Polymethylmethacrylate Entrapped in Inferior Vena Cava Filter After a Scheuermann Kyphosis Revision Surgery

Abstract Study Design Case report. Objectives To review and expose the rare occurrence of prophylactic polymethylmethacrylate becoming trapped in an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter following lumbar spine revision surgery in a patient with Scheuermann's kyphosis. Methods Intraoperative reports, progress notes, and imaging were reviewed for a patient who underwent an initial surgery for Scheuermann's kyphosis correction, a subsequent revision surgery for a fracture sustained during the post-operative period, and an IVC filter removal procedure. Results The medical reports and imaging revealed the prophylactic cement used in the revision surgery migrated through the vertebral bodies, into a paravertebral vein, and became trapped in the IVC filter subsequently complicating its removal. Conclusions An IVC filter can prevent serious pulmonary and cardiovascular complications arising from prophylactic cement leakage out of the vertebral bodies into the venous system following its use in a revision surgery for kyphosis correction.