Complications Following Spine Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Overview

Journal Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med

Date 2016 Sep 19

PMID 27639726

Citations 28

Authors

Robert F Murphy

James F Mooney 3rd

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Complications following spine fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis can be characterized as either intra-operative or post-operative. The most serious and feared complication is neurologic injury, both in the intra- and post-operative period. Other intra-operative complications include dural tears and ophthalmologic or peripheral nerve deficits, which may be related to positioning. Among the most common post-operative complications are surgical site infection, venous thromboembolism, gastrointestinal complications, and implant-related complications. Significant blood loss requiring transfusion, traditionally considered a known sequelae of spine fusion, is now being recognized as a "complication" in large national databases. Pediatric spine surgeons who care for patients with AIS must be thoroughly familiar with all potential complications and their management.

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