Postsurgical epidural hematoma reproducing a lumbar radiculopathy.

A 24-year-old man presented to the spine service with an epidural hematoma three weeks after a successful decompressive laminectomy. Recurrence of the symptoms correlated with the repeat operative findings of a tenting hematoma over the area of the annular window. On decompression, the S1 nerve root relaxed in the L5-S1 gutter, effectively controlling the patient's symptoms and resulting in complete resolution of his pain. Radiographic and operative findings are discussed.