Complications | Spondylodesis of the cervical spine

Complications

Since during surgical treatment the access leads along an important nerve and vascular loge, injuries of large vessels (arteria carotis, arteria vertebralis, vena jugularis) and nerves can occur. Here, the recurrens nerve is particularly at risk. This serves to open and close the vocal folds. Injuries to the windpipe (trachea), esophagus or spinal cord can also occur due to their proximity to the surgical site. Overall, however, these complications are very rare.

Aftercare

Depending on the course of the operation and the clinical condition of the patient, physical rest is recommended for 2 to 6 weeks after the operation. Especially extreme loads and movements in the cervical spine should be avoided. Physiotherapeutic therapy is recommended after about 8 weeks.

Here the patient should practice strengthening the neck and cervical muscles under supervision. As a rule, the patient can resume his or her usual work after 4 to 6 weeks, provided that the neck and cervical area is not subjected to excessive strain. The prognosis of herniated discs is the better, the earlier they are treated surgically, if surgery is indicated.

This can prevent a chronification of the symptoms and an anatomical change of the structures through scarring. Even with vertebral body fractures, surgery should be performed as early as possible. In the case of nerve failures, there is an absolute indication for surgery, which should be performed as soon as possible. This reduces the risk of permanent nerve damage and thus significantly improves the prognosis.

Summary

Spondylodesis of the cervical spine is a stiffening operation of the affected vertebral bodies, which is performed in the context of herniated discs or injuries to the vertebral bodies. The surgical access is usually from the front (ventral). After the affected vertebral segment has been visualized intraoperatively, the fracture is reduced, or the intervertebral disc and disturbing bone fragments are removed.

It is important to expose the previously compromised nerve root completely in order to permanently relieve the symptoms and prevent nerve loss.Complications of the operation are not only bleeding and infection, but also injury to the neck organs and large vessels. However, these complications have become very rare due to today’s surgical techniques. All in all, the prognosis is good if the operation is performed at an early stage with a confirmed indication.