Developing Mixed-Effects Models to Compare the Predictive Ability of Various Comorbidity Indices in a Contemporary Cohort of Patients Undergoing Lumbar Fusion

As incidence of operative spinal pathology continues to grow, so do the rates of lumbar spinal fusion procedures. Comorbidity indices can be used preoperatively to predict potential complications. However, there is a paucity of research defining the optimal comorbidity indices in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. We aimed to use modeling strategies to evaluate the predictive validity of various comorbidity indices and combinations thereof.