Worsening spasticity due to catheter breakage during intrathecal baclofen therapy: a case report

This case report describes a situation where a patient's spasticity worsened due to a broken catheter used for intrathecal baclofen therapy. Intrathecal baclofen therapy involves delivering baclofen directly into the spinal fluid to help manage severe spasticity. The existing catheter broke after 13 years, so a new catheter was inserted through a different entry point in the spine, while leaving the old catheter in place. Post-surgery, the patient's spasticity was again well-controlled with the intrathecal baclofen therapy. This report highlights a specific surgical approach for managing broken intrathecal catheters without removing the original catheter, which can be a useful alternative in such cases. The patient's condition remained well-managed during the 5-month follow-up period.

• 1
  The intrathecal baclofen catheter breakage was identified as the cause of the patient's worsening spasticity 13 years after the initial pump implantation.
• 2
  A new intrathecal catheter was successfully inserted through a different intervertebral space (L2/3) than the original (L3/4), while leaving the fractured catheter in place.
• 3
  Post-operative, the patient's spasticity was well-controlled with intrathecal baclofen therapy, and he was able to walk without assistance during the 5-month follow-up.