Lumbar Decompression versus Decompression and Fusion in Octogenarians: Complications and Clinical Course With 3-Year Follow-Up.

Study designRetrospective review.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess and compare the clinical course and complications between surgical decompression and decompression with fusion in lumbar spine patients aged ≥80 years.MethodsA retrospective review of electronic medical records at a single institution was conducted between September 2005 and December 2021. Logistic regression was used to identify potential risk factors for the occurrence of complications.ResultsOver a 16-year period, 327 patients were allocated to the decompression only group and 89 patients were allocated to the decompression and instrumented fusion group. The study had a mean follow-up duration of 36.7 ± 12.4 months. When assessing the CCI, patients of the instrumentation group had fewer comorbidities (8.9 ± .5 points vs 6.2 ± 1.5 points; P P P P ConclusionsLumbar decompression and additional fusion in octogenarians are considerable treatment techniques; albeit associated with increased complication risks. Prolonged operative time and extent of surgery are critical confounding factors associated with higher rates of postoperative complications. Surgery should only be performed after careful outweighing of potential benefits and risks.