Problems After Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased spinal disc is replaced with a bone graft. According to the Northern California Neurosurgery Medical Group, two or more spinal vertebrae are fused together to make one solid unit, and, over time, the bone will heal in place. During a spinal fusion procedure, the spinal disc is removed, and a bone will take its place. The bone is held in place to heal by rods or screws. Spinal surgery is a very delicate procedure, and some patients may experience problems after their spinal fusion.

Anesthesia

• All patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery will be anesthetized with general anesthesia and, though it is relatively uncommon, some patients may experience anesthesia complications. According to the Peace Health Organization, there is a possibility that a patient's throat reflexes may become suppressed resulting in choking and the inability to breathe. Other possible anesthesia complications include gagging, coughing, voice box muscle spasms, bronchial tube muscle spasms, voice box swelling, hoarseness, sore throat and damage to the lips and teeth. Serious complications include stroke, blood pressure changes, heart attack and heart rhythm changes. Death is possible, but it is rare. According to the Peace Health Organization, death occurs in approximately one out of every 250,000 patients given general anesthesia.

Bleeding

• Bleeding is a potential spinal fusion surgery problem, but the Northern California Neurosurgery Medical Group states that this is now considered an uncommon problem. In most spinal fusion surgeries, patients only lose approximately three to four ounces of blood. It is rare that a patient will require a blood transfusion after this procedure.

Infection

• According to the Northern California Neurosurgery Medical Group, about 1 percent of patients will develop an infection as a spinal fusion problem. Though this problem is rare, it is almost always quite serious when it does occur. If a patient does develop an infection, it most often takes several months to fully treat it.

Pain, Healing and Hardware

• According to the Northern California Neurosurgery Medical Group, pain after the procedure is the most common spinal fusion problem. This problem occurs most often when three or more spinal levels are fused together. In some cases, the fusion may not heal properly. This can lead to more pain and the need for an additional operation. Some patients may also experience pain associated with the screws or bone graft.

Nerve Damage

• According to the Northern California Neurosurgery Medical Group, a small percentage of patients may experience nerve damage after having a spinal fusion surgery. Patients who have nerve damage will often experience pain, weakness or numbness. Approximately 1 percent of men may experience ejaculation problems. The problems caused by any nerve damage are often resolved after six to 12 months.