Surgical Intervention Enhances Social Function in Older Adults With Spinal Deformity: A Peeds Database Study

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) significantly impacts patients' lives, particularly their social interactions. While research exists on ASD surgery outcomes, there is limited granular data on how ASD impacts social function in older adults. This study aims to examine ASD surgery impacts on the social functioning of patients aged ≥60 years. A prospective, multicentre cohort of patients ≥60 years undergoing primary spinal fusion ≥5 levels was reviewed. Demographic variables, work status, and cognitive function via the Animal Fluency Test (AFT) were recorded. Patients were assessed at baseline, 10 weeks, 12 months, and 24 months. Outcome measures of interest were questions 14 (Does your back condition affect your personal relationships?) and 18 (Does your back condition limit your going out with friends/family?) from the Scoliosis Research Society-22r questionnaire (SRS-22r), as well as question 9 of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (impact of back pain on social life). Descriptive statistics (mean, median, and frequency data) were collated. 219 patients were included, with a median age of 67.5. 80.4% were female. The mean BMI was 26.1 (standard deviation 5.4). 60.3% were retired, and 25.7% exhibited cognitive impairment, measured through AFT. For SRS-22r Q14, 40.1% of patients reported their back condition moderately or severely affected their relationships, compared to 15.4% at 2 years. For SRS-22r Q18, 47.7% of patients felt their back often or very often limited their going out, compared to 17.1% at 2 years. Of the 69 patients who were moderately or severely limited pre-operatively, 19 (28%) remained so at 2 years; 40 (58%) were rarely or never limited at 2 years. For ODI Q9, 8.7% of patients felt that their social function was normal pre-operatively, compared to 44.1% of patients at 2 years. ASD surgery had a significant positive impact on patients' social functions. The data supports expected outcomes following surgery and highlights the physical and mental benefits of these complex procedures.