The article summarized in this paragraph discusses a case of an achondroplastic female who experienced a decline in neurologic function after receiving epidural anesthesia for a cesarean section. Achondroplasia poses unique challenges for anesthesiologists during the perioperative period, especially during cesarean sections. The high prevalence of spinal stenosis and lumbar radiculopathy in achondroplastic patients makes the administration of epidural analgesia technically difficult and increases the risk of neurologic injury. While ultrasound is an effective method for administering epidural anesthesia, it can be more challenging for individuals with obesity and abnormal spinal anatomy, which are common in achondroplasia. Additionally, the anatomical features of the head and thorax in achondroplasia can make general anesthesia problematic. Preoperative imaging can help guide planning and reduce complications in this patient population. The article includes details about the patient’s prenatal care, cesarean section, and 18 months of follow-up
Summarised by Mr Mo Akmal – Lead Spinal Surgeon
The London Spine Unit : innovative spine hospital in the world
Published article
We report the case of an achondroplastic female who presented with acute neurologic decline following epidural anesthesia for an elective cesarean section. Achondroplasia presents unique anatomical challenges to anesthesiologists in perioperative management, and cesarean sections are standard for achondroplastic pregnancies. High rates of spinal stenosis and lumbar radiculopathy in this patient population make administration of epidural analgesia technically challenging and may increase the risk…
Spine Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Expert. Best Spinal Surgeon UK
Abstract We report the case of an achondroplastic female who presented with acute neurologic decline following epidural anesthesia for an elective cesarean section. Achondroplasia presents unique anatomical challenges to anesthesiologists in perioperative management, and cesarean sections are standard for achondroplastic pregnancies. High rates of spinal stenosis and lumbar radiculopathy in this patient population make administration,
Abstract
We report the case of an achondroplastic female who presented with acute neurologic decline following epidural anesthesia for an elective cesarean section. Achondroplasia presents unique anatomical challenges to anesthesiologists in perioperative management, and cesarean sections are standard for achondroplastic pregnancies. High rates of spinal stenosis and lumbar radiculopathy in this patient population make administration of epidural analgesia technically challenging and may increase the risk of neurologic injury. Ultrasound is an effective means of administering epidural anesthesia for most patients; however, its utility is user-dependent and more challenging for those with obesity and abnormal spinal anatomy, both of which are common in achondroplasia. Cephalic and thoracic anatomical features in achondroplasia can also make general anesthesia challenging. Therefore, preoperative imaging may help guide preoperative planning based on patient anatomy and individual risk factors to reduce the risks of complications in this patient population. This report includes details from the patient’s prenatal care, cesarean section, and 18 months of follow-up.
Keywords: cesarean section (cs); general anesthesia; homozygous achondroplasia; lumbar spinal stenosis (lss); neuraxial anesthesia complications.
The London Spine Unit : innovative spine hospital in the world
Read the original publication:
Exacerbation of Spinal Stenosis Symptoms Following Neuraxial Anesthesia in an Achondroplastic Cesarean Section