Postoperative tetraplegia as a result of positioning
Virkelyst, C.; Kristensen, B.B.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 169(3): 236-237
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 1603-6824 PMID: 17234102 Document Number: 606056
Tetraplegia is a rare complication of positioning. A 36-year-old healthy man with a BMI of 40 underwent a sigmoidostomy reversal under general anaesthesia in the Trendelenburg position. Post-operatively the patient experienced pain with dysaestesia and weakness of both legs and arms. A medullary cervical compression was suspected, and prednisolone medication was initiated. An MRI showed no signs of either cervical discus prolaps or cervical stenosis. Myelography was not performed. The patient recovered well. Perioperative positioning was most likely the explanation of this condition.