Complications and Risks of Spinal Surgery
Here's information on spinal surgery's risks and complications.
Transcript: Complications and Risks of Spinal Surgery
Risks Associated With Spinal Surgery
There are risks of complications associated with any surgery. A surgery performed near the spine is a delicate procedure in which both mechanical and biological complications may occur with varying frequency and severity.Risk 1 - Thrombophlebitis
A common problem that can develop after surgery is thrombophlebitis. This is a condition in which a vein becomes inflamed as a result of a blood clot, irritation from an IV needle, or infection near a vein. This usually leads to tenderness and pain in the tissue surrounding the affected vein.Risk 2 - Abnormal Breathing and Infection of Lungs
Complications related to the lungs also may develop following surgery. These problems can result from anesthetic medications or from extended stays in bed, that can lead to abnormal breathing and infection.Risk 3 - Movement of Implanted Screws, Rods, Plates
In time, surgically implanted metal screws, rods, or plates may break or move. This can be painful and require a second surgery to replace or repair the damaged hardware.Other Risks of Spinal Surgery
Other complications may include: infection, persistent pain, Transitional Syndrome, pseudoarthrosis, and spinal cord injury.Copyrighted animations provided by Blausen Medical.
