Exploring clinically relevant risk profiles in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion: a cohort study

Esther R. C. Janssen, F. G. Prestigiacomo, E. A. P. van Leent, N. L. U. van Meeteren, M. Hulsbosch

July 2022, pp 1 - 8 Review Article Read Full Article

First Online: 28 July 2022

Purpose

To explore risk profiles of patients scheduled for lumbar spinal fusion (LSF) and their association with short-term recovery of patient after surgery.

Methods

Forty-nine patients scheduled for elective 1–3 level LSF between March 2019 and June 2020 were included. Patients underwent a preoperative risk screening, consisting of an anamnesis, questionnaires and physical performance tests. A latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify possible risk profiles within this population.

Results

Two risk profiles could be established: a fit and deconditioned risk profile. A significant between-profile difference was found in smoking status (p = 0.007), RAND36-PCS (p

Conclusion

This study found a fit and deconditioned risk profile. The patients with a fit risk profile perceived a better quality of life, performed better in mobility, motor control, cardiopulmonary tests and showed also a significant shorter stay in the hospital and a shorter time to functional recovery. Preoperatively establishing a patient’s risk profile could aid in perioperative care planning and preoperative decision-making.

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