Our Summary

This study looks at the trends in spinal fusion surgery for patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS), a rare genetic disorder that can cause deformities in the spine. The researchers analyzed data from a national database and identified 314 patients with MFS who underwent spinal fusion surgery between 2003 and 2014.

They found that the use of a type of surgery called posterior spinal fusion (PSF) increased significantly during this period. They also discovered that patients with MFS were more likely to experience neurological complications after surgery. The type of surgical approach used was associated with the patient’s age, with PSF being more common in younger patients.

This research provides valuable insights into the surgical treatment of spinal deformities in patients with MFS. It can help surgeons understand the potential complications and the changes in surgical practices over time.

FAQs

  1. What is Marfan syndrome and how can it affect the spine?
  2. What is posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and why is it commonly used in younger patients with Marfan syndrome?
  3. What are the potential complications after spinal fusion surgery for patients with Marfan syndrome?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing spinal fusion surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including physical therapy exercises and restrictions on activities to prevent complications. It is important to strictly adhere to the recommended rehabilitation plan to ensure successful recovery and long-term spine stability. Additionally, regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are crucial to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for spinal fusion surgery include those with severe spinal deformities, such as scoliosis or kyphosis, that cannot be corrected with more conservative treatments like physical therapy or bracing. Other common indications for spinal fusion surgery include spinal instability, spinal fractures, spinal tumors, and degenerative disc disease. Additionally, patients with conditions such as Marfan syndrome, as mentioned in the study above, may also be recommended for spinal fusion surgery to correct spinal deformities associated with their underlying condition.

Timeline

Timeline:

  • Patient is diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that can cause spinal deformities
  • Patient undergoes evaluation by a spine surgeon to determine the need for spinal fusion surgery
  • Pre-operative testing and preparation for surgery, including imaging studies and physical exams
  • Patient undergoes spinal fusion surgery, which may involve the use of posterior spinal fusion (PSF)
  • Post-operative recovery period, which may include pain management, physical therapy, and monitoring for complications
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Long-term follow-up to assess the success of the surgery and monitor for any potential complications or the need for additional surgeries.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient with Marfan syndrome may consider asking their doctor about spinal fusion surgery include:

  1. What specific type of spinal fusion surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with spinal fusion surgery for patients with Marfan syndrome?
  3. How does my age impact the type of surgical approach that will be used for my spinal fusion surgery?
  4. What is the expected outcome and recovery time for spinal fusion surgery in patients with Marfan syndrome?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for spinal fusion surgery?
  6. How many spinal fusion surgeries have you performed on patients with Marfan syndrome, and what is your success rate?
  7. What post-operative care and rehabilitation will be necessary for me following spinal fusion surgery?
  8. How long will I need to be in the hospital after spinal fusion surgery, and what is the expected timeline for returning to normal activities?
  9. Are there any long-term implications or considerations to be aware of after undergoing spinal fusion surgery for Marfan syndrome?
  10. What steps can I take to optimize my overall health and well-being before and after spinal fusion surgery for Marfan syndrome?

Reference

Authors: Kurucan E, Bernstein DN, Ying M, Li Y, Menga EN, Sponseller PD, Mesfin A. Journal: Spine J. 2019 Dec;19(12):1934-1940. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2019.08.005. Epub 2019 Aug 12. PMID: 31415820