Deciding to have neck surgery can be a difficult decision to make. However, if you have been experiencing your neck problem without any relief from nonsurgical treatments, then neck surgery may be your best option. A cervical spinal fusion is the fusing together of two or more cervical vertebrae using bone grafts and metal rods and screws, states the Mayo Clinic. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), 137,000 cervical fusion procedures were performed in 2003. The risks of complications for this procedure are minimal; however, you should be aware of possible complications that may occur.
Infection
Infection is a possible complication of this procedure, as it is with all types of surgery. Your doctor will take the proper precautions to maintain a sterile surgical environment; however, any time foreign material is introduced to the body an infection may occur. Look for excessive pain, redness, warmth or drainage from the surgical site. Alert your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms of infection. In addition, keep the wound site clean and always wash your hands before changing your bandage.
Anterior Cervical Spinal Fusion Complications
Your doctor will decide either to use an anterior or posterior cervical fusion. According to the AAOS, possible complications of an anterior cervical fusion include misplaced, broken or loosened plates and screws, soreness or difficulty with swallowing, voice changes, difficulty breathing, injury to the esophagus, vertebral disk degeneration, fibrous union, graft-related complications and nonunion of vertebral body fusion. The serious nature of these complications is related to the location of the surgical site. Many nerves, blood vessels and organs are in the vicinity of the incision. Therefore, be sure to choose a surgeon that is experienced in anterior cervical fusions and immediately alert your surgeon if you notice any abnormalities after your surgery.
Posterior Cervical Fusion
A posterior spinal fusion also has its related set of complications. The AAOS states that a disk may degenerate below or above the surgery level, the vertebral artery may be injured and the spinal cord can be stretched. Injury to the vertebral artery is especially serious, because this artery supplies blood the back of your head, spinal cord and brain. Immediately alert your surgeon if you are experiencing excessive pain, vision problems, numbness, tingling and weakness that radiates to other parts of your body.
