Predicting morbidity and mortality of lumbar spine arthrodesis in patients in their ninth decade.

Study Design: All patients aged 80 years or older, treated surgically for lumbar spine disorders from 1996 to 2001, were analyzed in a retrospective case series. The purpose of this study was to determine if higher than expected morbidity and mortality was observed for patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery in their ninth decade of life, and if any preoperative factors correlated with this outcome.

Objective: To determine how comorbidity affected surgical morbidity and mortality in patients older than 80 years.

A community-based study of postmenopausal white women with back and leg pain: health status and limitations in physical activity.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of lower back pain and associated leg pain/numbness in postmenopausal Caucasian women and the relationship of these symptoms to health status and function.

Methods: A convenience sample of 573 white women enrolled in the Observational Study of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) in Pittsburgh completed a questionnaire on low back pain (LBP) and leg pain (LP) and its impact on their daily activity. For data analysis, this information was merged with that obtained under the standard WHI protocol.

Spondylolisthesis in the athlete.

The diagnosis and appropriate management of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in the athlete can be challenging for the treating orthopaedic surgeon. With an increase in the number of skeletally immature athletes competing at more demanding levels of competition, an associated increase in the number of such cases may be seen. Management strategy is directed by the symptoms, the age of the patient, and the severity of the spondylolisthesis.

Influence of smoking on the health status of spinal patients: the National Spine Network database.

Study Design: Multicenter, cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Spine Network.

Objectives: Investigate the association between the smoking status of spinal patients, duration and severity of symptoms, and their self-reported health status.

Background: Although cigarette smoking was identified as a potential risk factor for lower back pain many years ago, more recent research is challenging this finding.