Static and Dynamic Balance in Adults Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgery: Screening and Prediction of Postsurgical Outcomes

Rate and risk factors for inpatient falls following single-level posterior lumbar fusion: A national registry study

Background

Posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) is frequently considered for various spinal pathologies. While many outcome metrics have been assessed, to our knowledge, there has yet to be literature specifically investigating inpatient falls (IPFs) and its risk factors.

Methods

Adult patients who underwent single-level PLF were abstracted from the 2010-Q1 2022 M161Ortho PearlDiver Database. Patients who had an IPF were determined based on administrative coding. Various patient variables were extracted and variables independently associated with IPFs were assessed with multivariate logistic regression. Incidence of secondary injuries and cost incurred related to the IPF were determined.

Results

Of the 342,890 patients who underwent PLF, IPF was identified for 4,379 (1.4%). Independent predictors of an IPF in decreasing odds ratio (OR) order were those with: active psychosis (OR=3.35), active delirium (OR=2.83), history of falling (OR=2.47), commercial insurance (OR=1.59 relative to Medicare), Medicaid insurance (OR=1.47 relative to Medicare), dementia (OR=1.17), older age (OR=1.12 per decade), alcohol use disorder (O=1.11), higher comorbidity (OR=1.08 per Elixhauser comorbidity index point) (p<.05 for each).Of patients with IPF, 44 (1.0%) sustained a head injury, and 42 (1.0%) sustained a fracture. On average, those with IPF incurred greater inpatient costs compared to patients who did not ($36,865 vs. $33,921, p<.001).

Conclusion

In this national sample of patients who underwent single-level PLF, postoperative IPFs were identified for 1.4% and were associated with defined patient variables. These findings have potential patient outcome, financial, and medicolegal implications and should help guide refinement of fall prevention programs.

Effect of baduanjin on the fall and balance function in middle-aged and elderly people: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The risk of fall seriously affects the health and quality of life of the middle-aged and elderly people, especially the injury and disability caused by fall of the middle-aged and elderly people, which imposes a huge burden on family and social medical care. Baduanjin exercise may be an effective intervention to enhance the muscle strength and stability of lower limbs, improve the balance ability and gait of middle-aged and elderly people, reduce the incidence of falls, improve the quality of life, and promote the health of middle-aged and elderly people. The aim of this study is to summarize evidence and systematically review the efficacy and safety of Baduanjin on the fall and balance function in middle-aged and elderly people.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of English and Chinese RCTs in the following 8 electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, from their respective dates of inception to July 2021. Other resources will be searched if necessary. The primary outcome is the fall rate in middle-aged and elderly people and the secondary outcomes include the Single-Leg Standing (SLS) Test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test. The study selection, data extraction, risk of bias, data synthesis and analysis, reporting biases, and the quality of evidence will be independently conducted by 2 reviewers who use the EndNote X9 software, Cochrane handbook assessment tool, RevMan 5.3 software, a funnel plot and GRADE system.

RESULTS

This study will evaluate the effect of Baduanjin on falls and balance function of middle-aged and elderly people from multiple outcome evaluation indicators such as fall rate, and provide high-quality evidence.

CONCLUSION

This study will provide evidence for whether Baduanjin has an effect on falls and balance function in middle-aged and elderly people.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval is not required for systematic review, since it does not infringe on personal interests. The results will be submitted to peer-review journals or disseminated at scientific conferences.