Surgery in a child with spinal deformity is challenging. Although current orthopedic practice ensures good long-term surgical results, complications occur. Idiopathic scoliosis represents the most extensively investigated deformity of the pediatric spine. Nonidiopathic deformities of the spine are at higher risk for perioperative and long-term complications, mainly because of underlying comorbidities. A multidisciplinary treatment strategy is helpful to assure optimization of medical conditions before surgery. Awareness of complications that occur during or after spine surgery is essential to avoid a poor outcome and for future surgical decision making. This article summarizes the complications of surgical treatment of the growing spine.
Keywords: Complications; Growing spine; Kyphosis; Scoliosis; Spinal fusion.
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