Medical complications of surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity and how to avoid them.

Overview

STUDY DESIGN: Review article of medical complications related to adult spinal deformity surgery. OBJECTIVE: To identify medical complications related to surgery for adult spinal deformity and suggest ways to minimize their occurrence and to avoid them. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Medical complications are a major consideration in adult spinal deformity surgery. Few studies have been done to identify the medical complication rate in relation to these procedures. METHODS: We review the literature pertaining to medical complications regarding spinal deformity surgery. RESULTS: Urinary tract infections are the most frequently seen complication. Additionally, pulmonary complications are the most common life-threatening complication. Medical complications are a frequent occurrence with adult deformity spinal surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of the presentation, treatment, and prevention of medical complications of deformity surgery may allow minimization of their occurrence and optimize treatment should they occur.