Complications of spinal fusion in adult patients more than 60 years of age.

This article describes the overall rate, characteristics, and predictive factors for major and minor complications in spinal fusion patients over 60 years of age (or greater) cared for in the authors' institution. Special emphasis is placed on establishing the most valid incidence of complications after spinal fusion by extracting the information directly from the pateint's permanent medical or clinical database record. Once the spinal surgery risk profile for the elderly patient is established, treatment interventions to modify these risks can be implemented and evaluated prospectively and longitudinally to maximize spinal surgery outcomes.