[Thoracic aorta aneurysm as a complication after transpedicular stabilization of the thoracic vertebral column--a case study].

INTRODUCTION

Incorrectly positioned transpedicular stabilization accounts for 4 to 30% of the complications occurring after vertebral column stabilization operations.

OBSERVATIONS

We describe a specific complication following transpedicular stabilization of TH5-TH7, performed due to fracture of the TH6 vertebra. Given that the patient complained of pain in the thoracic vertebrae, a CT scan of the TH5-TH7 region was performed and revealed that the transpedicular stabilization was incorrectly located; it was immediately adjacent to the thoracic aorta and had led to the formation of a false aneurysm. The stabilization was removed and the patient is under the constant supervision of a vascular surgeon.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracic aorta false aneurysm is a rare complication after vertebral column stabilization. However, there is a high risk of the aorta wall damage during stabilization removal.