Researchers analyzed both surgical and patient-reported outcomes following lumbar fusions in ambulatory surgery centers, according to a study published in Spine.
The study involved 16 patients' medical records. The patients had direct open, single-level, posterior lumbar interbody fusions. Researchers measured visual analogue scale scores for lower back pain, Oswestry Disability Indices and mean body mass indices as well as blood loss, surgical times, complications and fusion rates.
Here are five observations:
1. Researchers found surgical times totaled about two hours.
2. The preoperative mean lower back VAS score decreased postoperatively, among the patients.
3. Additionally, the patients' mean ODI scores improved postoperatively.
4. The study found an overall fusion rate of 87.5 percent.
4. Overall, patients experienced pain reduction and ODI score reduction, as well as little blood loss.
5. Researchers concluded surgeons can safely perform direct open posterior lumbar interbody fusions in the outpatient setting.