Serious spinal cord injury due to haematomyelia caused by spinal anaesthesia in a patient treated with low-dose heparin

Abstract

Failed spinal anaesthesia for left total hip arthroplasty was followed postoperatively by dense motor paralysis and sensory deficit in the right leg. The patient had received a dose of subcutaneous heparin 1 h before the spinal anaesthetic was attempted. She died of pulmonary embolism on the ninth postoperative day. At autopsy extensive haematomyelia was found in relation to the needle track.