Revision Surgery in the Elderly
With improvements in health care and life expectancy, the number of elderly patients pursuing spine care is increasing. Compared to younger patients, the elderly population often presents with more comorbidities and natural physiologic changes that occur with the aging body. These pose a challenge to treating spine pathologies in the elderly and even more so when considering revision spine surgery. This review outlines the approach spine surgeons should take when evaluating elderly patients that may need revision surgery. In addition, special surgical considerations are provided that may aid in treating this population. Overall, the proper management of elderly patients includes a detailed history, an understanding of how comorbidities may affect perioperative outcomes, and patient-specific surgical planning.
