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The medicolegal implications of complications following spinal surgery
by Mr Alexander Montgomery, Consultant Spinal Surgeon
16 June 2026
Spinal surgery may be contemplated for several conditions, including congenital abnormalities, degenerative conditions, traumatic injury and tumours. Often, these procedures are complex. Therefore, the frequency of complications is relatively high, occurring in up to 20% of patients. While some of these unwanted effects are mild, others can be devastating for the patient and even lead to death. Spinal surgery complications can be divided into those that arise during surgery itself, and […]
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16 June 2026
Spinal surgery may be contemplated for several conditions, including congenital abnormalities, degenerative conditions, traumatic injury and tumours. Often, these procedures are complex. Therefore, the frequency of complications is relatively high, occurring in up to 20% of patients. While some of these unwanted effects are mild, others can be devastating for the patient and even lead to death. Spinal surgery complications can be divided into those that arise during surgery itself, and […]
11 June 2026
A hospital-acquired infection (HAI) is any infection that is not clinically manifest or incubating at the time of admission. Conventionally, infections that become evident within 48 hours of admission are deemed to be community-acquired, while those that appear later, unless there is clear evidence of their existence at admission, are classified as hospital-acquired. HAIs are common, affecting around 6.5% of patients, with a higher prevalence in […]
6 May 2026
ADHD influences personal injury and medical negligence claims by complicating liability due to increased accident risk, potentially extending recovery times, and necessitating specialised rehabilitation. Despite these challenges, having ADHD should not prevent justified claims from being made.
30 March 2026
When performing cosmetic surgery on patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), surgeons should attempt to identify psychological traits and use validated diagnostic tools to avoid unnecessary procedures and prioritise mental health referrals over ineffective surgical interventions.
19 March 2026
This article explores the complexities and risks associated with foot and ankle surgery in children. While these procedures are often necessary to fix fractures or correct deformities, they carry a complication rate estimated between 4% and 11%.
23 January 2026
Facial trauma can result in serious complications such as airway obstruction, vision impairment, neurological injury and long-term facial dysfunction if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Delays or inadequate management increase the risk of lasting physical and psychological harm, which can carry significant medicolegal consequences.
19 January 2026
Active participation in sport confers many benefits: it improves physical health, enhances overall wellbeing, and fosters social interaction and a sense of belonging. However, it carries an inherent risk of injury, of which one of the most feared is spinal trauma, due to the high degree of associated morbidity and mortality. The sports-related spinal injuries […]
5 December 2025
Chronic pain is often linked to depression and anxiety. Treatments must address both physical and psychological symptoms, as co-occurring conditions worsen prognosis. Dr Kent explores treatment options and discusses how to help people with chronic pain achieve better quality of life.
18 November 2025
The four key elements of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery multimodal approach are comprehensive preoperative evaluation of the patient, optimum anaesthesia and minimally invasive surgery with the aim of reducing patient response to surgical stress, adequate postoperative management of symptoms such as pain to allow early mobilisation, and prompt reintroduction of an adequate diet.
14 October 2025
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) causes nerve compression leading to pain and mobility issues. While conservative treatments are preferred, surgery is an option for severe cases but carries notable risks. From a medicolegal perspective, informed consent, clear communication of risks and benefits, and proper patient selection are essential to prevent litigation over poor outcomes.
10 October 2025
Robotics confer several advantages when used in spinal surgery. First, the accuracy of screw placement is enhanced compared to those inserted freehand, with some studies reporting a misplacement rate approaching zero. Second, exposure to fluoroscopy is significantly reduced, benefitting not only the patient but also the surgeon and other operating theatre personnel.
23 September 2025
Chronic back pain affects a significant portion of the population and can lead to lasting physical, psychological, and financial challenges. Its complex causes—ranging from structural issues to psychological factors—make diagnosis and management difficult, underscoring the need for a comprehensive, biopsychosocial approach.