Perioperative Complications of the Occipitocervical Fixation Surgery for Cervical Trauma in Patients Aged Over 80 Years.

INTRODUCTION

Although severe perioperative complications have been reported after occipitocervical fixation surgery for cervical trauma, no studies have specifically evaluated these complications in patients aged over 80 years. This study aimed to assess perioperative complications following occipitocervical fixation surgery for cervical trauma in patients older than 80 years.

METHODS

Among the 1,512 patients with cervical injury treated between 2010 and 2020, 41 patients aged ≥65 years who underwent occipitocervical fixation surgery were enrolled at 77 institutions in Japan. Patients were classified into a young-old group (65-79 years, n=21) and an old-old group (≥80 years, n=20). Demographic and surgical data, diagnosis, comorbidities, and perioperative complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The young-old group included eight atlas fractures and 16 axis fractures, while the old-old group included seven atlas fractures and 15 axis fractures. Perioperative complications occurred in 11 (52%) cases in the young-old group and in four cases (20%) in the old-old group. Reported complications included delirium, dysphagia, pneumonia, implant failure, worsening neurological pain, respiratory disorder, urinary tract infection, diverticular bleeding, cerebral infarction, deep vein thrombosis, and death.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there were several selection biases, including trauma severity and surgical indication, advanced age of over 80 years alone does not necessarily lead to a markedly increased risk of perioperative complications following occipitocervical fixation surgery for traumatic cervical spine injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.