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High-Dose GLP-1 Agonists Safe in Spine Surgery

Sep 7, 2026 · Published in: The Spine Journal : Official Journal of the North American Spine Society
Pain / Palliative Care

Background Information

High-dose GLP-1 therapy is safe for spinal fusion surgery.

Understanding the impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on surgical outcomes can inform treatment decisions for patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The study found no significant difference in short-term complications, healthcare utilization, opioid exposure, or long-term fusion outcomes between high-dose and standard-dose GLP-1 RA users. This study suggests that higher doses of GLP-1 RAs do not increase surgical risks in ACDF, supporting their continued use in obesity management without heightened concern for perioperative complications. Higher-dose GLP-1 RA therapy does not increase perioperative or fusion-related risk in ACDF.

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Authors: Stirpe C, Lee B, Lavu M, Ding I, Furey C, Cheng CW

Citation: Stirpe C, Lee B, Lavu M, et al. Impact of GLP-1 Dose Intensity on Perioperative and Long-Term Fusion Outcomes Following ACDF. The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society. 2026. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2026.08.009

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI

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