A new clinical trial offers three critical insights for optimizing surgical preparation in older adults facing spinal fusion procedures. First, structured preoperative exercise programs meaningfully reduce postoperative complications in patients aged 65 and older—a finding that positions prehabilitation as an essential component of surgical planning rather than an optional enhancement.
Second, patients who complete prehabilitation experience faster functional recovery and shorter hospital stays, translating to improved quality of life and reduced healthcare burden. Third, and perhaps most practically, these programs can be delivered through primary care settings, making evidence-based prehabilitation accessible to most patients scheduled for elective spine surgery.
The implications are significant: surgical preparation need not be expensive or specialized. Primary care physicians can implement structured exercise protocols 6-8 weeks before planned procedures, empowering patients to optimize their physical status. This approach transforms surgical outcomes while remaining practical and feasible within existing healthcare infrastructure.
Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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