European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Multicenter Study
Does global spinal alignment affect the use of walking aids after multi-segment spinal fixation for patients with ASD? A multicenter retrospective study.
This study aimed to clarify the relation between global spinal alignment and the necessity of walking aid use in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) and to investigate the impact of spinal fixation on mobility status after surgery. ⋯ A significant correlation was found between "sagittal" spinal imbalance and increased reliance on walking aids, particularly walkers. However, the limitation of improvement in postoperative mobility status suggested that multiple factors influence the mobility ability of elderly patients with ASD.
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To investigate changes in postoperative mobility status in patients with ASD, and the determining factors that influence these changes and their impact on clinical outcomes, including the rate of home discharge and long-term mobility. ⋯ Postoperative mobility often temporarily decreases but generally improves after 2 years. However, an overcorrection in sagittal alignment, evidenced by increased TK, could detrimentally affect patients' mobility status. Transient mobility decline associated with overcorrection may require further rehabilitation or hospitalization. Further studies are required to determine the biomechanical effects of surgical correction on mobility.