Objective: Age is a known risk factor for increased mortality and poor outcomes following spine surgery. We aim to determine the mortality and morbidity in elderly patients (Age ≥ 80 years) undergoing spine surgeries at 2 years, define its prevalence, and identify risk factors associated with it. Methods: Retrospectively, records of patients ≥ 80 years of age, who underwent spine surgery in our institution were reviewed. Their demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, diagnosis, general and neurological status, type of surgery and outcome were collected. Mortality and morbidity rates over a 2-year period were analysed. Bivariate analysis were carried out to identify factors associated with mortality. Results: 47 patients were analysed in the study, with a mean age of 83.3 (80-91) years. The average length of follow up was 27.7 months. Overall postoperative mortality rates at 30 days, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years were 2.1%, 8.5%, 10.6%, and 12.8% respectively. 6 patients passed away in this study, with pneumonia being the most common cause of death. Factors significantly associated with mortality include multiple co-morbidities, non-degenerative etiology and vertebral fracture. The overall morbidity rate was 48.9% and 17% of this cohort developed major complications. Conclusion: Elderly patients above 80 years old undergoing spinal surgery have 12.8% risk of mortality at up to 2 years, while overall morbidity rate was 48.9%. Surgeons should be wary of operating on patients with multiple co-morbidities, non-degenerative conditions and vertebral fractures.
Objective: Age is a known risk factor for increased mortality and poor outcomes following spine surgery. We aim to determine the mortality and morbidity in elderly patients (Age ≥ 80 years) undergoing spine surgeries at 2 years, define its prevalence, and identify risk factors associated with it. Methods: Retrospectively, records of patients ≥ 80 years of age, who underwent spine surgery in our institution were reviewed. Their demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, diagnosis, general and neurological status, type of surgery and outcome were collected. Mortality and morbidity rates over a 2-year period were analysed. Bivariate analysis were carried out to identify factors associated with mortality. Results: 47 patients were analysed in the study, with a mean age of 83.3 (80-91) years. The average length of follow up was 27.7 months. Overall postoperative mortality rates at 30 days, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years were 2.1%, 8.5%, 10.6%, and 12.8% respectively. 6 patients passed away in this study, with pneumonia being the most common cause of death. Factors significantly associated with mortality include multiple co-morbidities, non-degenerative etiology and vertebral fracture. The overall morbidity rate was 48.9% and 17% of this cohort developed major complications. Conclusion: Elderly patients above 80 years old undergoing spinal surgery have 12.8% risk of mortality at up to 2 years, while overall morbidity rate was 48.9%. Surgeons should be wary of operating on patients with multiple co-morbidities, non-degenerative conditions and vertebral fractures.
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Keywords:
Age 80 and over; Elderly; Morbidity; Mortality; Spine; Surgery