Prevention and management of complications resulting from common spinal injections

Abstract

When spinal injections are performed, a needle is placed in or around the spine making the risk of complications unavoidable. Spinal structures or adjacent organs are at risk for direct needle trauma, infection, hematoma, hemorrhage, nerve damage, stroke, allergic reaction, or spinal anesthesia with cardiorespiratory arrest. As a result, physician knowledge and patient preparation and monitoring are critical in maximizing patient safety during the procedure being performed. This review describes complications that may result from commonly performed spinal injections and their treatment.