Accidental anterior longitudinal ligament rupture during lateral lumbar interbody fusion disclosed after posterior corrective fusion surgery resulting in local hyper-lordosis

Abstract

Objective: To report a case of anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) injury that was not noticeable during lateral lumbar interbody fusion and was disclosed after posterior corrective fusion surgery.

Case presentation: After performing lateral lumbar interbody fusion followed by posterior corrective fusion surgery, we observed an anterior longitudinal ligament rupture that required additional surgery. Postoperative pain in the left lower limb and muscle weakness due to nerve traction appeared, but this was improved by stabilization between the vertebral bodies.

Conclusion: Unidentified anterior longitudinal ligament rupture can result in unexpected local lordosis during posterior surgery, possibly related to lower extremity palsy. Therefore, checking for possible rupture during and after anterior surgery is important. If the ALL damage is disclosed before posterior surgery, the proper surgical strategy for the posterior surgery must be considered.