Activity of Daily Living After Long Level Fusion in Adult Spinal Deformity: Compared With Over 60-Year-Old Degenerative Spine Patients Without Adult Spinal Deformity.

Abstract

Prospective single center study. The aim of this study was to evaluate 1) the activity of daily living (ADL) of three categorized patients group; over 60-year-old degenerative spine patients without adult spinal deformity (ASD), nonoperative ASD patients, and operative ASD patients, 2) what kinds of activities would be impaired, and 3) how the ADL changes over time after long level fusion. There is still debate how surgeons could decide treatment methods for old-aged adult spinal deformity, operatively or not. There was lack of information how long level fusion impacts daily activities, especially sedentary Asian lifestyle. In Asia, impaired ADL is much more important issue because of different lifestyle. Patients were categorized into three groups; Group 1 was over 60-year old aged degenerative spine disease without deformity, Group 2 was ASD patients who did not have surgery, and Group 3 was ASD patients who had surgery for deformity correction. Patients were evaluated using answer Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and Assessment activities of daily living for sedentary Asian culture (ADL-SA) questionnaire. Group 1 showed nearly full functions in every activity (ADL-SA: 41.4). ADL-SA scores of Group 2 were similar to Group 1 (P = 0.452). However, get up from bottom (P < 0.001), and pick up object (P < 0.001) were impaired. After long level fusion, ADL was impaired but gradually improved by time. From postoperative 1 year, total ADL score recovered to acceptable range. However, among ADL, activities associated sedentary lifestyle (get up from bottom, wipe floor, pick up object, and sit cross-legged) were still impaired after 2 years postoperatively. ADL was impaired after long level fusion; however it would improve as time goes by. However, among ADL, activities associated sedentary lifestyle was still impaired. Hence give enough information to patients about limited activities before deciding operation. 3.