Hemoptysis due to anterior scoliosis implants

Case: A twenty-five-year-old man presented with recurrent episodes of hemoptysis requiring hospitalization and interventional embolization. Instrumentation that had been implanted ten years previously for anterior spinal correction and fusion to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis adjoined the medial border of the right lung. The instrumentation eroded the lung during respiration, which prompted the formation of adhesions and fibrosis. Because of the risk of additional hemoptysis events, we performed revision thoracotomy, removal of the spinal instrumentation, and partial lobectomy. Conclusion: This rare and serious complication underscores the importance of meticulous surgical technique to ensure proper implant placement and of vigilant monitoring for late iatrogenic injury.