Scoliosis due to scar contracture caused by infection after cyst-peritoneal shunt: a case report and literature review

Background Cyst-peritoneal (CP) shunt is one of the most common methods for the treatment of intracranial arachnoid cysts (ACs). Infection is a common postoperative complication. We report a patient with scoliosis due to scar contracture caused by infection after CP shunt. Case description A 12-year-old boy underwent CP shunt surgery for the left frontoparietotemporal AC when he was 2 years old. At the age of 7 years, he underwent a shunt catheter removal procedure because of the infection caused by the fistula leading from the subcutaneous tunnel to the body surface. However, contracture of the subcutaneous scar from fistula infection caused scoliosis and limited range of motion of the right arm. At the age of 12, the patient received scar lysis and his symptoms improved. Conclusion We presented the first case of scoliosis due to scar contracture caused by infection after CP shunt. In this case, timely release of scar tissue can effectively correct scoliosis and limb movement limitation.