Overall complication rates were also higher among non-cannabis users compared to cannabis users, 4.8% versus 2.4%, respectively. However, the authors note the findings are inconsistent with the 2020 study, “The Effects of Marijuana Use on Lumbar Spinal Fusion,” which showed no significant differences in complications between cannabis users and non-user undergoing lumbar spinal fusion. Cannabis consumers experienced significantly lower rates of medical complications during the 90-day period immediately after surgery, 2% for cannabis users and 4.1% for non-users. They ultimately found that patients with a history of cannabis use are indeed less likely than non-users to experience adverse medical outcomes after thoracolumbar (lower back) spinal fusion (TLF) surgery. The study looked to compare 90-day complication, 90-day readmission, and two-year revision rates between cannabis users and non-users.
While there is limited literature examining the potential connection, a team of orthopedic specialists sought further answers. They ultimately found that patients with a history of cannabis use are indeed less likely than non-users to experience adverse medical outcomes after thoracolumbar (lower back) spinal fusion (TLF) surgery. The study, “The Impact of Isolated Baseline Cannabis Use on Outcomes Following Thoracolumbar Spinal Fusion: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis” was recently published in The Iowa Orthopedic Journal.
The orthopedic specialists, affiliated with...
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