Surgical Outcome of Subaxial Cervical Spondylosis in the Elderly: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Abstract
Background: Degenerative lower cervical spine disease is commonly found in elderly patients. Surgery in this group of patients carries risks due to advanced age and underlying comorbidities. This study aims to evaluate the surgical outcomes in this patient group and identify factors associated with treatment outcomes.
Objectives: To assess the clinical outcomes of elderly patients with degenerative lower cervical spine disease who underwent surgery at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, and to identify factors that may influence treatment outcomes.
Methods: This retrospective study included elderly patients with degenerative lower cervical spine disease who underwent surgery at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, between 2016 and 2023. Data were collected through a retrospective review of medical records.
Results: A total of 83 patients were included in the study. The treatment outcomes were improved 40.9%, remained stable 57.8%, or declined in only 1.2% of cases. The average outcome showed significant improvement (P < 0.001). Analysis of factors affecting treatment outcomes revealed that a wider pre-operative spinal canal diameter was significantly associated with better postoperative Nurick’s scale outcomes (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Elderly patients demonstrated favorable surgical outcomes, and a wider pre-operative spinal canal diameter was identified as a factor associated with better postoperative results.
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