My Spine - Cervical
Risk: It is possible that fusing a segment of the cervical spine, may lead to
accelerated wear and tear at the adjacent segments of the spine leading to
further spinal surgery.
Explanation: The biomechanical properties of the segment of the spine that
is being fused changes and becomes less mobile. This may cause a lever
action on the adjacent segments that is thought to accelerate the wear and tear
at the adjacent segments. In an attempt to overcome this, it is possible in
selected cases to remove the disc that is causing nerve compression and
replace it with an artificial disc rather than performing a fusion (see the chap-
ter Cervical Disc Arthroplasty).
Risk: It is possible that a major blood vessel may be damaged during sur-
gery.
Explanation: Both the anterior (from the front) and the posterior (from the
back) surgical approaches to neck surgery involve close proximity to the great
blood vessels that supply and drain the blood from the brain. It is possible that
these vessels may be damaged, or a artherosclerotic clot loosened that may
compromise the blood supply to the brain. These complications rates vary
according to the type of surgery and many technical factors. This may be a
very serious complication and may even lead to the death of the patient.
Risk: It is possible that the breathing tube (trachea) may be damaged in ante-
rior cervical surgery.
Explanation: The trachea is in the surgical field in anterior cervical surgery
and may be inadvertently damaged. This can be repaired if recognised, but
may cause thoracic cavity complications if it is unrecognised.
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