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Slightly poorer outcomes seen in obese vs normal weight patients following lumbar fusion
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Results from this study demonstrate lumbar spine fusion is effective for patients who are obese; however, 1 year after surgery, obese patients showed slightly poorer outcomes compared with patients of normal weight.
Researchers assessed 805 patients in a prospective follow-up database preoperatively and at 1-year follow-up after lumbar fusion. Investigators used the Finnish-validated Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to assess disability in patients. The VAS was used to evaluate the level of back and leg pain of patients. Patients also filled out a questionnaire about working status, smoking, physical activity, symptoms, comorbidities and use of pain killers. Investigators used the database to determine the indication for surgery. In addition, investigators categorized patients into according to the WHO BMI classification with 204 patients placed in the normal weight group, 365 patients in the overweight group and 236 patients were considered obese.
Results showed obese patients exercised significantly less per week. Pain and disability were not significantly different among the BMI groups preoperatively. The change in ODI at 1-year follow-up for the normal weight group, overweight group and obese group was -25, -24 and -23, respectively.
Investigators noted severe disability in 14.7% of normal weight patients, 17% of overweight patients and in 24.2% of obese patients. Patients with normal weight had more back and leg pain relief compared with the overweight and obese patients. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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