Spinal Fusion Outcomes in Elderly Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Stefan Endres, Rene Aigner, Axel Wilke
Primary Institution: Elisabeth-Klinik Bigge/Olsberg
Hypothesis
Is it necessary to force an intervertebral fusion for a better clinical outcome in spinal fusion surgery of the elderly?
Conclusion
Elderly patients over 75 benefit from instrumented lumbar fusion, and there is no need to advocate for an intervertebral fusion as it does not provide additional benefits.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients showed significant improvement in VAS and ODI scores compared to preoperative scores.
- Overall follow-up rate was 93% with 107 patients completing the questionnaires.
- Both groups had similar fusion rates, with no significant differences in outcomes.
Takeaway
Older people who have back surgery can feel better afterward, and they don't need a special type of surgery to get good results.
Methodology
Patients over 65 with degenerative spinal stenosis were divided into two groups: one received intervertebral fusion and the other received posterolateral fusion, with outcomes assessed after a mean follow-up of 3.8 years.
Limitations
The follow-up duration was relatively short, and fusion rates were evaluated indirectly using conventional x-rays.
Participant Demographics
Patients were aged over 65, with a mean age of 75.6 years in the intervertebral fusion group and 80.5 years in the posterolateral fusion group.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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