Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: For surgical adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients, determining optimal restoration of alignment and spinal shape is an active area of research. Complex corrective measures taken are in ASD. Incidence of specific alignment outcomes has yet to be investigated in each of the complex realignment ideals. PURPOSE: Assess alignment outcomes (pelvic nonresponse [PNR], PJK, postop cervical deformity [CD]) following ASD-corrective surgery in the context of correction relative to various alignment schemas. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort study of prospective ASD database. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 468 ASD patients. OUTCOME MEASURES: PNR, PJK, postop CD.
METHOD(S): ASD patients with preop, 6-week postop (6W), and 2-year postop (2Y) radiographic data included. PNR: 10-year mismatch (undercorrection; unimproved) from a patient's age-adjusted PT at 6W and maintained at 2Y. Pelvic responder (PR): PT +/-10 match age-adjusted goals. Patients were stratified by incremental additions of corrective alignment schemas: (a) improvement in Schwab SVA, (b) matching age-adjusted PI-LL, (c) match postop "ideal" and "theoretical" Roussouly, (d) improvement in proportionality spinal score at 6W. PNR, PJK, and CD development by 2Y were compared within groups, as well as simultaneous improvement/match of the suggested corrective measures (exclusively). In a subanalysis, patients were stratified by severity of baseline PT, low (<20degree), moderate (20-30degree), and severe (>30degree) to determine which alignment schema is necessary to achieve less PNR, PJK and postop CD.
RESULT(S): A total of 468 patients (56.3 yrs, 76.5% F; 25.6% PNR, 40.6% PR) met inclusion criteria. Rates of postop PJK (PNR:49.2% vs PR:59.5%) and CD (18.3% vs 25.8%) were significantly less in the PNR group, p<0.05. Sole improvement in Schwab SVA (73.2%) did not impact PNR, PJK or CD (p>0.050). Undercorrected age-adjusted PI-LL presented with more PNR (60.1%), whereas overcorrected had increased PJK (68.2%), p<0.001. Matching Roussouly at 6W decreased PNR (17.8% vs mismatch:42.3%, p=0.002). 6W proportional spine, had lower rates of PNR (19.7%, severely disproportioned: 58.8%, p<0.001), with postop moderately disproportioned GAP with highest rates of PJK (p=0.010). Incremental addition of alignment schemas was assessed for effect on malalignment outcomes. Schwab and age-adjusted use (20.9%) had less incidence of PNR (28.6% vs 38.7%) than just Schwab. Addition of the Roussouly (18.3%) presented with less PNR (20% vs 30.4%) and PJK (38.5% vs 60.3%) than only Schwab & age-adjusted. Lastly, addition of proportion (16.7%) had 0% occurrence of PNR and CD. Stratifying by baseline PT severity, the low group demonstrated the least incidence of PNR (7.7%) and CD (10.3%) and PJK (41.3%) when matching theoretical Roussouly at 6W (all p<0.050). This remained the same for moderate PT for PNR and PJK, except Schwab improvement decreased postop CD occurrence (21.2%, p=0.049). Severe PT assessment determined PNR (20%), PJK (37.5%) and CD (19.4%) were the lowest with improvement of proportion at 6W (p<0.050).
CONCLUSION(S): Following ASD corrective surgery, 25.6% of patients showed residual pelvic malalignment, qualifying as pelvic nonresponders. Use of complex realignment schemas (SRS-Schwab, age-adjusted, Roussouly shape, GAP) decreased rates of pelvic nonresponse, PJK and postop cervical deformity development. Severe (>30degree) baseline pelvic tilt requires particular emphasis of proportionality in addition to other realignment ideals. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
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BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Neurologic complications following adult spinal deformity (ASD) are common and may play a role in the outcomes for our patients. Neurologic complications may include radiculopathy, sensory deficit or motor weakness. The impact that these specific complications have on HRQL is unknown. PURPOSE: Neurologic complications are common following ASD. Understanding their impact on Health-related quality of life (HRQL) measures is critical. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort study of prospective ASD database. PATIENT SAMPLE: Retrospective cohort study, 733 patients. OUTCOME MEASURES: Neurologic complications, HRQL scores.
METHOD(S): ASD patients (>18yrs, scoliosis >=20degree, SVA >=5cm, PT >=25degree and/or TK >60degree). Inclusion criteria was HRQL at baseline (BL) and 1 year, and lower extremity motor score (LEMS) at BL, 6-week and 1-year ODI, SRS22r and SF36 were determined at BL and 1yr LEMS was calculated from 0-50, with 50 designated as normal motor function. Patients were divided into 4 groups: pLEMS (perfect, no deficit), dLEMS (new postop deficit that returned to normal at 1 year), iLEMS (deficit improved from abnormal baseline), and wLEMS (new postop deficit persistent at one year).
RESULT(S): A total of 733 patients were eligible, with 95 (12.96%) reporting neurologic complications (NC). Impact of any NC vs no complication at 1yr was significant for ODI (5.1), PCS (3.6) and SRSpain (0.2) at 1 year (p<0.001 all). For NC vs any other complication, there was still a decrease in ODI (3.9) and PCS (2.4) at 1 year (p<0.01). NC subtype: radiculopathy caused worse outcomes for (4.3) and SRS pain (0.3) (p<0.05), sensory deficit caused worse SRSmental (0.5) (p<0.05), but no HRQL change was detected for motor deficit at 1 year. PLEMS (456/733) had improvement in all HRQL, and these improvements were not different with or w/o NC, or non-NC. Compared to pLEMS w/o complication, dLEMS (62/733) and iLEMS (147/733) were statically similar, however wLEMS (68/733) had worse ODI (7.1), SRStotal (0.3), activity (0.3), mental (0.3), pain (0.3) (p<0.05 all).
CONCLUSION(S): Neurologic complications that occur following ASD have a significant effect on HRQLs. The magnitude of effect is driven by radiculopathy and by lower extremity motor score. LEMS scores that remain normal, return back to normal or improve have similar outcomes, while patients that have continued weakness remain statistically worse at 1 year. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
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BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Opioid use prior to surgery is associated with worse postop outcomes. Little is known regarding the economic impact that preop opioid use has upon patient preferred health state, quality adjusted life years (QALYs) and the cost/QALY of surgical treatment for adult spinal deformity (ASD). PURPOSE: Compare the health state preference values, QALYs, and cost/QALY for operatively treated ASD patients that used opioids vs did not use opioids prior to surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Cost/QALY analysis of operatively treated patients identified from a prospective, multi-center ASD study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Propensity score matched (PSM) cohorts of patients that used opioids (OPIOID) vs nonusers (NON) prior to ASD surgery, at 1- and minimum 2-year follow up. OUTCOME MEASURES: Short Form-36v2 questionnaire (SF-36), SF6D derived from SF-36, hospital costs for operative treatment of ASD based on CMS DRG reimbursements, QALYs, cost/QALY for index surgery, perioperative complications, and 1- and 2-year postop opioid use.
METHOD(S): ASD patients (age>18 years) enrolled into a prospective multicenter ASD database were divided into preop opioid (OPIOID) vs nonopioid (NON) users. PSM was performed to control for confounding demographic, radiographic, and surgical variables. Preop, 1-year, and minimum 2-year postop SF6D values obtained, 1- and 2-year post QALYs were calculated using SF6D change from baseline, hospital costs at the time of index surgery were calculated using CMS DRG reimbursements adjusted for inflation to 2019 US dollars, cost/QALY evaluated at 1- and 2-years postop, perioperative complications, and 1- and 2-year postop opioid use was evaluated for OPIOID vs NON.
RESULT(S): DRG data was available for 182/262 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Following PSM, preoperative demographics, radiographic parameters, surgical treatment, and mean follow up (3.4 vs 3.3 years) were similar for OPIOID (n=68) vs NON (n=114), respectively (p>0.05). OPIOID had longer ICU (49 vs 23 hours) and hospital stay (9.7 vs 6.8 days) than NON, respectively (p<0.05). SF6D was worse for OPIOID at preop (0.521 vs 0.598), 1-year (0.613 vs 0.749), and 2-years postop (0.626 vs 0.749) than NON, respectively (p<0.05). QALYs were worse at 1- (0.567 vs 0.674) and 2-years postop (0.674 vs 0.825) for OPIOID vs NON, respectively (p<0.05). Cost of care at index surgery was greater for OPIOID ($83,363.02) vs NON ($70,281.17). Cost/QALY was higher for OPIOID at 1-year ($150,294.51vs $107,947.19) and 2-years postoperative ($69,615.78 vs $48,761.14) than NON (p<0.05). Perioperative complications were similar for OPIOID vs NON (p>0.05). Continued opioid use at 2-years postop was greater for OPIOID (52.4%) vs NON (8.7%; p>0.05).
CONCLUSION(S): Opioid use prior to ASD surgery is associated with worse patient perceived health state and greater costs to society. After controlling for patient demographics, deformity magnitude, and type of surgery, OPIOID had greater cost of care, despite similar perioperative complication rates. At 2-years postop both OPIOID and NON demonstrated cost effectiveness of index surgery (cost/QALY<$100,000), however the residual cost to society was $21,300 greater for OPIOID vs NON. Over 52% of OPIOD had continued opioid usage at 2-years postop compared to 8.7% of NON. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
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BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Numerous strategies are used to minimize PJK in (ASD). The use of PPS is one such strategy. Studying this topic is difficult as there is a lack of homogeneity in the patient population being studied. PURPOSE: Investigate if PPS minimizes the risk of perioperative PJK compared to traditional open techniques. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective review of prospective multicenter adult spinal deformity database PATIENT SAMPLE: Inclusion criteria are age >18, and one of the following: PT>25, PI-LL>10, or SVA>5 cm. OUTCOME MEASURES: NRS leg, ODI, SF-12, EQ5D, SRS-22.
METHOD(S): A prospective database was retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria are age >18, and one of the following: PT>25, PI-LL>10, or SVA>5 cm. Patients were grouped as MIS (all PPS no open component) or OPEN. Propensity matching was used to create 2 equal groups controlling for: age, BMI, Preop (PI-LL, PI, TPA), and post op (PI-LL correction and posterior levels fused). PJK was evaluated in 2 groups: Mild (PJK10) 10degree change from preop and severe (PJK20) a 20degree change, as previously reported.
RESULT(S): A total of 1,023 patients met criteria: 114 MIS and 909 OPEN. MIS were older with higher BMI. No significant difference was found between groups in preop alignment or SRS Schwab classification. OPEN had more levels fused (11.3 vs 5.5), change in PI-LL (14.9 vs 9.3) and LL (16.2 vs 9.7; all p<0.01). After matching: 77 patients in each group with no difference in demographics or levels fused (6.26 +/- 3.7 OPEN; 6.23 +/- 3.4 MIS). At 1YR NRS leg, ODI, SF-12, EQ5D, SRS-22 were equal. MIS had improved NSR Back compared to OPEN (2.6 vs 3.4; p=0.047). Alignment (PI-LL, TPA, SVA, LL, PT, PI) showed no difference preop, 6 weeks or at 1YR. PJK10 was 23.9% OPEN v 20.3% in MIS at 6 weeks and 28.6% and 19.5% at 1 YR (p>0.59). PJK20 was 2.6% in OPEN vs 3.9% in MIS at 1YR (p=1). The PJK angle was not different (4.3 v 4.2). MIS had less EBL (510 v 1574 cc; p=0.000) longer OR time (448 v 373 min; p=0.022) and more interbodies (3.4 vs 2.1; p=0.000). There was no difference in rate of revision surgery (14.3% OPEN vs 10.4%). Major complications occurred more frequently in OPEN (23.4% vs 9.1%).
CONCLUSION(S): While the use of percutaneous fixation intuitively seems protective for PJK, our study found that when controlling for radiographic deformity, deformity correction, demographics and the magnitude of surgical intervention that percutaneous fixation is equivalent to open techniques in rate of perioperative PJK. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
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BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Frailty has been utilized in cervical deformity (CD) to characterize the influence of preop health state on postop outcomes. Frailty severity may be an important determinant for impaired recovery after CD corrective surgery. No prior studies have examined the associations between increasingly frail states and the trajectory of recovery in CD realignment. PURPOSE: Evaluate postop clinical recovery among CD patients between frailty states undergoing primary procedures STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective review of a prospective CD database PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 106 CD patients. OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline (BL) to 1-Year(1Y) HRQL Instruments: NDI, mJOA, EQ5D METHODS: Patients>18yrs undergoing surgery for CD (C2-7 Cobb>10degree, coronal Cobb>10degree, cSVA>4cm or TS-CL>10degree, or CBVA>25degree) with HRQL data at BL, 3M and 1Y postop intervals were identified. Patients were stratified by the modified CD frailty index (mCD-FI, Passias et al.) scale from 0-1 (no frailty:<0.3[NF], mild/severe: >0.3[F]). Patients in NF and F groups were propensity score matched (PSM) for TS-CL to control for baseline deformity. Demographics, alignment and Ames-ISSG deformity modifiers were assessed using chi-squared and paired t-tests to compare HRQL outcomes. HRQL outcomes were normalized by dividing BL and postop (3M, 1Y) outcomes by BL for each patient. Normalized scores (y-axis) were plotted against duration of follow-up (x-axis). AUC was calculated for follow-up time intervals; total area for each follow-up interval was divided by cumulative follow-up, determining overall normalized, time-adjusted HRQL outcomes (Integrated Health State [IHS]). IHS was compared between NF and F groups.
RESULT(S): A total of 106 CD patients included (61.7yrs, 66% F, 27.7kg/m2). By frailty group: 52.8% NF, 47.2% F. After PSM for TS-CL (mean: 38.1degree), 38 patients remained in each of the NF and F groups. By surgical approach, 46.1% underwent posterior approach, 19.7% anterior, and 34.2% combined; which was not significant between the frailty groups(p>0.05). At baseline, cervical and spinopelvic radiographic parameters were not significant, except for the C7-S1 SVA (NF: -26.5mm vs F: 15.2mm, p=0.007). According to BL HRQLs, F patients displayed significantly worse NDI scores (NF: 36.8 F: 55.4; p<0.001), mJOA (NF: 14.7, F: 12.7; p=0.002), and EQ5D (NF: 0.78, F: 0.69; p<0.001). All frailty groups exhibited BL to 1Y improvement in NDI, EQ5D and NRS Neck Pain (all p<0.001). After HRQL normalization, F patients had more improvement in mJOA scores at 3M (p=0.065) as well as NDI (p=0.096) and EQ5D (p=0.016). IHS-adjusted HRQL outcomes from BL to 1Y showed a significant difference in EQ5D scores (NF: 1.02, F: 1.07, P=0.016). No significant differences were found in the IHS NDI and mJOA between frailty groups (p>0.05). F patients had more postop major complications (31.3%) compared to the NF (8.9%), p=0.004, though DJK occurrence and reoperation between the groups was not significant.
CONCLUSION(S): While all groups exhibited improved postop disability/pain scores, frail patients recovered better in overall health state. Despite frail patients having more complications, they seem to have overall better patient-reported outcomes, signifying that with frailty severity, patients have more room for improvement postop compared to baseline quality of life. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
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BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Frailty is a baseline measure of disability that transcends age alone and has been determined a strong predictor of outcomes following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. This postop impact calls for investigation of unique adjustment of Global Alignment and Proportion (GAP) scores accounting for frailty. This adjustment in spinal proportion may help surgical planning for individualized, optimal postop outcomes. PURPOSE: Modify the GAP score with frailty to optimize outcomes in surgical ASD patients. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective review of a single-surgeon comprehensive ASD database PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 140 ASD patients OUTCOME MEASURES: Frailty-adjusted GAP scores; Health Related Quality of Life scores (HRQLs): ODI, SRS-22 METHODS: Surgical ASD patients (SVA>=5cm, PT>=25degree, or TK >=60degree, >3 levels fused) >=18 years old with available baseline (BL) radiographic data were isolated in the single-center Comprehensive Spine Quality Database (Quality). Patients were dichotomized by the ASD frailty index, F (Not Frail, Frail). Linear regression analysis established radiographic equations for frailty-adjusted GAP Scores at baseline and 2-years involving relative pelvic version, relative lumbar lordosis, lordosis distribution index, relative spinopelvic alignment, and an age factor to formulate a sagittal plane score. Patients were restratified into frailty-adjusted proportionality groups: Proportional (<5.8), Moderately Disproportional (MD) (5.8-7), Severely Disproportional (SD) (>7). Frailty-adjusted GAP proportionality at 2-years were compared to adjusted-BL to determine whether patients improved, deteriorated or remained the same in their spine proportion.
RESULT(S): A total of 140 patients were included (55.5+/-16.4 yrs, 77.5% female, 25.2+/-4.7 kg/m2). BL frailty: 32.8% not frail, 67.2% frail. Primary analyses demonstrated correlation between BL frailty score and BL and 2-year GAP scores(P<0.001). Linear regression analysis(p<0.001) developed a frailty-adjusted GAP threshold equation: 4.4 + 0.93*(frailty score). Adjusted-baseline scores were taken and re-stratified based distribution and placed 26.4% of patients in Proportional, 26.6% MD, and 44% SD. BL adjusted GAP scores by frailty group: 5.3 Not Frail, 7.5 Frail; p<0.001. At 2-years, GAP scores were grouped into the frailty-adjusted proportionality groups: 66.2% Proportional, 10.8% MD, and 23.1% SD. Patients who were 2-year MD/SD underwent significantly more reoperations (>33.5%) compared to Proportional (12.8%), p=0.015. SD 2-year patients developed increased PJK at the 1-year mark (40%, Proportional: 13.9%, MD:7.1%, p=0.003), as well as had worse 2-year ODI and SRS-22 satisfaction scores(p<0.050). 47.5% improved in GAP (63.4% of frail patients), 12.3% deteriorated, and 40.2% remained in the same proportionality group at 2-year follow up.
CONCLUSION(S): Significant associations exist between frailty and spinal proportion. By adjusting the GAP proportionality groups accounting for baseline frailty contributed to improved outcomes and minimized reoperations. The adjusted GAP groups appeal for less rigorous spine proportion goals in severely frail patients. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
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BACKGROUND CONTEXT: With the rise of health care costs and a focus on value-based outcomes, hospitals have become more cognizant on cost of revisions and complications. However, literature on the effect of distal junctional kyphosis in driving up health care costs is scarce. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of distal junctional kyphosis on the cost effectiveness of corrective cervical deformity surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective review of a single surgeon database. PATIENT SAMPLE: This study included 123 cervical deformity patients. OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost per QALY.
METHOD(S): Cervical deformity patients with minimum 1-year HRQL follow-up were included. Means comparison tests assessed differences in baseline demographic and clinical data. Utility data was calculated using published conversion methods to convert NDI to SF-6D. QALYs utilized a 3% discount rate to account for residual decline to life expectancy (78.7 years). Costs was calculated using the PearlDiver database incorporating complications, comorbidities (CC), major complications, and comorbidities (MCC) were assessed according to CMS.gov manual definitions. Reimbursement consisted of a standardized estimate using regression analysis of Medicare pay-scales for all services rendered within a 30-day window, including estimates regarding costs of postoperative complications, outpatient health care encounters, revisions and medical-related readmissions. After accounting for CC, MCC, length of stay (LOS) and death, cost per QALY at 2Y was calculated for revisions due to distal junctional kyphosis.
RESULT(S): A total of 123 cervical deformity patients met inclusion criteria (57.22yrs, 54%F, 29.0kg/m2). At baseline, patients presented radiographically as: PT (16.9+/-9.7), PI (54.7+/-11.4), PI-LL (-2.9+/-12.6), SVA (80.5+/-49.8), cSVA (28.4+/-20.6), TS-CL (26.6+/-14.4). Surgical details: EBL of 708 mL, operative time of 438.6 min, with 29.51% undergoing an anterior approach, 50.82% posterior-only approach, and 19.67% combined approach. Overall, 7.9% of patients developed DJK within two years postoperatively. Average cost of revision surgery due to DJK within 2years of index surgery was $50,736 +/- 31,467. Patients that developed DJK within 2years of index surgery trended toward having a greater baseline NDI (62.8 vs 55.47, p>0.05) and showed less improvement in NDI at 2 years (4 vs 16.6). Overall, cost per QALY was higher for patients developing DJK at 2 years ($28,483 vs $20,989).
CONCLUSION(S): Cervical deformity revisions due to distal junctional kyphosis had a cost per QALY of $28,483. Efforts to limit postoperative DJK after surgical intervention can further limit additional costs associated with revisions and complications. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
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BACKGROUND CONTEXT: This study evaluates the necessity of a multi-rod construct to help prevent a pseudarthrosis in ASD surgery of lesser magnitude. Regardless of an interbody at L5/S1, a multi-rod construct does not decrease the risk of developing a pseudarthrosis. If a pseudarthrosis develops in patients who undergo an interbody fusion at L5/S1, it is more likely to occur above the L5/S1 level and the number of rods used does not decrease this risk. PURPOSE: To examine the necessity of IBF and multi-rod use to prevent pseudarthrosis in these lesser magnitude ASD surgeries. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective review of a multicenter database. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 483 patients met our inclusion criteria of pelvic fixation, > 2 year follow up, >5 levels fused, no 3-column osteotomy (3CO), and no multi-level interbody fusions. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pseudarthrosis rate and location in ASD patients.
METHOD(S): A multi-center database was evaluated to identify patients with pelvic fixation, > 2 year follow up, >5 levels fused, and no 3-column osteotomy (3CO). We define a lesser magnitude ASD surgery as surgeries that do not include 3CO or multi-level interbody fusions. In this cohort, ASD patients with and without an IBF at L5/S1 were assessed to evaluate if the number of rods had an impact on the pseudarthrosis rate. Pseudarthrosis was determined by intraoperative findings or record review. Fisher's exact tests, univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify predictors of pseudo.
RESULT(S): A total of 483 patients met our inclusion criteria with an average follow-up of 48 months. Of those, 321 (66%) had interbody at L5/S1 (IBF). Twenty-three percent of IBF patients had a MR construct and 77% had a SR construct. In the non-IBF group, 33% had a MR construct. In the IBF group, the MR construct did not impact the pseudarthrosis rate compared to a SR construct, (6.8% vs 5.2% respectively, p=.35). In the IBF group, 29% (4) of MR patients and 75% (6) of SR patients with pseudo received BMP. However, regardless of the rod construct, ASD patients with an interbody at L5/S1 had an increased risk of having a pseudarthrosis above this level (OR.096, p=.045). Also, the MR construct did not decrease the risk of developing a pseudarthrosis in the non-IBF group (0% vs 4.5%, p=.18).
CONCLUSION(S): In ASD surgery of lesser magnitude, a multi-rod construct does not decrease the risk of developing a pseudarthrosis. Patients who have an interbody fusion at L5/S1 are more likely to develop a pseudarthrosis above this level, regardless of the rod construct. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
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BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Proximal junctional failure (PJF) is a common and particularly adverse complication of adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. There is evidence that the rigidity of posterior spinal constructs may impact risk of PJF. PURPOSE: We hypothesized that lower mean screws per level and decreased rod stiffness would be associated with lower incidence of PJF. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients with ASD and 2-year minimum follow-up were included. Only patients undergoing fusion of >=5 levels, and with LIV at the sacro-pelvis were included. Patients undergoing revision surgery were excluded. In total, 420 patients were analyzed. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome variable was PJF, defined using previously published radiographic criteria (PJ angle >28degreeand PJ angle >22degree, and >=8mm/>=3mm listhesis at upper thoracic / thoracolumbar levels, respectively).
METHOD(S): The primary independent variables were the mean number of screws per level fused analyzed with a cutoff of 1.8 (determined by ROC analysis) and rod material/diameter. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to investigate confounding factors, including age, history of osteoporosis, BMI, gender, CCI, preoperative Schwab modifiers, preoperative TPA, postoperative change in lumbar lordosis, upper instrumented vertebra, osteotomy, approach, UIV type (ie, pedicle screw vs other), and number of levels fused.
RESULT(S): Of the total patients, 78.8% were female. PJF occurred in 14.1% of patients. The mean screws per level was 1.7 (SD 0.2), and 57.6% of patients had <1.8 screws per level. PJF occurred in 19.4% vs 9.8% of patients with >=1.8 vs <1.8 screws per level, respectively (p<0.01). In multivariable analysis, patients with <1.8 screws per level exhibited lower odds of PJF (OR 0.39, p<0.01). Rod material and diameter (both p>0.2) were not significantly associated with PJF. Screw density specifically adjacent to the UIV was not related to PJF (p>0.2).
CONCLUSION(S): Among ASD patients undergoing long-segment primary fusion to the pelvis, the risk of PJF was lower among patients with <1.8 screws per level. Rod diameter and material, however, were not significantly associated with PJF. This finding may be related to construct rigidity. It is possible that residual confounding by other patient and surgeon-specific characteristics may exist. Further biomechanical and clinical studies exploring the relationship between screw density and PJK/PJF are warranted. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
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BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Hyperlordotic (>20degree) anterior interbody cages (HAI) may be utilized in anterior-posterior fusion (AP-F) in efforts to improve alignment. However, significant increase in segmental lordosis (SL) in HAI without superior articulating process resection (SAP) may result in foraminal stenosis and nerve root compression causing neurological deficits and radiculopathy. Additionally, HAI with SAP may increase SL without concomitant increase in lumbar lordosis (LL). PURPOSE: Assess whether HAI without SAP in APF causes increased neurological complications. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Single-center retrospective cohort study PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 158 patients undergoing single level APF were included, of which 73 had HAI placed and 85 had SAI placed. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes measures included radiographic analysis of pre- and postoperative LL and SL. Perioperative neurological complications were measured including new radiculopathy, iatrogenic motor deficit and malpositioned instrumentation or compressive hematoma causing deficit. Returns to OR within 30 or 90 days were measured including return for foraminal decompression, instrumentation revision, hematoma evacuation, and irrigation and debridement.
METHOD(S): Patients undergoing primary, single level, APF without SAP resection over a 5-year period were included. Patients were classified as HAI or SAI. Outcomes measures included perioperative neurological complications, returns to OR, pre- and postoperative LL and SL. Demographic, procedural and perioperative outcomes were compared using independent samples t-tests and chi-squared analyses as appropriate with significance set at p<0.05. Risk factors for development of neurological complications were assessed with multivariate logistic regression.
RESULT(S): A total of 158 patients (73 HAI, 85 SAI) were included. Age, gender, BMI and CCI were similar between groups. HAI without SAP resulted in significantly larger change in SL (9.84+/-5.84 vs 7.32+/-5.02 deg, p=0.001), without a significantly larger change in LL (8.16+/-1.11 vs 11.5+/-1.69 deg; p=0.641) compared with SAI. HAI without SAP increased overall incidence of neurological deficit (13.69% vs 3.53%; p=0.012), iatrogenic new cases of radiculopathy (10.95% vs 3.53%; p=0.045), and iatrogenic neurological motor deficit (13.69% vs 3.53%; p=0.012). Regression analysis demonstrated that increasing cage lordosis greater than 20degree is an independent risk factor for neurological complications (p=0.046), as is higher preop SL (p=0.022). There were no significant differences in returns to OR.
CONCLUSION(S): We caution HAI implantation without SAP resection due to increased neurological complications from iatrogenic nerve root injury without the benefit of significantly improving LL correction. Use of HAI without SAP resection in single level APF should not be standard practice due to risk of neurological complications. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
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