228. Complications following posterior cervical arthrodesis for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a single institution's experience

Abstract

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Posterior cervical fusion (PCF) is a frequently performed surgery for treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). While incidences of these risks have been reported previously, prior studies on this topic either contain small sample sizes, pooled from multiple institutional or public databases, or have low follow-up duration. Here, we report the incidence of postoperative complications following PCF for CSM at a single institution with a large patient cohort. To review the rate of postoperative complications following primary posterior cervical fusion for cervical CSM at a single institution. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> To review the rate of postoperative complications following primary posterior cervical fusion for CSM at a single institution. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Retrospective case series, single institution. <h3>METHODS</h3> Patients with a diagnosis of CSM treated with PCF over a 4-year period at a tertiary care center were identified. Exclusion criteria included: (1) cervical myelopathy secondary to trauma, spinal infection, or spinal neoplasm, (2) fusion constructs that proximally included occiput or C1, or distally extended below T2, and (3) revision PCF procedures. Postoperative data collected included incidence of superficial surgical site infection (SSI), deep wound infection, subsequent irrigation and debridement (I&D), postoperative pneumonia, venous thromboembolism (VTE), epidural hematoma, and C5 nerve palsy during course of follow-up. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify patient characteristics and comorbidities that were independent risk factors for these complications. <h3>RESULTS</h3> A total of 176 patients met inclusion criteria (mean age + standard deviation = 63.8 + 11.1 years). An average of four levels (range: 1-7) were fused per surgery. Mean follow-up was one year. Of 176 patients, 33 (18.7%) had at least one documented postoperative complication. There were six cases (3.4%) of superficial SSI and four cases (2.3%) of deep wound infection. One patient (0.57%) developed a postoperative epidural hematoma. There were five cases (2.8%) of VTE and six cases (3.4%) of postoperative pneumonia. Fifteen patients (8.5%) developed C5 nerve palsy, of which 12 of 15 cases were transient and improved. Diabetes was an independent risk factor for postoperative VTE (p=0.03) and pneumonia (p=0.03). <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Almost 1 in 6 patients had some complication after posterior cervical fusion for treatment of CSM. The incidence of C5 nerve palsy at 8.5% was not trivial. Though PCF is a routine procedure, our results highlight the need for appropriate preoperative counseling, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.