Spine surgery is performed to remedy such conditions as spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, disc herniation and spinal deformities such as scoliosis. As with any surgery, spinal surgery comes with its own set of potential complications. Surgery near the spinal cord in particular can have serious complications.
Paralysis and Spinal Nerve Injury
Paralysis is the most serious, though rare, complication of spinal surgery. The spinal cord and spinal nerves are exposed during surgery. The spinal cord is covered with a membrane that is as thin as rice paper. Permanent damage can easily be caused by inadvertent perforation with a scalpel or while cauterizing. Spinal nerves are retracted during surgery in order not to damage them, but can be injured with overly vigorous manipulation. Spinal nerve injury can result in weakness in the extremities and/or muscle wasting.
Spinal Fluid Leak
Spinal fluid will leak during surgery if the spinal cord membrane is perforated. Spinal fluid is maintained at a particular pressure within the spinal cord and around the brain. Leakage changes the pressure, which in turn can cause severe headaches postoperatively when a patient sits or stands up. Spinal fluid leaks are treated with bed rest for 48 to 72 hours. The patient remains flat on his back during this time while the spinal cord seals itself. Sometimes the cord does not heal and another operation becomes necessary to seal the leak.
Compression of the cord, caused by the spinal fluid that collects around the cord, can cause significant pain and weakness in the extremities. Spinal meningitis can occur if this spinal fluid becomes infected, according to Cure-Back-Pain.org.
Pseudoarthrosis
Pseudoarthrosis refers to a failed fusion or a fracture that has not healed, according to the University of Maryland Spine Clinic. A failed fusion or unhealed fracture allows unwanted motion between two vertebrae segments. This motion can cause instability of the spine and significant pain. The pain may increase over time. Motion in a spinal fusion can damage and break the metal hardware that is placed in the spine. This will require another operation to fix. Smoking is a major reason for failed fusion.
Other Complications
According to the University of Maryland Spine Clinic, persistent pain is the most common complication of spine surgery. Injury to the nerves that feed the pelvis can cause sexual dysfunction and/or urinary incontinence.
