Final answer:
The greatest risk factor for post-operative complications after posterior decompression and fusion can vary but often includes patient-specific factors such as age, comorbidities (e.g., obesity, diabetes), or the severity of the disc herniation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the greatest risk factor for post-operative complications after a surgical procedure known as posterior decompression and fusion. This type of surgery is commonly performed to address issues related to herniated discs, particularly when the condition is severe enough to cause nerve compression and significant pain, like sciatica. The greatest risk factor for complications can vary depending on a multitude of patient-specific factors such as age, comorbidities, and the severity of the disc herniation.
Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lumbar spine at the L4/L5 or L5/S1 levels, causing lower back pain and sciatica. In the cervical spine, similar issues can arise at the C5/C6 or C6/C7 levels, potentially leading to neck, shoulder, and upper limb pain following an injury involving hyperflexion of the neck. These complications are relevant to patients undergoing posterior decompression and fusion surgery, as the procedure aims to alleviate nerve compression caused by these disc herniations. Factors like smoking, obesity, and diabetes may also significantly contribute to an increased risk of postoperative complications in these patients.