Learn more about the providers at Texas Spine and Scoliosis, the only spine specialized neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and non-surgical rehabilitation group in the central Texas area.
Spine Surgery Risk
Spine surgery, including procedures like Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) or those addressing sciatica (e.g., microdiscectomy, laminectomy), carries risks, as do all surgical interventions. The specific risks depend on the procedure, patient health, and the underlying condition. Most spine surgeries (e.g., ACDF, microdiscectomy) have high success rates (80-90% for symptom relief in well-selected patients). Most spine surgeries (e.g., ACDF, microdiscectomy) have high success rates (80-90% for symptom relief in well-selected patients).
It is important to mitigate risk by optimizing health, choosing an experienced surgeon, and undergoing thorough preoperative evaluations (e.g., MRI, CT). Make sure to follow recovery guidelines, attend physical therapy, and monitor for signs of infection or neurological changes.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the risks associated with spine surgery, with a focus on general and procedure-specific complications:
| Risk Category | Specific Risks | Description |
|---|---|---|
| General Surgical Risks | Bleeding | Excessive blood loss during or after surgery, potentially requiring transfusions. |
| General Surgical Risks | Infection | Surgical site infections or deeper infections, which may require antibiotics or additional procedures. |
| General Surgical Risks | Anesthesia Complications | Reactions to anesthesia, including respiratory issues, allergic reactions, or heart complications. |
| General Surgical Risks | Blood Clots | Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism due to immobility post-surgery. |
| Neurological Risks | Nerve Damage | Injury to spinal nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, weakness, or paralysis in severe cases. |
| Neurological Risks | Spinal Cord Injury | Rare but serious, potentially causing partial or complete loss of motor function or sensation. |
| Neurological Risks | Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak | A tear in the dura (spinal cord covering) can cause headaches, infection risk, or require repair. |
| Orthopedic Risks | Hardware Failure | Breakage or loosening of surgical implants (e.g., screws, rods, plates) used in spinal fusion. |
| Orthopedic Risks | Nonunion (Failed Fusion) | Bones fail to fuse properly in spinal fusion surgeries, leading to persistent pain or need for revision surgery. |
| Orthopedic Risks | Adjacent Segment Disease | Increased stress on vertebrae above or below the surgical site, causing degeneration over time. |
| Pain-Related Risks | Persistent Pain | Ongoing or new pain after surgery, sometimes due to incomplete relief or scar tissue formation. |
| Pain-Related Risks | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome | Rare chronic pain condition triggered by nerve irritation or injury. |
| Other Complications | Dural Tear | Accidental tear in the dura, potentially causing CSF leaks or prolonged recovery. |
| Other Complications | Bowel/Bladder Dysfunction | Rare, typically linked to severe nerve or spinal cord injury, affecting continence. |
| Other Complications | Paralysis | Extremely rare but possible with severe spinal cord damage, leading to loss of mobility. |
| Other Complications | Death | Very rare, usually tied to severe complications like massive bleeding, embolism, or anesthesia issues. |
| Postoperative Risks | Delayed Healing | Slower recovery in older adults, smokers, or those with comorbidities like diabetes. |
| Postoperative Risks | Scar Tissue Formation | Excessive scar tissue (epidural fibrosis) can compress nerves, causing pain or numbness. |
| Postoperative Risks | Reoperation | Need for additional surgery due to complications, recurrence of symptoms, or hardware issues. |
Who we Are
Texas Spine and Scoliosis is a regional referral center for the treatment of back and neck pain and scoliosis
Texas Spine & Scoliosis approved for the new BRAIVE scoliosis tethering study
Read about various patient success stories that have been performed by the physicians at Ascension Texas Spine & Scoliosis
