Complications of anterior intervertebral grafting.

Reconstruction of the spine after anterior decompression is essential to restore stability and function. A variety of materials and methods are available to reconstitute the vertebral column. Numerous complications of anterior grafting have been identified, and include failure of the graft, graft extrusion, nonunion, and infection. The clinical severity of these complications vary. The use of spinal instrumentation has helped to address some of these problems. Although certain problems are the result of faulty decision making or technical error, others are related to the severity of the patient's disease and the limitations of grafting materials. Some complications can be avoided while others can be anticipated and perhaps corrected early.