Scientists from the University of Cologne have found that by 2060, the number of vertebral fusion operations using metal structures will triple among 75-year-old men and women. The research was published in the journal Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research.
The scientists examined the medical records of patients in Germany. They found that the number of spinal fusion surgeries will increase by approximately 83-102% per 100,000 people in 2060. Spinal fusion is a surgical fusion of the vertebrae to immobilize them to prevent further displacement.
Approximately 15,000 such surgeries were performed on patients over 75 years of age in Germany in 2019. According to scientists, by 2060 there will be almost 40,000 of them.
The trend towards more frequent use of fusion is seen in both men and women. At the same time, the frequency of surgery in people under the age of 55 will not change or decrease until 2060.
The authors noted that their work could serve as a model for many other developed countries with aging populations.