Intradural extra-medullary spinal cord tumor after dorso-lumbar spine fixation following 12th dorsal vertebra burst fracture: A case report with literature review

Abstract

Intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumors are rare but can cause significant neurological symptoms. We present a case of a 23-year-old male who developed progressive bilateral leg pain and lower limb weakness 2 years after undergoing posterior spinal fixation for a T12 burst fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intradural extramedullary tumor at the site of the previous surgery. The patient underwent surgical excision of the tumor, which was confirmed to be a Schwannoma. Postoperatively, the patient experienced significant improvement in both motor function and pain. This case underscores the importance of thorough follow-up care in patients with spinal trauma and fixation, as delayed secondary pathologies, such as spinal tumors, can occur.

Keywords: Burst fracture; Dorso-lumbar fixation; Intradural extra-medullary tumor; Spinal cord injury; Spinal schwannoma.

Fig. 1

Sagittal T2-weighted MRI without contrast of the thoracolumbar spine demonstrates a burst fracture of the 12th thoracic (dorsal) vertebra, highlighting the extent of the injury and associated structural changes.

Fig. 2

Sagittal T1-weighted MRI with contrast of the lumbar spine demonstrates an intradural extra-medullary spinal cord tumor at the level of the fracture.

Fig. 3

Histopathological examination shows hypo- and hypercellular spindle cell proliferation with bland nuclei, inconspicuous mitotic figures, thick hyalinized blood vessels, and no evidence of necrosis. These findings are consistent with a benign Schwannoma.