Retained broken knife blades within the disc space.

Amirjamshidi, A; Mehrazin, M; Abbassioun, K; Ketabtchi, E · Spine (Phila Pa 1976) · 1994

case_series · Level IV

Where this comes from

Abstract

Four cases in which, during standard laminectomies, knife blades broke deep into the disc space are reported. These broken knife blades could not be removed at the time of initial operations. Follow-up studies indicated further anterior migration of retained fragments in two cases after ambulation. Because of the potential hazards of late intraabdominal visceral or vascular injuries, removal of sharp retained fragments at another session is recommended.

Medical subject headings

Anatomy