Virtual Didactic - Quantifying Risk in Interventional Spine Procedures presented by Byron Schneider, MD-Virtual Didactic-Quantifying Risk in Interventional Spine Procedures Led by Byron Schneider, MD

Virtual Didactic-Quantifying Risk in Interventional Spine Procedures Led by Byron Schneider, MD

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker, Dr. Schneider, provides a summary of the risks and complications associated with spine procedures, specifically epidural steroid injections. He emphasizes that while major complications are serious, they are extremely rare. The most common minor complications include vasovagal reactions, increased blood sugar levels for diabetic patients, suppression of the hypothalamic pituitary axis, flushing in the face and mild headaches, infection, dural puncture, intradiscal flow, and complications related to the use of lidocaine and contrast agents. Dr. Schneider highlights the importance of informed consent and discusses how to communicate these risks to patients. He also mentions the evolving understanding of the increased risk of infection with epidural steroid injections before spine fusion surgery, recommending caution in performing injections closer to the surgery date. Overall, he emphasizes that thorough understanding and communication of these risks is critical to ensuring patient safety.

Keywords

spine procedures

epidural steroid injections

complications

major complications

rare complications

minor complications

informed consent

patient safety

risk communication