Chen G, Shi J. Improvement of Postoperative Quality of Life in Patients Over 80 Years Old With Thoracic Spinal Stenosis.
Clin Spine Surg 2024:01933606-990000000-00300. [PMID:
38637918 DOI:
10.1097/bsd.0000000000001606]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN
A retrospective comparative study was conducted to analyze the outcome of surgical and conservative treatment for patients over 80 years old with thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and efficiency of posterior spinal cord decompression surgery for over 80-year-old patients with TSS.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
Concerned about the risk of surgery, over 80-year-old patients with TSS are usually treated conservatively, which often leads to a decline in quality of life. So far as we know, no study demonstrates the risk and benefit of spine surgery for these patients.
METHODS
Over 80 years of age who underwent dorsal decompression surgery or conservative treatment due to TSS between January 2010 and November 2020 were analyzed. Sixty-four patients who completed follow-up PROM (patient-reported outcome measure) data were collected, including the mJOA (modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score) scoring system, VAS (visual analogue scale), questionnaire-based assessment of the ODI (Oswestry disability index), BI (Barthel index), and SF-36v2 (Short Form-36v2) Health Survey. The clinical characteristics, preoperative and postoperative imaging findings, operative records, complications, and individual outcomes were analyzed.
RESULTS
Of the 64 patients, 38 underwent posterior decompression, pedicle screw fixation, and posterolateral fusion; another 26 chose conservative treatment. The baseline characteristics of the TSS patients in 2 groups show no significant differences. The clinical symptoms and imaging outcomes showed a significant improvement in the surgical group compared with the nonsurgical group, according to mJOA, VAS, ODI, BI, and SF-36v2. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 6 patients, and transient neurological impairment occurred in 2 patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Posterior decompression surgery for over 80-year-old patients with TSS is a safe and effective treatment, it has a good clinical outcome as well as an acceptable complication rate. However, there were no obvious improvements in quality of life or pain with conservative treatment.
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