Inferior vena cava filter presenting as chronic low back pain

Abstract Our purpose is to report a rare complication of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter with vertebral bone penetration, interval fracture, subsequent endovascular management and outcome. We report a case of an IVC filter embedded within the second lumbar vertebral body and in which one of the primary struts fractured, which presented as chronic low back pain. The filter was retrieved percutaneously approximately 2 years after placement. A fractured small strut remained within the vertebral bone; patient's pain resolved. Symptomatic filter in situ should be retrieved even when fractured.