Key points: (a) Iatrogenic vascular injury is a rare but well-recognized complication of spinal surgery; (b) The most serious injuries involve the aorta and its major branches; (c) Vascular injuries following spinal surgery can present early or late; (d) Early presentation usually involves intraoperative hemorrhage and may be associated with hemodynamic instability; (e) Injuries that present late include pseudoaneurysms and arteriovenous fistulae; (f) Arteriography – traditional, CT or MRI angiography – should be used to diagnose the injury and define relevant vascular anatomy; (g) Therapy may require surgery or interventional techniques.
ABSITE CORNER is a section of OPUS 12 Scientist dedicated to brief topic reviews geared toward resident preparation for the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination. Each bi-monthly edition of OPUS 12 Scientist will contain one or two condensed overviews, accompanied by a list of selected references. Resident contributions via regular article submission process are welcome, subject to Editorial Board and Section Editor approval.

Citation: Reilly EF, Weger NS, Stawicki SP. Vascular injury during spinal surgery. OPUS 12 Scientist 2008;2(2):7-10.

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