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Complications following spine fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

  • Pediatric Orthopedics (B Heyworth, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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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  1. Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St, CSB 708, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA

    Robert F. Murphy & James F. Mooney III

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Murphy, R.F., Mooney, J.F. Complications following spine fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 9, 462–469 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-016-9372-5

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