Our Summary

This research paper focuses on the impact of a surgical procedure called spinopelvic correction on elderly patients with spinal deformities. The study looked at adults aged 45 and older who underwent this corrective surgery, and divided them into three age groups: Middle-Age, Elderly, and Extremely Elderly. The researchers also categorized patients according to the degree of curvature in their lower spine, or lumbar lordosis.

The study found that there wasn’t a significant difference in the surgical results between different age groups. However, patients who achieved the ideal spinal alignment after surgery experienced better outcomes in terms of quality of life and lower back pain two years post-operation, compared to those who were not as well-aligned.

The paper also noted that for the Elderly and Extremely Elderly groups, there was a significant correlation between the alignment of the spine and the quality of life scores. The correlation was stronger in the Extremely Elderly group.

In simpler terms, the study suggests that achieving the right spinal alignment during surgery is key to improving quality of life and reducing lower back pain, especially in very elderly patients.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the research study on spinopelvic correction?
  2. Did the surgical results of spinopelvic correction vary between different age groups?
  3. What correlation was found between spinal alignment and quality of life in elderly patients post spinopelvic correction surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing spinal fusion is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including proper lifting techniques, maintaining good posture, and participating in physical therapy to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine. It’s also important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help support the healing process and prevent future spine issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for spinal fusion surgery are those who have spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, or spondylolisthesis that are causing severe pain, nerve compression, and/or mobility issues. Other conditions that may warrant spinal fusion include spinal fractures, spinal tumors, spinal infections, and degenerative disc disease. Additionally, patients who have not had success with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections may also be candidates for spinal fusion surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist to determine if spinal fusion is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before spinal fusion:

  1. Patient experiences persistent back pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the cause of their symptoms.
  3. Patient undergoes conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections to manage their symptoms.
  4. If conservative treatments are unsuccessful, patient and their healthcare provider may consider spinal fusion surgery as a last resort.

After spinal fusion:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
  2. Patient undergoes spinal fusion surgery, where the surgeon fuses together two or more vertebrae in the spine to stabilize and reduce pain.
  3. Patient undergoes post-operative care, which may include physical therapy, pain management, and follow-up appointments with their surgeon.
  4. Patient gradually resumes daily activities and gradually increases physical activity as they recover from surgery.
  5. Patient experiences improved stability and reduced pain in the spine, leading to a better quality of life and increased mobility.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal fusion surgery include:

  1. What is the success rate of spinal fusion surgery for patients in my age group?
  2. How will my degree of lumbar lordosis affect the outcome of the surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with spinal fusion surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain management?
  5. Will achieving the ideal spinal alignment during surgery improve my quality of life and reduce lower back pain?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to spinal fusion that I should consider?
  7. What is the long-term outlook for patients who undergo spinal fusion surgery, particularly in terms of maintaining spinal alignment and managing pain?
  8. How many spinal fusion surgeries have you performed, and what is your experience with patients in my age group?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or rehabilitation programs I should consider before or after surgery to optimize my results?
  10. Can you provide me with any patient testimonials or case studies that demonstrate the success of spinal fusion surgery in improving quality of life and reducing pain?

Reference

Authors: Yamato Y, Hasegawa T, Togawa D, Yoshida G, Banno T, Arima H, Oe S, Mihara Y, Ushirozako H, Kobayashi S, Yasuda T, Matsuyama Y. Journal: Spine Deform. 2019 Jul;7(4):610-618. doi: 10.1016/j.jspd.2018.11.001. PMID: 31202379