About this Research Topic
The global population is experiencing a significant shift in age structure, with an increasing number of individuals reaching advanced ages and higher life expectancies. This demographic trend poses a growing challenge for healthcare professionals who must effectively manage spinal disorders specific to the older adult population, particularly those aged 65 years and older. This group of geriatric patients is increasingly requiring surgical treatment for spinal degenerative or traumatic conditions, leading to a rise in the number of related complications.
Geriatric spine surgery presents three main concerns that necessitate careful consideration: osteoporosis, continuing degeneration and deformity, and comorbidities. Those are then responsible for a proportionate increase in intra- and postoperative complications. Osteoporosis, a prevalent condition in older adults, poses a significant risk not only for fractures but also for implant failure. Continuing degeneration and deformities in the spine affect the overall biomechanical stability and can complicate surgical decision-making. Comorbidities, both related to surgery and pre-existing, further contribute to the complexity of managing spinal degeneration pathologies in this fragile yet expanding population. Additionally, geriatric patients are more prone to geriatric delirium, which adds another layer of consideration to their overall mental state during surgical interventions.
In response to these challenges, significant efforts have been made to enhance the overall care of geriatric patients undergoing spine surgery. These efforts encompass various aspects, including improvements in surgical techniques tailored to older patients, perioperative management strategies, the development of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, and advancements in the treatment of osteoporosis.
This Research Topic provides an opportunity to share and advance the understanding of geriatric spine surgery. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, we aim to improve the management and outcomes for geriatric patients with spinal pathologies. We encourage the submission of manuscripts such as original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, systematic reviews, clinical trials, case reports, perspectives, opinions, and study protocols relevant to this article collection that will cover topics such as (but not limited to):
- Risk stratification of the older patient with spinal pathologies
- Role of mini-invasive surgical techniques in the management of geriatric patients
- Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols
- Conservative management of spinal pathologies
- Advancements in the treatment of osteoporosis
Geriatric spine surgery presents three main concerns that necessitate careful consideration: osteoporosis, continuing degeneration and deformity, and comorbidities. Those are then responsible for a proportionate increase in intra- and postoperative complications. Osteoporosis, a prevalent condition in older adults, poses a significant risk not only for fractures but also for implant failure. Continuing degeneration and deformities in the spine affect the overall biomechanical stability and can complicate surgical decision-making. Comorbidities, both related to surgery and pre-existing, further contribute to the complexity of managing spinal degeneration pathologies in this fragile yet expanding population. Additionally, geriatric patients are more prone to geriatric delirium, which adds another layer of consideration to their overall mental state during surgical interventions.
In response to these challenges, significant efforts have been made to enhance the overall care of geriatric patients undergoing spine surgery. These efforts encompass various aspects, including improvements in surgical techniques tailored to older patients, perioperative management strategies, the development of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, and advancements in the treatment of osteoporosis.
This Research Topic provides an opportunity to share and advance the understanding of geriatric spine surgery. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, we aim to improve the management and outcomes for geriatric patients with spinal pathologies. We encourage the submission of manuscripts such as original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, systematic reviews, clinical trials, case reports, perspectives, opinions, and study protocols relevant to this article collection that will cover topics such as (but not limited to):
- Risk stratification of the older patient with spinal pathologies
- Role of mini-invasive surgical techniques in the management of geriatric patients
- Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols
- Conservative management of spinal pathologies
- Advancements in the treatment of osteoporosis
Keywords: Spine, Surgery, Geriatric, osteoporosis, pathologies
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