Introduction:

Low back pain (LBP) still exists at the follow-up visit in some cases after long fusion arthrodesis for adult scoliosis. However, few available studies have elaborated the reasons and factors associated with this symptom. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to identify the correlative factors and predictors of postoperative LBP after long fusion arthrodesis and provide evidence to improve the surgical strategy.

Methods:

Seventy-nine patients with adult scoliosis who underwent long fusion arthrodesis were divided into a group with no or mild LBP (NLBP group) and one with moderate or severe LBP (MLBP group) according to the average Oswestry Dability Index (ODI) at the last follow-up visit. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, ODI and complications were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. %Fat infltration area (%FIA), sagittal and coronal parameters were recorded to evaluate radiological outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictors and correlative factors for postoperative LBP.

Results:

Thirty-three patients (41.77%) with ODI (30.06% ± 6.92%) higher than the average at the last follow-up were divided into the MLBP group, while the rest (58.23%) with last follow-up ODI (13.26% ± 5.31%) lower than the average were divided into the NLBP group. In multivariate logistic regression, the preoperative sagittal vertical axis (SVA) (P < 0.001), %FIA (P = 0.003) and osteoporosis (P = 0.016) were identified to be predictors and last follow-up SVA (P < 0.001), last follow-up lumbar lordosis (LL) (P = 0.031) and adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) (P = 0.043) were identified as correlative factors. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed satisfactory accuracy in preoperative SVA (P < 0.001) and %FIA (P < 0.001) to predict postoperative LBP.

Conclusion:

Postoperative LBP after long fusion arthrodesis for adult scoliosis was common. Postoperative LBP was associated with increased SVA and decreased LL and ASD. Preoperative SVA > 3.54 cm, %FIA > 24.82% and osteoporosis showed good accuracy to predict the postoperative symptoms. Optimal surgical methods should be used for patients with these factors to decrease the incidence and degree of postoperative LBP.