated in terms of causes, clinical courses, and management profiles after early surgical decompression, and final outcome. RESULTS: Five cases (2.14%) among 234 patients were managed by re-decompression including the evacuation of hematoma. Four cases, which had been managed by earlier surgical decompression showed neurologic improvement after 2 postoperative weeks, and achieved favorable clinical results without grave neurologic sequelae. However, in one case, in which surgical decompression had been delayed, weakness of the peroneii remained. CONCLUSION: Early evacuation of hematoma achieved a more favorable result than a delayed operation. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical decompression is recommended to reduce neurologic sequelae.