A surprising cause of paresis following scoliosis correction.
case_report · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 11806389.
- Also identified by PMC identifier 3611532.
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Abstract
Paralysis following scoliosis correction is a catastrophic situation. We report an unusual metabolic cause of neurological deficit after anterior thoracic release. A 15-year-old female developed proximal leg paralysis 1 day after surgery. Investigations disclosed severe serum hypokalaemia (2.8 mmol/l). After intravenous potassium substitution the neurological status completely normalized within a few hours. We assume that the condition was a manifestation of hypokalaemic paralysis since no further abnormalities could be disclosed. Spinal surgeons should bear in mind hypokalaemia as a benign and easily correctable cause of paresis following surgical scoliosis correction.
Medical subject headings
- Paresis
- Postoperative Complications
- Scoliosis