Predicting complications in elderly patients undergoing lumbar decompression.

A retrospective chart review of 68 patients 70 years of age or older who underwent decompressive procedures of the lumbar spine with or without fusion for benign conditions was performed to determine the ability of preoperative assessment of medical comorbidities to predict early postoperative complications. Patients 70 years of age or older who underwent decompressive procedures on the lumbar spine with or without fusion from January 1, 1990 to June 30, 1996 were identified. A chart review focused on preoperative comorbid diseases and early postoperative complications. A telephone survey was performed to assess patient satisfaction. Thirty-four women and 34 men with an average of 76.5 years averaged 1.6 comorbidities. Thirteen patients did not have comorbidities. The weighted comorbidity index resulted in an average score of 1.9. Eighty-five percent of the patients underwent posterolateral fusion. The total complication rate was 40%. Serious complications potentially affecting quality of life occurred in 12% of patients. The early mortality rate was 1.4%. The authors were unable to show a significant relationship between comorbidities and postoperative complications. Seventy-one percent of the 44 patients who were contacted at an average 42 months postoperatively were satisfied with their outcome. Elderly patients can safely undergo lumbar spinal procedures with an outcome similar to younger patients.