Complications associated with spinal fusion surgery

Work-related spine injuries often result from overexertion or twisting the spine during heavy lifting, falls or car crashes. If you suffer a spine injury while working in North Carolina, know that the medical care costs associated with this type of injury are often considerable. If your injury is severe enough to warrant spinal fusion surgery, you may face an even costlier and more difficult battle if complications arise. 

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, any surgery that occurs close to the spine or the spinal cord has a high risk of complications. Common complications associated with spinal surgery are as follows. 

Anesthesia-related complications

The majority of operations needed after spinal cord injuries require the use of general anesthesia. Under anesthesia, you may experience an allergic or another type of reaction to the drugs used. If you have existing medical problems, the anesthesia may also cause complications associated with them. If the anesthesiologist makes dosing or administrative errors, these, too, could lead to complications. 

Lung problems

Some patients find that they experience lung and breathing issues following spinal fusion surgery. The anesthesia medications used during your procedure may hinder lung function. So, too, might laying in bed for extended periods of time. 

Infection

Spinal fusion surgery also brings with it the risk of infection. Surgery-related infections may lead to pain, fever, chills and intense discomfort, among other side effects. Deep-wound infections may prove especially problematic. 

These are some of the more common complications you may experience after spinal fusion surgery. However, please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all known complications.