My Spine - Cervical
Risk : During surgery there is a risk of damage to the nerves or spinal cord which can lead to weakness or paralysis . It can also lead to loss of sensation and other nerve controlled functions including the bowel , sexual and bladder function . This may be temporary or permanent . This is , however , a very rare complication .
Explanation : The spinal cord and the nerve roots that are attached to them are directly in the area where the surgery is performed . Direct pressure against these structures by surgical instruments or blood clots can cause damage . Sharp instruments can damage nerves permanently . You may need an MRI scan ( see the chapter Tests and Scans ) if your specialist deems it necessary to assess significant complications .
Risk : There is a risk that the bony fusion which is part of some of the spinal procedures will not grow , leading to follow-up surgery to support the fusion . If you are a smoker or use steroids or Warfarin , there is a definite risk that the bony fusion will not grow . It is imperative that you stop smoking before a spinal fusion operation .
Explanation : The aim of some of the operations is to remove the disc between the two vertebral bodies and to induce a fusion to form between the two vertebrae . This is facilitated by placing bone between the two vertebrae . In smokers and patients taking certain medications such as Warfarin , steroids , anti-inflammatory drugs and certain other drugs , the bone does not grow as well and causes non-union of the fusion . Make sure that you take only the medication prescribed by your specialist following your procedure .
Risk : There is a risk that you might develop a blood clot in the veins of your legs , called a deep venous thrombosis ( DVT ). This thrombosis can spread to the lungs and heart and can cause death .
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