Is transforaminal retrieval of intradiscal deeply seated broken surgical knife blade all time pars sparing? A case report.

BACKGROUND

One risk accompanying with Lumbar discectomy is breaking of the surgical scalpel during discectomy. Greatest of the broken blades can be detached during the first surgery. Conversely, in few cases, surgeon's efforts might be ineffective, causing in engaged foreign body in the disc space. Works regarding this matter is infrequent, and there are no exclusive strategies to discourse this complication.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 26-year-old female with L5-S1 left disc sequestration and plantar flexion disturbance, underwent a one level hemilaminectomy for lumbar disc herniation. The knife blade was broken in the disc space and could not be found despite 3h consumed on its tried removal by her surgeon. Transforaminal path as an unconventional access strip for its removal is planned, but pars inter articularis was not saving intact and fusion process had done.The patient was discharged a day after blade removal and fusion surgery is doing well now.

CONCLUSIONS

The transforaminal route might be a harmless and informal substitute corridor for all intradiscal retained foreign bodies including a broken blade. Sometimes because of better exposure especially in deeply seated material, resection of pars and then fusion surgery avoid inevitable.