Outcomes and Risks With Age in Spondylolisthesis: A Comparison of the Elderly From the Quality Outcomes Database

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis affects 3% to 20% of the population with an increasing incidence of up to 30% in the elderly. The impact of age on surgical complication and patient reported outcomes (PRO) have yet to be evaluated in a modern, multicenter study. METHODS The Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) multicenter, prospective registry was used to evaluate patients from 12 US centers, including academic and private institutions, between July 2014 and June 2016 who underwent surgical treatment for grade 1 lumbar spondylolisthesis. All patients received at least 12 mo of follow-up RESULTS A total of 608 patients were divided into < 60 (n = 239), 60 to 70 (n = 209), 71 to 80 (n = 128), and > 80 (n = 32) categories. Older patients showed lower body mass index (BMI) (P = .00001), increased diabetes (P = .007), coronary artery disease (P = .0001), and osteoporosis (P = .005). A lower likelihood for home disposition was seen with the elderly (89.1% in < 60 yr olds vs 75% in > 80 yr olds), with more elderly patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities or rehabilitation (P = .002). No baseline differences in PROs (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], EQ-5D [EuroQol healthy survey], Numeric Rating Scale for leg pain [NRS-LP] and back pain [NRS-BP]) were seen among age categories. A significant improvement for all QOLs was seen regardless of age (P < .05). Minimal clinically important differences (MCID) in QOLs were seen after surgery for all age groups. No differences in hospital readmissions (30-d, 3-mo) or reoperations (30-d, 1-yr, 2-yr, and 3-yr) were seen among age groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION Despite increased presurgical comorbidities and risk, well-selected elderly patients undergoing surgical treatment of grade 1 spondylolisthesis can achieve meaningful outcomes without increases in complications or readmission. However, PRO do not improve to the same degree in the elderly as in younger adults. This modern, multicenter US study reflects the current use and limitation of spondylolisthesis treatment in the elderly, which may be informative to patients and providers.