Delayed Abdominal Compartment Syndrome as a Complication of Spinal Surgery: Literature Review and Case Report

Posterior spinal fusion surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis is associated with favorable outcomes and high caregiver satisfaction scores. However, these patients represent a medically fragile patient population prone to complications. One of the more unpredictable complications is abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), the etiology of which is not fully understood. This case report represents the first case report of delayed ACS to develop 3 days after spinal fusion in a patient with no history of previous abdominal surgeries undergoing correction for neuromuscular scoliosis. This case outlines the clinical course, risk factors for ACS, and indications for urgent surgical decompression of the abdomen. Given the high mortality, it is important for orthopedic surgeons to understand prevention, presentation, and timely management associated with ACS.