Vascular injuries during lumbar spine surgery are rare, accounting for only 1–5 cases per 10,000 lumbar disc surgeries (1), and studies on managing broken blades are scarce. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, a management algorithm for the adverse event of anterior migration of a fractured scalpel blade has not yet been published. In the present report, we describe the case management of a broken scalpel on the L5–S1 disc in a 59-year-old female patient who underwent a laminotomy and an implantation of an interspinous process device at the L4–L5 motion segment 7 years before the L3–S1 decompression and instrumented fusion were planned as treatment. The patient was subsequently scheduled for revision surgery due to degenerative lateral spinal canal stenosis, worsening leg pain, and chronic mechanical back pain.

In the present case, while performing a continuous-motion oval-shaped incision of the posterior disc annulus during L5–S1 discectomy and transforaminal interbody cage implantation, the No. 15 scalpel blade broke. An attempt was made to retrieve the broken segment through the posterior disc space using a microscope under fluoroscopic control. However, visual confirmation of the fractured fragment was impossible as it was covered with disc material.

Figure 1 shows the management timeline of the presented case.

Intraoperatively, we reviewed the vascular anatomy of the patient using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and preoperative computed tomography (CT). In addition, we performed an intraoperative 3D C-arm CT scan to visualize the position of the broken blade.

Removal using a pituitary rongeur was unsuccessful, resulting in the partial anterior migration of the broken scalpel blade. When the broken blade piece was in the anterior third of the disc space, we tried to remove it using a nerve hook, which was again unsuccessful. Afterward, we reevaluated the vascular anatomy using preoperative MR and CT scans. We partially pushed the broken blade piece through the anterior annulus using the nerve hook already in the disc space, guided by serial X-ray imaging (Figure 2). After the pushing maneuver, pedicle screws were locked to the rod to ensure the stability of the construct. The patient was mobilized and resumed regular ambulation as per the standard practice.

Furthermore, CT angiography was conducted before the patient was referred to a vascular surgeon (Figure 3), and laparoscopic revision was performed a week later. This procedure revealed that the omentum majus was detached from the anterior abdominal wall, and the L5 vertebral body was accessed from the medial side of the mesosigmoid colon. After applying cranial traction to the sigmoid colon, the mesocolon of the rectosigmoid became tense, and a peritoneal incision was made. Furthermore, the right iliac artery, ureter, and sacral promontory were identified. The presacral structures were then lifted using a meticulous technique, allowing for the successful removal of the broken blade piece from where it was lodged in the anterior disc annulus.

The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful. At the 6-month follow-up, she was pain-free, with a stable L3–S1 fusion construct.

In terms of anatomy, injury to the iliac artery and its branches is more likely to occur caudal to the L4 midbody. In contrast, the iliac vein and its branches may be damaged caudal to the L4–L5 disc space. Furthermore, the right internal iliac artery and vein are susceptible to injury at the L5–S1 disc level. Aortic and caval injuries most commonly occur at the L1–L4 vertebral levels (1). In addition, the right and left common iliac arteries are the most commonly injured (43% and 29%, respectively) during lumbar discectomy, whereas the right common iliac vein is the least commonly affected vessel (2).

Complications that may arise from protrusion or extrusion of a sharp object anterior to the lumbar disc space include arteriovenous fistula; pseudoaneurysm; vascular, urethral, or bowel laceration; foreign body granuloma; and intravascular migration of a foreign body (1, 3–8). The risk factors for scalpel blade fracture during discectomy include the use of No. 15 blades with a narrow junction, the presence of a calcified posterior longitudinal ligament and annulus, the application of the scalpel blade stabbing-and-turning technique, and encountering a narrowed disc space (9, 10). An anterior annulus ligament defect also increases the risk of anterior protrusion of the blade (11).

We considered laparoscopy (with or without a robotic aid) a minimally invasive, safe, and optimal method to visualize critical anatomical structures. In addition, robot-assisted procedures offer enhanced dexterity, allowing greater precision when dissecting (12–14). In the present study, we proposed a safe triangular corridor for avoiding vascular lesions (Figure 3). Depending on the vascular anatomy of a patient, a pushing maneuver is recommended for scalpel blade pieces retained at specific L5–S1 levels, as higher lumbar levels have a higher risk of vessel laceration. By employing the pushing technique, a minimally invasive anterior approach was possible for retrieving the broken scalpel blade lodged in the anterior disc annulus.

Relevant medical literature on such complications is scarce. Transforaminal, anterior-laparoscopic, posterior-endoscopic, and lateral approaches were used to retrieve broken scalpel blade fragments (3, 10, 12, 15). The limitation of this study is that case reports are rare, making each case unique.

Retained and extruded sharp objects within and anterior to the disc space in the lumbosacral spine are potentially life-threatening complications. These can be difficult to treat and may require an interdisciplinary approach to treatment. Vascular injury can manifest in different forms and may initially present as asymptomatic. We suggest using a stabbing technique instead of a continuous stabbing-and-turning excision of the posterior annulus to avoid breaking the scalpel blade. A safe triangular corridor should be considered for the anterior pushing technique. We suggest considering a robot-assisted laparoscopy as the preferred method for retrieving anteriorly extruded objects.

During the follow-up, the patient reported being free from pain and expressed satisfaction with our treatment. She had provided informed consent for the publication of this case. All personal information has been anonymized.