Morbid obesity increases cost and complication rates in spinal arthrodesis.

Study Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study of all spinal fusions in California from 2003 to 2007.

Objective: This study analyzes whether morbid obesity alters rates of complications and charges in patients undergoing spinal fusion.

Summary Of Background Data: Prior studies of obesity have focused on lumbar fusion; some identified increases in wound complications.