Study design: A case report of a clinical observation.
Objectives: To present the clinical findings of an unusual complication of spinal fusion and epidural analgesia.
Summary of background data: A 13-year-old girl developed Horner's syndrome after posterior thoracic spinal fusion and epidural analgesia.
Methods: By clinical examination and pupillary pharmacologic testing, the diagnosis of Horner's syndrome was confirmed.
Results: Examination and testing confirmed the presence of central or preganglionic Horner's syndrome. The specific cause of the Horner's syndrome was not determined. Horner's syndrome persisted, and the blepharoptosis was corrected surgically.
Conclusions: This is the first reported case of Horner's syndrome occurring after posterior spinal fusion and epidural analgesia.