Preoperative malnutrition is associated with increased postoperative complications following lumbar fusion: a propensity-matched analysis
Abstract
Background: Lumbar fusion (LF) is a common surgical intervention for degenerative spinal conditions but carries significant short- and long-term risks. Preoperative malnutrition, characterized by low serum albumin or leukocyte counts, impairs wound healing and increases susceptibility to infection, yet its influence on LF outcomes remains underexplored. This study evaluates the association between preoperative malnutrition and long-term postoperative outcomes following LF. Methods: Adult patients undergoing LF between 2003 and 2023 were identified in the TriNetX US Collaborative Network. Malnutrition was defined as serum albumin
Fields of Study & Subjects
Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology
Spinal Fractures and Fixation Techniques
Cervical and Thoracic Myelopathy
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Spine Surgery
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 3–3
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN