SPINE UPDATE - NEUROLOGIC SAFETY IN SPINAL DEFORMITY SURGERY

Paralysis following surgery to correct spinal deformity can be a catas trophic problem. Surgeons must be aware that there are a multitude of risk factors related to the etiology and pattern of deformity and that there are a multitude of events and actions in the operating room and after the surgery that influence the development of paralysis. Patien ts and families need to know that although paralysis can occur, it is rare, and that it can occur despite the very best efforts of the surge on. This is a review of the available literature on the subject and so me personal experiences of the author.