Horner's syndrome after posterior spinal fusion in a child: a case report.

STUDY

DESIGN

A case report of a complication after posterior spinal fusion.

OBJECTIVES

To present the clinical findings of a Horner's syndrome after posterior spinal fusion.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A 14-year-old girl underwent posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis.

METHODS

Clinical examination and pharmacologic pupillary testing were used to diagnose Horner's syndrome.

RESULTS

After surgery, the patient developed a left-sided Horner's syndrome. The Horner's syndrome had resolved 6 months after surgery except for slight ptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first reported case of Horner's syndrome occurring after posterior spinal fusion without the use of epidural analgesia.