Postoperative Spine Complications

neurologic deficit immediately after spinal surgery is low, with an overall incidence of less than 1%, and slightly more common after thoracic spine surgery (0.49%), followed by the cervical (0.29%) and lumbar spine, respectively (0.08%). 7 The etiology of major neurologic injury during spinal surgery can include direct surgical trauma to the cord or neural elements, compression and/or distraction of the vertebral column, vascular compromise (local infarct or systemic hypotension), epidural and subdural hematoma, and mechanical compression from infolding of the ligamentum flavum, posterior longitudinal ligament, disc, or adjacent bony structures. Over time an estimated 10% to 20% of patients will experience 1 or more complications relating to surgery, and imaging plays an important role in preoperative assessment and postoperative management. Routine scheduled postoperative imaging may be performed in otherwise asymptomatic patients to evaluate the position and appearance of spinal