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  4. Perioperative complications in spinal trauma patients: does timing matter?

Perioperative complications in spinal trauma patients: does timing matter?

Acta Neurochirurgica, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-025-06442-6 · Published: January 24, 2025

SurgeryTrauma

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the impact of surgical timing on perioperative complications in spinal trauma patients. Patients were divided into early (<24 hours), late (24-72 hours), and delayed (>72 hours) surgery groups to compare perioperative complication rates. The study found that delayed surgery in non-SCI patients may be associated with more complications compared to early surgery.

Study Duration
2010 to 2020
Participants
394 spinal trauma patients
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    Delayed surgical treatment is potentially associated with more perioperative complications compared to early surgery in non-SCI patients.
  • 2
    Older age, ASA 3 and 4, AO spine C injury and SCI are possible risk factors for perioperative complications.
  • 3
    Patients subjected to delayed surgery experienced prolonged LOS and immobilization periods.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effect of surgical timing on perioperative complications in spinal trauma patients. Delayed surgical treatment may be associated with more perioperative complications compared to early surgery, particularly in non-SCI patients. Other risk factors include older age, ASA category, AO Spine classification and SCI.

Practical Implications

Optimal Surgical Timing

Surgical intervention within 72 hours post-trauma may be a safer option, resulting in the lowest complication rate.

Risk Factor Awareness

Be aware of risk factors such as age, comorbidity, AO Spine C injury, and SCI when planning surgery for spinal injury patients.

Hospital Infrastructure

Adapt multidisciplinary hospital infrastructure to ensure surgical procedures can be executed within the 72-hour timeframe.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Retrospective nature of the study.
  • 2
    Unclear reasons behind surgical delays in some cases.
  • 3
    Heterogeneity among the surgical timing groups.

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