Delayed Fungal Infection After Anterior Lateral Interbody Fusion Treated With Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion: A Case Report and Literature Review

Author: Se Woon KIM ¹ ; Bu Kwang OH ; Dong Wuk SON ; Jun Seok LEE ; Su Hun LEE ; Young Ha KIM ; Soon Ki SUNG ; Sang Weon LEE ; Geun Sung SONG
Author Information

1. Department of Neurosurgery, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Busan, Korea
Publication Type:Case Report
From: Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique 2024;9(1):74-79
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: This report presents a rare case of a fungal infection following an anterior lateral interbody fusion (ALIF) procedure. A 73-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis underwent ALIF for lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis. After surgery, he experienced severe back pain. Radiological tests showed pseudoarthrosis, osteolysis, and signs of surgical site infection. Revision surgery using oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) and an allo-bone graft was performed. This addressed the complications, removed the previous cage, and provided interbody support. The patient’s pain significantly decreased, and he recovered from an Aspergillus fumigatus infection after voriconazole treatment. Follow-up examinations confirmed the infection’s resolution and the maintenance of spinal stability. It is crucial to identify fungal infections in patients on immunosuppressive drugs. The case validates the efficacy of voriconazole efficacy in treating Aspergillus spondylitis and the safety and effectiveness of OLIF for ALIF revision surgery.