Age no bar for spine surgery

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Thursday, August 30, 2018
age no bar for spine surgery
Dr Raju Vaishya with Man Maya Shrestha

New Delhi: Man Maya Shrestha, 89 from Itahari, Nepal was suffering from low back pain radiating to both lower limbs, for last one year. The pain became unbearable three months back to the extent that she could hardly walk or sleep.

X-ray and MRI of the spine showed spinal cord compression at L4 to S1 segments. She underwent spinal decompression and instrumented spinal fusion at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. 
She is recovering well, and her symptoms of numbness and tingling in the leg have significantly reduced.

"Every person has got two types of age – chronologic age and biological age, and it has been found that the biological age of the people living more than 70 years is less," says Dr Raju Vaishya, a senior spine surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.

"They are free from congenital and lifestyle diseases. They have observed a more balanced lifestyle and they have done exercises and physical work on a regular basis because of which they are physically and mentally fit. If such people are given a remedy for their knee or joint problems, they can maintain their active life and will be able to live a longer life. 

Worldwide, the population of the elderly is increasing because of longer life expectancy. It is estimated that in the United States alone, the population of elderly adults (≥85) will increase by 400 per cent by 2050. The population of centenarians is also projected to double every decade.

This increase will inevitably be associated with a parallel increase in the number of musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis and spinal problems which may require surgical treatment. But, the elderly adults are less willing to undergo the prescribed surgery for several reasons, such as ignorance, consideration of their old age, uncertainty about their life expectancy, associated comorbidities, and fear of potential postoperative complications.

People who live much longer have a low probability of disease or disability and high cognitive and physical function. Hence, when considering elderly adults for an elective surgery, their age, overall health, mental function, and motivation must be considered. Older age alone should not discourage doctors and family from recommending surgery.
“Reconstructive surgery for disabling pain can add quality to the remaining years of their lives,” says Dr. Vaishya

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