The results of the study were drawn from 942 consecutive patients (ages 16 to 90) undergoing spine surgery in a 12-month period.
The study found:
- 14 mortalities occurred out of the 942 cases
- 87% of patients had at least one complication
- 73.5% of complications were postoperative
- 13.5% of postoperative complications were due to wound complication
- 8% of postoperative complications were due to delirium
- 7% of postoperative complications were due to pneumonia
- 5% of postoperative complications were due to neuropathic pain
- 4.5% of postoperative complications were due to dysphagia
- 3% of postoperative complications were due to neurological deterioration
- 10.5% of complications were intraoperative
- 4.5% of intraoperative complications were due to incidental durotomy
- 2.2% of intraoperative complications were due to blood loss
- 1.9% of intraoperative complications were due to hardware malposition
- 39% of the patient complications had a negative effect on patient length of stay
- Length of stay ranged from 1 to 221 days
- 13.5 days was the average length of stay
The study concluded that the rate of complication in spine surgery may have been previously underestimated.
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At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
