Subclavian vein thrombosis after application of body cast.

Abstract

Mehta-Cotrel body casting is a well-recognized and effective technique for the treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis. The treatment can be challenging to execute given the commitment required by the patient's family and treatment team, and is not without complications. In this report, we detail the occurrence of a subclavian vein thrombosis after the placement of a Mehta-Cotrel cast for the treatment of progressive infantile kyphoscoliosis. To date, this is a previously unreported complication after body casting. Expeditious and accurate diagnosis of this complication leads to effective treatment without further morbidity. Therefore, clinicians using body casting for the treatment of scoliosis should be aware of the possibility of this complication and know how to quickly diagnose and treat it.