Canada-based Toronto Western Hospital researchers studied the risk of complications following spine surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy, according to Medical Xpress. CSM causes spinal cord compression in the neck.
Researchers studied 479 patients who had spine surgery for CSM. They found 89 surgery-related complications in 78 patients.
Neurosurgery published the study in its July issue.
Here are five takeaways:
1. One factor increasing a patient's chance of complications was ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, which involves a calcified ligament connecting spine bones.
2. Patients with other medical conditions, such as diabetes, were at greater risk of complications.
3. Those patients with a longer surgery or a two-stage operation were also at greater risk of complications.
4. Researchers determined the greatest risk factors were diabetes and OPLL.
5. The researchers concluded surgeons may use the results to "discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with patients, to plan case-specific preventive strategies and to ensure appropriate management in the perioperative period."