Avoiding and Managing Intraoperative Complications During Cervical Spine Surgery

J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2015 Dec;23(12):e81-90. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-14-00446. Epub 2015 Oct 30.

Abstract

The incidence of intraoperative complications in cervical spine surgery is low. However, when they do occur, such complications have the potential for causing considerable morbidity and mortality. Spine surgeons should be familiar with methods of minimizing such complications. Furthermore, if they do occur, surgeons must be prepared to immediately treat each potential complication to reduce any associated morbidity.

Keywords: cervical; complications; intraoperative; spinal cord; vertebral.

MeSH terms

  • Brachial Plexus / injuries
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak / etiology
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak / therapy
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Esophageal Perforation / etiology
  • Esophageal Perforation / prevention & control
  • Esophageal Perforation / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications* / etiology
  • Intraoperative Complications* / therapy
  • Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring
  • Orthopedic Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Orthopedic Procedures / instrumentation
  • Peripheral Nerve Injuries / prevention & control
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / therapy
  • Ulnar Nerve / injuries
  • Vascular System Injuries / etiology
  • Vascular System Injuries / prevention & control
  • Vascular System Injuries / therapy*
  • Vertebral Artery / injuries