Abstract
BACKGROUND: Elevated body mass index (BMI) is a well-known risk factor for surgical complications in lumbar surgery. However, its effect on surgical effectiveness independent of surgical complications is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine increasing BMI's effect on functional outcomes following lumbar fusion surgery, independent of surgical complications. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively built, patient-reported, quality of life registry representing 75 hospital systems. We evaluated 1- to 3-level elective lumbar fusions. Patients who experienced surgical complications were excluded. A stepwise multivariate regression model assessed factors independently associated with 1-yr Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), preop to 1-yr ODI change, and achievement of minimal clinically important difference (MCID). RESULTS: A total of 8171 patients met inclusion criteria: 2435 with class I obesity (BMI 30-35 kg/m2), 1328 with class II (35-40 kg/m2), and 760 with class III (≥40 kg/m2). Increasing BMI was independently associated with worse 12-mo ODI (t = 8.005, P <. 001) and decreased likelihood of achieving MCID (odds ratio [OR] = 0.977, P <. 001). One year after surgery, mean ODI, ODI change, and percentage achieving MCID worsened with class I, class II, and class III vs nonobese cohorts (P <. 001) in stepwise fashion. CONCLUSION: Increasing BMI is associated with decreased effectiveness of 1- to 3-level elective lumbar fusion, despite absence of surgical complications. BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 is, therefore, a risk factor for both surgical complication and reduced benefit from lumbar fusion. Copyright © 2020 by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.