Complications of spondylodesis
A spondylodesis is not a minor operation. Serious complications are possible, although not the rule. Early complications include Among the late complications are
- Infection, wound healing disorder
- Thrombosis/pulmonary embolism
- Post-bleeding
- Nerve injury/paralysis/emotion
- Intestinal paralysis (in case of operation from the abdomen)
- Pseudarthrosis (absence of bony fusion and persistence of painful, pathological instability)
- Connecting instability (beginning of an overload-related, painful vertebral body instability at the transition from the stiffened spinal section to the remaining mobile spinal section).
- Follow-up degeneration (painful wear of the intervertebral discs and other vertebral components at the transition from the stiffened spinal section to the remaining spinal section due to overload).
- Screw and metal breakage or loosening
