Pedicle screws are used for some spinal fusion surgeries. They are a specialized type of screw designed to hold vertebrae together. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, this approach is often combined with bone grafting to stabilize the spine until the grafting fuses it together. A study by Yasuaki Tokuhashi, et al, in 2008 (reported in Orthopedics Today) reported that this is one of the common approaches used for elderly patients undergoing spinal fusion.
Medication Complications
Some people may have adverse reactions to medications used either during or after any surgery, including pedicle screw surgery. This includes anesthesia, pain medications and/or antibiotics. Occasionally, adverse reactions to medications can result in what is termed post-operative delirium, or a confused state following surgery. This usually resolves once the medication is out of the patient's system. Other medications can cause complications such as nausea, constipation and confusion.
Blood Clots
According to the National Institutes of Health, blood clots are a risk following any surgery. After pedicle screw surgery, a person usually remains in the hospital for several days, with decreased mobility. Because they are not walking or moving as much as usual, they are at risk for developing blood clots. Blot clots often form in the legs, though if they break loose they can travel to the lungs and form a pulmonary embolism. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that this risk tends to decrease a few weeks after pedicle screw surgery.
Wound Infection
Wound infection following spinal surgery is not common, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons; however, it can be a potential complication of pedicle screw surgery. The Academy lists potential signs of infection as increased drainage from the wound, redness or swelling around the incision site and increased pain. According to the National Institutes of Health, infections can also develop in the grafted bone area after pedicle screw surgery.
Other Infections
The National Institutes of Health lists infection of the lungs and/or bladder as another potential complication following major surgery, including pedicle screw surgery. Most people are placed on antibiotics for some time following their surgery, however, it is still possible to develop certain types of infections. These include pneumonia and urinary tract infections, among others.
Nerve Damage or Irritation
Spinal nerve damage is possible during any type of spinal surgery, including a spinal fusion using pedicle screws. The National Institutes of Health report symptoms of spinal nerve damage as severe radiating pain, decreased strength or sensation in certain areas and dysfunction of the bowel and/or bladder. Less minor spinal nerve symptoms may also follow pedicle screw surgery, according to Orthopedics Today, including radiculopathy. Radiculopathy, radiating pain down a nerve, may be caused by compression to or swelling around the nerve.
Hardware Failure
According to Orthopedics Today, it is possible for the pedicle screw to "back out" following spinal fusion surgery. In this case, another operation would be required to fix the problem in order to maintain spinal stability. Even if hardware remains intact, according to the National Institutes of Health, it is possible to develop problems at the level above or below the surgery, even months or years down the line. These problems may occur in the discs or the vertebrae.
