MedlinePlus describes a spinal fusion as a surgery performed to join two bones or vertebrae in the spine. It involves placing an extra bone to fill the space between two spinal vertebrae so that there is no movement between them. It is usually recommended for individuals with broken vertebrae, a deformity in the spine, a weakness or instability in the spine, or chronic pain in the lower back. Since spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that can take up to three to four hours, there are certain complications involved.
Infection
MedlinePlus reports that infection is a complication that may occur after spinal fusion. In this surgery, the surgeon makes an incision either on the back or neck over the spine, on the front of the neck toward the side, or through one side of the belly. There is a danger that infection may occur in the wound. A bone graft may be taken from another part of the body and placed between the vertebrae. There is a danger that infection may occur in the vertebral bones.
Damage to Spinal Nerve
Another complication of spinal fusion, as reported by MedlinePlus, is damage to the spinal nerve. This may occur while the surgeon is performing the surgery and may cause weakness and pain in the area around the damaged spinal nerve. The patient may also experience loss of sensation or numbness. Since the surgery is often performed in the lower back, damage to the spinal nerve may also cause problems with the bowels or with bladder control. Additionally, injury may occur to the blood vessels around the area where the procedure is performed.
Chronic Back Pain
MayoClinic.com states that spinal fusion shifts the stress from the fused vertebrae to the areas above and below the fusion. This can put extra stress on the adjacent areas, thereby accelerating the rate of wear-and-tear in these adjacent vertebral joints. This results in further damage to the vertebrae, and causes chronic back pain for the patient.
Other Complications
Poor wound healing and bleeding may occur as a complication after spinal fusion surgery, reports MayoClinic.com. Blood clots can also occur after this procedure. Since the bone graft is taken from another part of the body, it is quite possible that the patient experiences pain at this site. There is also a danger of the fusion not healing properly. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that even after the surgery, individuals may report a recurrence of the original symptoms.
