Modified frailty index independently predicts morbidity in patients undergoing 3-column osteotomy

Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) includes a spectrum of spinal conditions that can be associated with significant pain and loss of function. While 3-column osteotomies have been the procedures of choice for ASD patients, there is also a substantial risk for complications. The prognostic value of the modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5) for these procedures has not yet been studied. The goal of this study is to evaluate the association of mFI-5 with 30-day morbidity, readmission, and reoperation following a 3-column osteotomy.

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried to identify patients undergoing 3-Column Osteotomy procedures from 2011-2019. Multivariate modeling was utilized to assess mFI-5 and other demographic, comorbidity, laboratory, and perioperative variables as independent predictors of morbidity, readmission, and reoperation.

N = 971. Multivariate analysis revealed that mFI-5 = 1 (OR = 1.62, p = 0.015) and mFI-5 ≥ 2 (OR = 2.17, p = 0.004) were significant independent predictors of morbidity. mFI-5 ≥ 2 was a significant independent predictor of readmission (OR = 2.16, p = 0.022) while mFI-5 = 1 was not a significant predictor of readmission (p = 0.053). Frailty did not predict reoperation.

Frailty as defined by mFI-5 strongly and independently predicted increased odds of postoperative morbidity for patients undergoing 3-column osteotomy as surgical intervention for ASD. Only mFI-5 ≥ 2 was a significant independent predictor of readmission, while frailty did not predict reoperation. Other variables independently predicted increased and decreased odds of postoperative morbidity, readmission, and reoperation.

III.