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Obesity likely leads to worse surgical outcomes in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
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A larger curve magnitude and longer surgical times for posterior spinal fusion were seen in patients who had adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and were overweight at time of presentation to an orthopedic surgeon, according to recently published results. In addition, researchers found a higher risk of complications for obese patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Researchers analyzed 588 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal fusion. Of these patients, 454 patients were heavy weight; 134 patients were overweight; and 71 patients were obese. Investigators collected data which included demographics, radiographic and perioperative data and complications. Adolescents who were heavy weight, overweight and obese were compared with descriptive analyses and inferential analyses.
Results showed adolescents who were overweight and obese had larger major curve magnitudes compared with adolescents who were heavy weight at time of presentation to an orthopedic surgeon. Investigators noted adolescents who were overweight or obese compared with those who were heavy weight had increased preoperative major curve magnitudes, preoperative minor curve magnitudes, preoperative thoracic kyphosis and surgical time.
Among patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up, a subgroup analysis demonstrated adolescents who were obese had a higher complication rate and significantly more superficial infections compared with those who were heavy weight. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: Li reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other financial disclosures.
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