A group of researchers examined the risk factors for major complications during scoliosis surgery and published their findings in Spinal Deformity.
There were 427 consecutive patients included in the study who underwent instrumented spinal fusion for complex spinal deformities. There was a multivariate logistical regression analysis performed to determine the independent risk factors for both postoperative complications and neurological deficits.
Here are five findings from the study:
1. There were 85 cases with major complications, including 27 with neurologic deficits:
• 17 with transient
• 10 with permanent
Additional issues included 17 patients with wound infections, 35 patients with implant-related problems and 13 patients with progressive deformity.
2. There were six patients who experienced death.
3. Three-column osteotomies were a risk factor for postoperative major complications and an independent risk factor for neurological deficit.
4. Patients with curves 100 degrees and above were at higher risk for complications.
5. These findings should "serve as a guide for surgeons in the preoperative planning and management of severe spinal deformities, especially in locations with limited resources," concluded the study authors.