GLP-1 Drugs and Cervical Fusion: What Conflicting Real-World Evidence Shows
GLP-1 cervical fusion outcomes were synthesized across 12 retrospective cohorts. Estimates differed by procedure and dataset, and the overall model showed extreme heterogeneity. The evidence does not establish a protective or harmful class-wide effect.
Cannabis Before Lumbar Fusion: What the Revision-Risk Meta-Analysis Actually Shows
A 2026 meta-analysis found lumbar fusion revision risk cannabis use was linked to higher odds of revision surgery. The evidence is based on five heterogeneous studies and does not prove causation. This calls for careful preoperative counseling and risk…
Opioid Use Disorder Among Cervical Fusion Inpatients: Trends, Complications, and Resource Use in a Retrospective National Inpatient Sample Analysis, 2016-2022.
A large retrospective study reveals that opioid use disorder affects 3.4% of cervical fusion surgery patients, with these individuals experiencing significantly longer hospital stays and higher complication rates. This population-level data provides…
12-Month Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Urine Toxicology-Identified Substance Users After Elective Spine Surgery: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study.
While prior studies have examined the role of opioids, alcohol, and marijuana use on early postoperative outcomes after elective spine surgery, longitudinal ...
What a 2026 Spinopelvic Fusion Study Adds to the Conversation
Cannabis use before spine surgery is a question many patients and surgeons now face with very little procedure-specific guidance. This review examines a 2026 study of spinopelvic fusion patients and finds that preoperative cannabis use was not associated…
Impact of Cannabis Use Disorder on Surgical Complications After Anterior Cervical Surgery
This study examines cannabis use disorder surgical complications in patients undergoing anterior cervical spine procedures. Understanding these risks is crucial for perioperative care. Cannabis use disorder surgical complications may influence surgical…