# Urinothorax: A rare complication of vertebral body tethering

## TL;DR

A rare complication called urinothorax occurred after a new spinal surgery for scoliosis, highlighting the need for awareness and improved safety measures.

## Contribution

This case report highlights a previously unreported complication of anterior vertebral body tethering in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment.

## Key findings

- A nephropleural fistula leading to urinothorax was identified as a rare postoperative complication of AVBT.
- The patient required extended hospitalization and multidisciplinary care to manage the complication.
- The case emphasizes the importance of recognizing unusual complications to improve patient safety in AVBT procedures.

## Abstract

Anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) offers an alternative to traditional spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) that preserves spinal mobility. However, its novelty means that there is limited data on its associated complications. This case report details a rare postoperative complication: nephropleural fistula resulting in urinothorax occurring in a patient with AIS undergoing AVBT. This patient required extended hospital stays and multidisciplinary management. This occurrence underscores the need for identifying and managing unusual complications related to AVBT. Enhancing awareness can improve patient safety and optimize procedural outcomes in the evolving landscape of AIS treatment.