A surprising cause of paresis following scoliosis correction

Paralysis following scoliosis correction is a catastrophic situation. We report an unusual metabolic cause of neurological deficit after anterior thoracic release. A 15-year-old female developed proximal leg paralysis 1 day after surgery. Investigations disclosed severe serum hypokalaemia (2.8 mmol/...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European spine journal 2001-12, Vol.10 (6), p.495-497
Main Authors: Kluba, T, Giehl, J P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Case Report
Female
Humans
Hypokalemia - complications
Infusions, Intravenous
Paresis - drug therapy
Paresis - etiology
Postoperative Complications - drug therapy
Postoperative Complications - etiology
Potassium - administration & dosage
Scoliosis - surgery
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Paralysis following scoliosis correction is a catastrophic situation. We report an unusual metabolic cause of neurological deficit after anterior thoracic release. A 15-year-old female developed proximal leg paralysis 1 day after surgery. Investigations disclosed severe serum hypokalaemia (2.8 mmol/l). After intravenous potassium substitution the neurological status completely normalized within a few hours. We assume that the condition was a manifestation of hypokalaemic paralysis since no further abnormalities could be disclosed. Spinal surgeons should bear in mind hypokalaemia as a benign and easily correctable cause of paresis following surgical scoliosis correction.
ISSN:0940-6719
1432-0932
DOI:10.1007/s005860100317