The Complications of Transpedicular Screw Fixation in Lumbar Spine Surgery

Jung, Jin Myung; Han, Jong Woo

Abstract

46 consecutive patients underwent application of transpedicular screw since June 1988, and had follow-up at least for 6 months. 15 cases(32.6%) of them had one or two complications. There were 5 wound infections, which seemed to be caused by long operation time, wide metal implant area and personal predisposing factors. There were 5 patients with screw breakage. The exact screw alignment and avoidance of vigorous distraction are considered to be important in minimizing screw breakage. 2 patients had screw loosening, which could be reduced by proper placing of screw and methyl emtacrylate enforcement. Nerve root irritation and adjacent disc space degenerative change were developed in 5 cases. Disc space changes were induced by stree transfer after rigid fixation. Finally, postoperative severe wound pain which persisted for a long time was another troublesome problem.