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Major spinal surgery in septuagenarians: does it improve patient function?
1Seattle Spine Group and Division of Orthopaedics, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, USA.
Journal of Spinal Disorders
|November 5, 1999
Summary
Elderly patients undergoing major spinal fusion surgery showed significant functional improvement post-operation. While psychological outcomes indicated risk, overall function and daily activities improved in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Geriatric Medicine
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Major spinal reconstruction and fusion to the sacrum is a complex procedure.
- Functional outcomes in elderly patients (70+ years) undergoing such extensive surgery require careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the functional outcomes in patients aged 70 years and older following major spinal reconstruction and fusion to the sacrum.
- To compare preoperative and postoperative functional status and identify factors influencing outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review for operative course data.
- Administration of a validated outcome instrument preoperatively and up to 24 months postoperatively.
- Analysis of functional status and psychological profiles.
Main Results:
- Preoperatively, 58% of patients functioned poorly, and 42% were at risk of poor outcome.
- At 24 months, only 25% functioned poorly, but 83% showed a psychological profile consistent with risk.
- A significant improvement in functional status was observed between preoperative and postoperative assessments.
Conclusions:
- Extensive spinal surgery in elderly patients can lead to significant improvements in overall function and activities of daily living.
- While physical function improves, psychological outcomes warrant attention in the long-term follow-up of geriatric spinal surgery patients.