title: Complications of lumbar spine surgery.
abstract: Lumbar spine surgery is now performed at all ages for reasons ranging from life-threatening tumors to intractable pain. A multitude of potential complications demand astute nursing assessment skills. Though not all of the complications discussed in the following article are preventable, early recognition, intervention, and patient support by the well-educated orthopaedic nurse can significantly lessen patient morbidity and even mortality.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Feingold
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Peck
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Reinsma
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Ruda
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D011300:Preoperative Care