Diabetes Linked to Higher Complications in Lumbar Spinal Fusion: Study Highlights Structural Changes in Bone Formation
USA: A recent study has shed new light on the challenges faced by individuals with diabetes undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery, revealing a heightened risk of complications linked to structural alterations in bone formation at the fusion site. Published in JBMR Plus, the research underscores the critical implications of diabetes on post-operative outcomes in spinal surgery.
The study found that lumbar spinal fusion procedures are far more likely to fail in individuals with diabetes. Lumbar spinal fusion is a common procedure aimed at stabilizing the spine and alleviating pain by fusing two or more vertebrae.
"Patients undergoing spinal fusion procedures are at a three times higher risk of developing non-union complications if they have diabetes compared to those without diabetes," the researchers reported, noting that surgical outcomes could be improved by controlling blood glucose levels before surgery and exploring therapeutic agents to support new bone formation.
Diabetes predisposes to spine degenerative diseases requiring surgery. However, the statistics on the prevalence of spinal fusion success and clinical indications leading to revision surgery in diabetes are conflicting. Considering this, Claire Wilson, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States, and colleagues aimed to determine the link between diabetes and lumbar spinal fusion complications using a database of patients (n = 552, 45% male, age 54 ± 13.7 years) residing in the same community and receiving care at the same health care facility in a retrospective observational study.
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