The Open Spine Journal
2010, 2 : 8-11Published online 2010 January 19. DOI: 10.2174/1876532701002010008
Publisher ID: TOSPINEJ-2-8
Influence of Obesity on Outcomes of Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis
ABSTRACT
Background:
Obesity is likewise becoming more prevalent in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis, but few studies have examined relationships between obesity levels and surgical outcomes for this condition. The purpose of the present study is to determine the influence of body-mass index (BMI) on outcomes of surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis.
Materials and Methods:
The subjects comprised 118 patients who had underwent posterolateral fusion in a single intervertebral disc space with spinal instrumentation using a pedicle screw and rod system. Obesity levels were classified into three groups according to BMI: ≥35, severely obese group (n=12); 25 to <35, obese (n=38); and <25, non-obese (n=68). Investigated items including operative time, volume of intraoperative bleeding, distance from skin surface to the posterior margin of the vertebral body, improvement rate of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system for lumbar spinal disorders and intra- and postoperative complications were all compared between the three groups .
Results:
Longer operative time, increased intraoperative bleeding, longer distance from the skin surface to the posterior margin of the vertebral body, poor postoperative outcomes and higher incidences of intra- and postoperative complications were observed with surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis in severely obese patients (BMI ≥35), compared to patients with BMI <35.
Conclusions:
Severely obese patients and their family members should thus receive sufficient explanation of the risks associated with surgery when obtaining informed consent.