Surgical Treatment
Risks and Complications
Every Surgery Carries Some Risk
Your surgical team will take every precaution to keep you safe, but no surgery is completely free of risk.
Main Risks
| Risk | Frequency | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Infection (SSI) | Uncommon | Wound or deep infection; may require additional surgery |
| Dural tear | Not rare | The membrane surrounding the spinal cord may be damaged |
| Nerve injury | Rare | Numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the legs |
| Bleeding | Rare | May require blood transfusion |
| Deep vein thrombosis | Rare | Blood clots forming in the leg veins |
| Implant-related issues | Uncommon | Screw loosening or breakage (with fusion) |
| Reoperation | Not uncommon | Risk increases with longer follow-up |
Guideline data on complications: Complication rates vary across studies, as definitions and follow-up periods differ. A systematic review of multiple randomized controlled trials found no significant difference in complication rates between surgical and conservative treatment groups.
How to Reduce Your Risk
- Quit smoking — Smoking increases infection risk
- Manage blood sugar — Especially important if you have diabetes
- Optimize nutrition — Good health before surgery aids recovery
- Rehabilitate early — Getting up and moving soon after surgery helps
A Note for Patients with Obesity
For patients with a BMI of 30 or higher, decompression surgery can still be effective, but the rate of symptom improvement tends to be lower compared to non-obese patients. Back pain is also more likely to persist after decompression alone.