Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive loss of skeletal muscle characterized by reduced muscle strength, decreased muscle mass or muscle quality, and, in advanced cases, impaired physical performance.
Etiology
A distinction is made between:
Primary sarcopenia: predominantly age-related
Secondary sarcopenia: resulting from immobility, chronic inflammation, wasting disease, malnutrition, or organ failure
Neurosurgical relevance
Sarcopenia is a potential marker of reduced physiological reserve. In neurosurgical patients, it has been associated with the following risks:
increased postoperative complication rate in spinal surgery[^1]
delayed mobilization and rehabilitation
longer hospitalization
less favorable functional recovery
It is particularly relevant before complex spinal procedures, in patients with spinal deformities, undergoing neuro-oncological surgery, and in older patients. However, its prognostic value depends on the disease, the measurement method, and the population studied.