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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
05:30
Surgical Approach and Complications of Stand-alone Lateral Trans-Psoas Interbody Fusion
Published on: February 14, 2025
[Spinal surgery in the elderly: does age have an influence on the complication rate?]
R Sobottke1, G Csécsei, T Kaulhausen
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Universität zu Köln, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9, 50924 Köln, Deutschland. rolf.sobottke@uk-koeln.de
Der Orthopade
|March 14, 2008
Summary
Age should not be a contraindication for spinal surgery in elderly patients. Minimally invasive procedures show low complication rates, and even complex surgeries benefit older adults, improving their quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric medicine
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic surgery
Context:
- Increasing elderly population with spinal diseases requiring surgical intervention.
- Historical contraindication of advanced age for elective spinal surgery.
- Growing need for evidence-based surgical recommendations for geriatric patients.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of spinal surgery in elderly patients.
- To compare complication rates in elderly versus younger populations undergoing spinal surgery.
- To determine if age should remain a contraindication for elective spinal procedures.
Summary:
- Complication rates for minimally invasive spinal surgery are comparable between elderly and younger patients.
- Higher surgical complexity correlates with increased complication rates in older adults.
- Elderly patients (>65 years) and very elderly patients (>80 years) benefit from spinal surgery, regardless of procedure extent.
Impact:
- Challenges the notion of age as an absolute contraindication for spinal surgery.
- Supports surgical intervention for elderly patients experiencing chronic pain and functional limitations.
- Highlights the potential for improved quality of life and health outcomes in older adults undergoing spinal surgery.
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