4 Harrington Rod Complications In Scoliosis Surgery

Posted by abby smiths on June 14th, 2019

Scoliosis is a condition which affects about 4.5% of the general population. The curve in the spinal disc is the major cause of discomfort and pain for individuals. Some individuals seek surgery as a corrective measure of reducing the curve in the spinal disc.

As most surgeries use Harrington rods, there are higher chances that complications may arise over time. To prevent these instances, individuals should be aware of the complications arising from scoliosis surgeries.

Measures start from the time when the surgery is performed to the time when the Harrington rods cause changes in the spinal disc.

Consider the complications mentioned below.

1. Adjustments during the surgery

At the time when the surgery is performed, the adjustments made in the spinal area are in itself dangerous. In order to insert the Harrington rod in the place, the surgeon removes the spinal discs. The fusion of the rod and the discs is a procedure which requires other adjustments. The system is screwed to the vertebrates followed by forcefully bending the spine in the opposite direction. Any error at this stage can result in dangerous consequences.

 2. Infection

In a scoliosis correction surgery, there is a likelihood of infection in the back region. Due to the fact that rods are external agents in your body, it takes time to adapt to the changes made. When the placement of the rods is not apt, then the surrounding muscle tissues can get damaged resulting in an infection. In some cases, excessive blood loss is one of the major reasons why a patient develops infection post the insertion of Harrington rod in Scoliosis Surgery.

3. Breaking of the Harrington Rod

Once the surgery is done, there are medical side- effects that happen at a later point of time. There is a risk that the Harrington rod can break over time. This is a process which takes place gradually after many years that have gone. Thus, it then makes the removal and the correction of the rod more problematic. In addition, the damage that has been done to the spinal discs is very difficult to repair.

4. Increasing of the spinal curve

A common problem with the scoliosis surgery is the bending of the disc. Sometimes what happens is that even after the surgery is administered, the disc continues to take a curve. When this happens over the course of time which can extend up to both months and years, then the chances of correcting the curve are less. Harrington rod can corrode over time, thereby being one of the reasons for the increase of the curve of the spinal disc.

In Scoliosis, Harrington rod complications are the main reasons why surgery is not suggested. Thus, it would be better for you to seek alternative treatment for Scoliosis. Browse through the web to know more about treatment.

Author’s Bio- The author is an avid writer. This article is about Harrington rod complications because of Scoliosis surgery.