4 Spine Surgery Complications

(and How to Avoid Them)

By Dr. Stefano Sinicropi

Every surgery has risks• Spine surgery is no exception.

Decrease Your Risk• There are ways to cut down on these risks. • Here are the 4 most common surgery complications, and how

to avoid each.

1. Anesthesia • Anesthesia is a necessary element in most spine surgeries. • It is a complicated science as the anesthetic interacts with

each patient’s body differently.

How to Avoid • Talk to your surgeon and anesthesiologist before the

procedure. • Tell them about any medications you’re taking and any

medical conditions you have.

2. Blood Loss

• Blood loss is inevitable in any surgery. It is usually nothing to worry about.

• However, major blood loss during surgery is a problem.

How to Avoid

• Talk to your surgeon about any concerns. • Donate your own blood before surgery if it’s an option.

Nerve Injury • The spine is loaded with nerves that pass signals from the

brain to the rest of the body. • When a nerve is severed, feeling may be compromised.

How to Avoid• Whenever possible, opt for a minimally invasive procedure.

These offer much less risk of nerve injury.

4. Hardware • Some spine surgeries require hardware to be inserted. • Over time, or as the result of an injury, this hardware can

loosen post-op.

How to Avoid• Talk to your surgeon about

the type of hardware being used, and follow all post operative instructions.

Questions?• Reach out to Dr. Sinicropi here:• Sinicropispine.com• @sinicropispine• Facebook• Google+• Phone: 1.800.234.1826