Undetected low bone mineral density in patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery-prevalence and risk factors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sufficient bone quality is a prerequisite for low complication rates and satisfactory outcomes in lumbar fusion surgery (LFS). Low bone mineral density (BMD), including osteoporosis and osteopenia, is linked to adverse postoperative outcomes. Despite reports of a high prevalence of undiagnosed osteoporosis, it is uncertain which risk factors should guide preoperative BMD screening in LFS.

Methods

This secondary cross-sectional analysis of a prospective institutional database at an academic spine center included adult patients undergoing LFS for degenerative conditions between 2014 and 2023. Opportunistic quantitative CT (qCT) at the L1/2 level was performed before surgery, and demographic and medical history data were extracted. Descriptive and comparative statist

SUBMITTER: Kohli PC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11876750 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature