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Complications of Scoliosis Revision Surgery

Scoliosis revision surgery involves further operative treatment when the original surgery has failed to correct the deformity, or when further problems occur, such as disk degeneration. The complication rate for revision surgery can be up to 50 percent, according to Orthospine.com, and this challenging type of operation requires significant expertise.

  1. Blood Clot

    • Patients undergoing scoliosis revision surgery may develop a blood clot in the legs (deep vein thrombosis). Treatment can prevent the clot from growing larger and from breaking loose and traveling to the lungs.

    Radiculopathy

    • If nerve root irritation or injury (radiculopathy) occurs during scoliosis revision surgery, it can result in severe pain until the nerve heals.

    Bleeding

    • Scoliosis revision surgery can involve extensive bleeding. The problem is significant enough that patients are encouraged to donate blood before surgery for possible transfusions, as noted by a New York Times Health Guide.

    Pseudarthrosis

    • A false joint (pseudarthrosis) is a common complication that results when spinal fusion is unsuccessful in a certain area. The condition causes pain, but the pain may not occur until years after surgery.

    Infection

    • A deep wound infection can occur with spinal surgery, and may become life-threatening. Early detection is essential. This infection requires antibiotic treatment and the patient may need operative irrigation of the infected area.

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