Researchers analyzed age's impact on patient-rated outcome and complication rates associated with lumbar fusion, according to a Spine study.
Using the Core Outcome Measures Index, the study assessed patients before surgery and at three-month, 12-month and 24-month follow-ups. The study also reported Global Treatment Outcome rates and care satisfaction rates. Researchers divided 707 patients into a young group (between 50 years and 64 years), an older group (between 65 years and 79 years) and a geriatric group (80 years or older).
Here are five observations:
1. The geriatric group demonstrated the highest preoperative comorbidity scores.
2. The young group experienced the lowest rate of medical complications, followed by the older group and geriatric group.
3. Surgery complications fared higher in the geriatric group, at 15 percent.
4. Researchers found no significant variations in Core Outcome Measures Index domain scores between the three groups. Additionally, no significant differences existed in the Global Treatment Outcome scores or patient-rated satisfaction scores between the three groups.
5. Researchers concluded geriatric age is not necessarily a contraindication for lumbar fusion. However, surgeons should use caution when choosing whether to perform spinal fusions on geriatric patients due to associated risks.