{
  "abstract": "Epidural catheterization is a commonly performed procedure for perioperative analgesia in orthopedic surgery. Catheter fracture is an uncommon but potentially challenging complication that may present a management dilemma when a retained fragment is identified. Although retained fragments have traditionally been considered biologically inert, delayed complications, such as radicular pain, migration, and fibrosis have been reported. However, consensus regarding optimal management remains lacking. We report a case of an epidural catheter fracture during insertion, with a retained fragment confirmed by comparison with the original catheter. Localization was done using computed tomography at the L3-L4 level, extending from the interspinous region towards the posterior epidural space. The patient remained neurologically intact throughout the course of treatment. During a subsequent planned orthopedic procedure, retrieval of the retained catheter fragment was performed through a limited posterior approach. The fragment was successfully removed under direct visualization without dural breach or cerebrospinal fluid leak. The post-operative course was uneventful, and the patient remained asymptomatic at follow-up. Management of retained epidural catheter fragments remains debated. While conservative observation has been reported in asymptomatic patients, delayed complications, including migration, fibrosis, and neurological symptoms have also been described. Careful radiological localization and correlation with clinical features are important when formulating a management strategy. This case highlights the role of individualized decision-making and multidisciplinary planning in the management of retained epidural catheter fragments.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, India.",
    "Department of Anaesthesia, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, India."
  ],
  "article_type": null,
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 6,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Ayush Singla",
      "orcid": "0009-0003-1902-8222"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Ankit Rai",
      "orcid": "0000-0003-0356-8964"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Nilesh Barwar",
      "orcid": "0000-0003-1510-0728"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Pankaj Kumar Sharma",
      "orcid": "0000-0002-5800-5192"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Uma Rathi",
      "orcid": "0000-0002-4927-8359"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Himanshu Chahal",
      "orcid": "0009-0002-4616-2315"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/5dxqvft7ras8k.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.13107/jocr.2026.v16.i11.8384",
  "fulltext_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13741019",
  "id": "5dxqvft7ras8k",
  "issns": [
    "2250-0685",
    "2321-3817"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42997226",
  "language": "eng",
  "licence": "CC-BY-NC",
  "licence_label": "CC BY-NC",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "openalex",
      "2703|Anesthesia and Pain Management"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7225584855",
  "pdf_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13741019?pdf=render",
  "pmcid": "PMC13741019",
  "pmid": "42997226",
  "published": "2026-11-01",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/5dxqvft7ras8k.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-11-09T15:20:34Z",
      "native_id": "MED:42997226",
      "source": "europepmc",
      "url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42997226"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "medicine",
      "origin": "openalex:2703|Anesthesia and Pain Management",
      "subfield": "surgery"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Management of Retained Epidural Catheter Fragment in a Polytrauma Patient: A Case Report.",
  "title_text": "Management of Retained Epidural Catheter Fragment in a Polytrauma Patient: A Case Report.",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-11-09T15:20:34Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/5dxqvft7ras8k",
  "venue": "Journal of orthopaedic case reports",
  "versions": []
}