ArticleJournal of spine surgery (Hong Kong)2026
Preoperative malnutrition is associated with increased postoperative complications following lumbar fusion: a propensity-matched analysis.
Article in Journal of spine surgery (Hong Kong), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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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 <3.5 g/dL or leukocyte count <1,500/mm Results: Malnourished patients experienced significantly higher 90‑day rates of transfusion (8.4% Conclusions: Preoperative malnutrition is independently associated with increased postoperative complications, reoperations, and impaired long-term surgical success after LF. Routine nutritional assessment and optimization should be considered in preoperative planning to reduce morbidity and healthcare utilization.
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