A new study published in the Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques examines patients with adult idiopathic scoliosis and how obese and overweight patients experience complications and unfavorable outcomes after surgery.
There were 57 patients included in the study who were diagnosed with adult idiopathic scoliosis from 1998 to 2006 and underwent anterior/posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion at a single institution. A single surgeon performed all the procedures.
The researchers found:
1. Coronal correction for the thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral curves improved significantly. The sagittal curve degree and coronal and sagittal balance weren't significantly changed through the final follow-up.
2. The obese patients reported significantly worse Oswestry Disability Index scores, pain intensity in the ODI domain and anterior surgical site pain scores.
3. The operating room time, estimated blood loss and number of fused vertebra were similar among all patients.
4. The risk factors for poor clinical outcomes included obese and overweight patients, and there was a significantly higher rate of complications in this group when compared with the entire group.
5. The factors that weren't associated with poor clinical outcomes include low bone internal density, old age, kyphosis and fusion to the sacrum.