ABSTRACT

Interbody fusion with cage is an effective treatment modality which showed good results in treating this instability due to spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. However, recent studies showed major complications of this technique. In this report, the authors present the first case of banana-shaped cage migration in the two adjacent levels. A 32-year-old woman, who was operated for Grade II spondylolisthesis of L5 vertebra with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), by banana-shaped cages placed in L4-5 and L5-S1 intervertebral disc spaces. After 2 months of the operation, the patient complained severe low back pain radiating to both legs. Control lumbar imaging showed dislocation and migration of the both cages posteriorly obliterating the spinal canal. The patient was then operated by posterior approach, with removing the migrated cages, interbody fusion with autologous iliac graft and posterior fixation with rods and pedicle screws. The patientʼs complaints resolved completely, and discharged with no further complications.