Retained broken knife blades within the disc space.

STUDY DESIGN

Four cases in which, during standard laminectomies, knife blades broke deep into the disc space are reported.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

These broken knife blades could not be removed at the time of initial operations.

RESULTS

Follow-up studies indicated further anterior migration of retained fragments in two cases after ambulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the potential hazards of late intraabdominal visceral or vascular injuries, removal of sharp retained fragments at another session is recommended.