STUDY DESIGN: Four cases in which, during standard laminectomies, knife blades broke deep into the disc space are reported. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: These broken knife blades could not be removed at the time of initial operations. RESULTS: Follow-up studies indicated further anterior migration of retained fragments in two cases after ambulation. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the potential hazards of late intraabdominal visceral or vascular injuries, removal of sharp retained fragments at another session is recommended.
STUDY DESIGN: Four cases in which, during standard laminectomies, knife blades broke deep into the disc space are reported. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: These broken knife blades could not be removed at the time of initial operations. RESULTS: Follow-up studies indicated further anterior migration of retained fragments in two cases after ambulation. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the potential hazards of late intraabdominal visceral or vascular injuries, removal of sharp retained fragments at another session is recommended.