Functional results and patient satisfaction after long fusion for spinal deformity in Parkinson's disease

Patients with Parkinson's disease often present abnormal posture or severe sagittal malalignment, causing significant disability. Surgical fusion is these cases shows high rates of complications, but may nevertheless provide functional benefit; however, this remains to be assessed.

Long fusion for patients with Parkinson's disease and postural disorder could alleviate disability despite the high risk of complications.

We retrospectively reviewed 18 Parkinson patients treated by long fusion for spinal deformity. Functional results on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and patient satisfaction were assessed at a minimum 2 years' follow-up. Predictive factors for good outcome were analyzed.

Median follow-up was 44.4 months (IQR, 36-62.4 months). ODI showed significant improvement, from 64 (IQR, 59-77) preoperatively to 49 (IQR, 40-57) at last follow-up (p=0.0014). Fifteen patients (83%) were very satisfied (n=5) or satisfied (n=10) with the procedure. On multivariate analysis, only age was significantly associated with improvement in ODI at last follow-up (estimate: -9.8; p=0.5).

Although long spinal fusion involves a high risk of complications in Parkinson's patients, the improvement in autonomy and patient satisfaction should be borne in mind before rejecting surgery, especially with motivated patients.

IV.