Complications in Orthopaedics: Spine Surgery

Stephen R. Thompson, MD, MEd, FRCSC is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon at Northern Light Orthopedics. He completed his medical school at the University of Sydney, Residency at University of Maryland and Fellowship at the Fowler-Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic in London, Ontario and then his second at the Oakville Sports Injury Clinic in Oakville, Ontario.Dr. Thompson is a recognized expert in sports medicine. He is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the widely used and highly respected reference textbook DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. Dr. Thompson has spent a significant time studying medical education and standardized testing. He has applied this knowledge in his role as the Editor-in-Chief of Miller's Review of Orthopaedics.

"...serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the potential risks associated with spinal procedures [and] provides an in-depth analysis of challenges surgeons may encounter along with strategies to mitigate these risks.... One of its key strengths is the emphasis on medical optimization before surgery,... focusing on patient-specific factors such as comorbidities, nutritional status, and prehabilitation strategies.... A significant portion of the book is dedicated to complications associated with different surgical approaches, including anterior and posterior procedures in both the cervical and lumbar spine.... well-organized into sections that systematically address key aspects of spine surgery complications.... The writing is clear and concise, making complex medical concepts accessible to both seasoned professionals and trainees....It is particularly useful as a reference in both academic and clinical settings. While not essential for general practitioners or non-specialists, it serves as an invaluable guide for those directly involved in spine surgery." ©Doody's Book Review Service, 2025, Mark Hutchinson, MD (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)

• 1. IntroductionSection 1: General Spine2. Optimization to Avoid Complications3. Managing Medical Complications4. Avoiding Complications in Pain Management Before and After Spine Surgery5. Avoiding Complications in Outpatient Spine Surgery6. Managing Spinal Cord Injuries7. Managing Nerve Root Injuries8. Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Postoperative Spine InfectionsSection 2: Cervical Spine9. When to Operate on the Cervical Spine?10. General Complications of Cervical Spine Surgery11. Anterior Approach Related Complications12. Posterior Approach Related Complications13. Long-Term Complications following Cervical Spine Surgery14. Complications of Posterior Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Cervical SpineSection 3: Thoracic Spine15. When to Operate on the Thoracic Spine16. Minimally Invasive Lateral Approach Related Complications17. Complications of the Posterior Approach in Thoracic Spine Surgery18. Long-term Complications of Thoracic Spine SurgerySection 4: Lumbar Spine19. When to Operate on the Lumbar Spine20. General Complication in Lumbar Spine Surgery21. Avoiding Complications Associated with Anterior Lumbar Surgery22. Lateral Approach Related Complications23. Posterior Approach Related Complications24. Long-Term Complications of Lumbar Spine Surgery25. Complications of Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Lumbar SpineSection 5: Pediatric Spinal Deformity26. When to Operate on Pediatric Spine Deformity27. General Complications in Pediatric Spinal Deformity28. Complications Associated with Congenital and Neuromuscular Scoliosis29. Long-Term Complications in Pediatric Spine SurgerySection 6: Adult Spinal Deformity30. When to Operate on Adult Spine Deformity31. Complications of Adult Deformity Surgery32. Osteotomy and Surgical Correction Related Complications33. Long-Term Complications