Neurospine.  2019 Dec;16(4):764-769. 10.14245/ns.1836336.168.

Is Spinal Surgery Safe for Elderly Patients Aged 80 and Above? Predictors of Mortality and Morbidity in an Asian Population

• Tan JY
• Kaliya-Perumal AK
• Oh JY

• KMID: 2469054
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14245/ns.1836336.168

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
We aimed to determine the 2-year mortality and morbidity rates following spine surgery in elderly patients (age ≥80 years) and to study the associated risk factors.
METHODS
The records of patients ≥80 years of age who underwent spine surgery during the years 2003-2015 at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore were retrospectively reviewed. Information was collected on their demographic characteristics, comorbidities, diagnosis, general and neurological status, type of surgery, and outcomes. The mortality and morbidity rates over a 2-year period were analyzed. Bivariate analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with mortality.
RESULTS
We selected 47 patients (mean age, 83.3 years; range, 80-91 years) who were followed up for a mean duration of 27.7 months. The mortality rates at 30 days, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years following surgery were 2.1%, 8.5%, 10.6%, and 12.8%, respectively. The factors significantly associated with mortality included multiple comorbidities, nondegenerative aetiology, and vertebral fractures. The overall morbidity rate was 48.9%, and 17% of this cohort had major complications.
CONCLUSION
Surgeons should strategize management protocols with due consideration of the mortality and morbidity rates, and be wary of operating on patients with multiple comorbidities, nondegenerative conditions, and vertebral fractures.

Keyword

80 and over aged; Morbidity; Mortality; Risk factors; Spine

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Asian Continental Ancestry Group*
Cohort Studies
Comorbidity
Diagnosis
Humans
Mortality*
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Singapore
Spine
Surgeons
Triacetoneamine-N-Oxyl
Triacetoneamine-N-Oxyl