Traumatic lumbosacral pseudomeningocele associated with spinal fracture

Background contextTraumatic pseudomeningocele and avulsion of lumbosacral nerve roots are rare in the absence of fractures of the pelvic ring or hip dislocation. Clear prognoses for the root avulsion or pseudomeningocele do not exist.PurposeTo present a patient who developed a posttraumatic pseudomeningocele after lumbosacral injury.Study designCase report and review of the literature.MethodsA patient who sustained traumatic pseudomeningocele of the lumbar spine was treated nonsurgically and followed over a 2-year period.ResultsNerve root deficit largely recovered, although an asymptomatic pseudomeningocele persisted.ConclusionsThe radiographic diagnosis of lumbar root avulsion is not predictive, and recovery may be expected in some patients without operative intervention. Management of patients with lumbar nerve root avulsion and posttraumatic pseudomeningocele should be based on the size and clinical significance of the pseudomeningocele.