Iliopsoas hematoma with femoral neuropathy presenting a diagnostic dilemma after spinal decompression.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report of an iliopsoas hematoma with femoral neuropathy appearing 8 weeks after a posterior spinal decompression procedure.

OBJECTIVES

To describe a potential complication and differential diagnosis for nerve root symptoms following spinal decompression.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Iliopsoas hematoma is usually a complication of anticoagulation, hemophilia, or trauma. It has not been described previously as a complication of posterior spinal decompression. Femoral neuropathy results from compression within the iliopsoas compartment.

METHODS

A 53-year-old woman reported pain in the right side of her groin and an increasing fixed flexion deformity of the right hip 8 weeks after a posterior, midline, spinal decompression. A femoral neuropathy later developed. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were performed.

RESULTS

Imaging studies demonstrated a diffusely enlarged iliopsoas. Exploration revealed a large hematoma, which was evacuated. The compartment was fully decompressed with resolution of the nerve root symptoms within 48 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Iliopsoas pathology is a rare cause of nerve root symptoms and presented diagnostic difficulties after an apparently successful spinal decompression.