Hematoma formation after basivertebral nerve ablation

Abstract

Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA) has been shown to have significant and lasting effects on chronic vertebrogenic low back pain. Serious complications have been rare, including hematoma formation. However, given that the target lesion occurs at the basivertebral foramen, which not only houses the basivertebral nerve terminus but also the basivertebral vessels, hematoma formation is theoretically plausible. This case demonstrates a suspected hematoma in the extradural neural axis compartment following BVNA. The patient was treated conservatively and there were no significant lasting adverse effects.