Risk Factors of Dimar et al for Major Complications Following Spinal Stabilization of a Thoracolumbar Spinal Injury

 

Early spinal stablization was performed < 72 hours after the injury.

Late spinal stabilization was performed > 72 hours after the injury.

 

The most common major complications were infections, thromboembolism and construct failure.

 

Risk factors for major complications:

(1) corticosteroid therapy

(2) Charlson comorbidity index (CCI)

(3) ASIA impairment scale

 

The risk for a major complication:

(1) increased with corticosteroid protocols (odds ratio of 2.3 vs no steroids)

(2) almost doubled for each unit increase in the CCI

(3) increased 2.5 times for each ASIA category

 

ASIA Category	Risk
E (normal)	0
D	2.5 times
C	5.0 times
B	7.5 times
A	10.0 times