title: Complications following spine fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
abstract: Complications following spine fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis can be characterized as either intra-operative or post-operative. The most serious and feared complication is neurologic injury, both in the intra- and post-operative period. Other intra-operative complications include dural tears and ophthalmologic or peripheral nerve deficits, which may be related to positioning. Among the most common post-operative complications are surgical site infection, venous thromboembolism, gastrointestinal complications, and implant-related complications. Significant blood loss requiring transfusion, traditionally considered a known sequelae of spine fusion, is now being recognized as a "complication" in large national databases. Pediatric spine surgeons who care for patients with AIS must be thoroughly familiar with all potential complications and their management.
authors.affiliation: Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St, CSB 708, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA. murphyr@musc.edu.
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.affiliation: Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St, CSB 708, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
authors.forename: James F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Mooney
keywords: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; Blood transfusion; Complication; Fusion; Neurologic deficit; Surgical site infection