Our Summary

This study looked at how patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) fare after spinal surgery compared to those without the disease. The researchers reviewed several databases and analyzed studies that compared outcomes for patients with and without PD who underwent spinal fusions, a type of surgery that joins two or more vertebrae together.

They found that, out of over 2.3 million patients, about 0.63% had Parkinson’s. These patients were slightly older and had more post-surgery complications. Specifically, they had more infections at the surgery site, more cases of blood clots in the veins (venous thromboembolic events), and more instances where a second surgery was needed.

The study also looked at different types of spinal fusions. In surgeries involving the middle and lower sections of the spine, patients with PD had more instances where a second surgery was needed. When patients with a specific type of fracture (osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture) were included in these surgeries, those with PD had more post-surgery complications, more cases of pneumonia, and more instances where a second surgery was needed.

These findings suggest that it’s important to take extra care of patients with Parkinson’s after they’ve had spinal surgery. This could involve better wound care and more comprehensive care from a team of health professionals. The results also suggest that using certain protocols designed to help patients recover faster after surgery might be beneficial for those with Parkinson’s. However, more detailed studies are needed to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. Do patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) have more complications after spinal surgery compared to those without the disease?
  2. Are there certain types of spinal fusions where patients with PD are more likely to need a second surgery?
  3. Could post-operative care protocols designed to help patients recover faster benefit those with Parkinson’s after spinal surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

In addition to post-surgery care, a doctor might tell a patient about spinal surgery to make sure they follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including proper wound care, physical therapy exercises, and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities. It’s important for patients to follow up with their healthcare provider regularly and report any new or worsening symptoms, as early detection and treatment of complications can lead to better outcomes. Overall, it’s important for patients to be informed, proactive, and diligent in their recovery process to achieve the best results after spinal surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery include those with conditions such as:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Herniated disc
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal fractures
  • Spinal tumors
  • Spondylolisthesis

These conditions can cause symptoms such as chronic back or neck pain, weakness or numbness in the limbs, difficulty walking or standing, and loss of bladder or bowel control. In cases where conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections have not provided relief, spinal surgery may be recommended to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after spinal surgery can be summarized as follows:

Before surgery:

  • Patient undergoes various diagnostic tests and consultations with healthcare providers to determine the need for surgery.
  • Patient may undergo physical therapy or pain management treatments to prepare for surgery.
  • Patient is informed about the risks and benefits of the surgery and signs consent forms.

During surgery:

  • Patient is anesthetized and undergoes the spinal surgery procedure.

After surgery:

  • Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is monitored for any immediate post-surgery complications.
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort in the days following surgery and may require pain management medications.
  • Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.
  • Patient is monitored for any signs of infection or other complications.
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled with healthcare providers to monitor recovery progress.

In the case of patients with Parkinson’s Disease undergoing spinal surgery, they may experience more post-surgery complications compared to those without the disease. Extra care and monitoring may be needed to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Here are some questions a patient with Parkinson’s Disease should ask their doctor about spinal surgery:

  1. How will my Parkinson’s Disease impact my recovery after spinal surgery?
  2. What specific post-surgery complications should I be aware of as someone with Parkinson’s?
  3. Are there any additional precautions or measures that need to be taken during or after surgery due to my Parkinson’s Disease?
  4. Will I need any additional support or care during my recovery period because of my Parkinson’s?
  5. Are there any specific rehabilitation or physical therapy programs that may be beneficial for me post-surgery as someone with Parkinson’s?
  6. How will my Parkinson’s Disease impact the long-term success and outcomes of the spinal surgery?
  7. Are there any specific medications or treatments that should be avoided or adjusted due to my Parkinson’s Disease during the recovery process?
  8. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication or issue post-surgery, especially considering my Parkinson’s Disease?
  9. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or modifications I should consider making to support my recovery and overall health as someone with Parkinson’s Disease post-surgery?
  10. Are there any additional resources or support groups available for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease who have undergone spinal surgery?

Reference

Authors: Alissa AI, McDonnell JM, Ross TD, Wu N, Sowa A, Wall J, Darwish S, Butler JS. Journal: Eur Spine J. 2024 Sep;33(9):3420-3442. doi: 10.1007/s00586-024-08307-5. Epub 2024 Jun 27. PMID: 38937352