Pulmonary Cement Embolism during Cement Augmentation of Pedicle Screw Fixation: A Case Report

Abstract

We present a case of pulmonary cement embolism during cement augmentation of pedicle screw fixation for severe degenerative scoliosis. During intra-operative C-arm fluoroscopy, a radio-opaque substance was incidentally noted to pulsate in synchrony with the patient's heartbeat. A diagnosis of pulmonary cement embolism was made. The patient was treated with coumarin for 6 months. He made a good recovery.