Which complications have been reported in association with patients undergoing spinal surgery in the prone position?

Vision loss is a well-documented complication associated with patients undergoing spinal surgery in the prone position. This positioning can lead to increased intraocular pressure and can compromise blood flow to the optic nerve, potentially resulting in ischemic optic neuropathy. The risk factors linked to vision loss during prone positioning include the duration of the procedure, the type of head positioning device used, and the patient's baseline risk for visual impairment.

Other complications related to spinal surgery in the prone position, such as avascular necrosis, infection, and lung collapse, are not typically as directly associated with this specific positioning as vision loss is. While they do represent potential risks in a surgical setting, they are more commonly linked to other factors such as patient health, surgical technique, and postoperative care, rather than the prone position itself. Thus, vision loss stands out as a primary concern specifically tied to prone positioning during spinal surgery.