A study recently published in Spine seeks to determine the link between low preoperative body mass index and the outcomes of spinal fusion for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
The researchers examined 77 patients with AIS who underwent posterior spinal fusion and correction during a two-year period. There were 21 patients with low preoperative BMI, and in five cases the patients were considered "severely thin."
After conducting univariate and multivariate regression analyses, the researchers determined low BMI was significantly associated with preoperative asthma incidence and prolonged prothrombin time. Patients with low BMI were also more likely to have postoperative ileus development.
More Articles on Spine Surgery:
Spine Moneyball: How Analytics Will Impact Spine Care Over the Next 5 Years
How a Spine Surgeon Group Increased Web Traffic 300% in One Week: Q&A With Texas Back Institute's Cheryl Zapata
The Future of Spine Surgery at ASCs: Q&A With Meridian Surgical Partners President Kenny Hancock