What are the potential complications of pedicle screw placement at the cervical level?

The placement of pedicle screws at the cervical level carries significant risks, and one of the most severe potential complications is quadriplegia. This condition can arise due to trauma to the spinal cord during the surgical procedure, particularly if the screws are incorrectly placed or if there is an unintended injury to neurological structures.

The cervical spine is critical for the functioning of the upper and lower extremities, as well as for respiratory function. If the spinal cord is compromised in the cervical region, it can disrupt neural pathways, leading to varying degrees of paralysis depending on the level and extent of the injury. Quadriplegia, which affects all four limbs, can occur if there is severe spinal cord injury, making this complication a serious concern in cervical pedicle screw placement.

While long-term pain, urinary incontinence, and foot drop can occur due to various factors associated with cervical spine surgeries, they are generally not as immediately catastrophic or directly linked to pedicle screw placement as quadriplegia. Long-term pain may result from postoperative complications or conditions but does not have the same abrupt impact as spinal cord injury. Urinary incontinence can occur due to various neurological conditions or injuries but is not directly caused by cervical pedicle screw placement. Foot drop is often associated