Congenital thoracolumbar deformity complication

Incidental durotomy is one of the most common intraoperative complications in spine surgery, including deformity surgery. Unrecognized tears or tears that fail to seal in spite of treatment may result in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula formation and leak. In turn, CSF leaks may lead to severe postoperative headache, back pain, fluid accumulation and increased risk of infection. In this chapter, the authors present a case of a patient who underwent surgery for spinal deformity and developed a postoperative pseudomeningocele. Additionally, the causes, diagnosis, management, complications, and outcomes of CSF leak are discussed.