Is Proximal Triangular Fixation Better than the Conventional Method in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery?

Abstract

In adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery, one of the key factors working to prevent proximal junctional kyphosis is the proximal anchor. The aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of triangular fixation with conventional fixation as proximal anchoring techniques in ASD surgery. We retrospectively evaluated 54 patients who underwent corrective spinal fusion for ASD. Fourteen patients underwent proximal triangular fixation (Group T; average 74.6 years), and 40 patients underwent the conventional method (Group C; average 70.5 years). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) values for back pain and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Radiographic evaluation was also collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Surgical times and intraoperative blood loss of the two groups were not significantly different (493 vs 490 min, 1,260 vs 1,173 mL). Clinical outcomes such as VAS and ODI were comparable in the two groups. Proximal junctional kyphosis in group T was slightly lower than that of group C (28.5% vs 47.5%, p=0.491). However, based on radiology, proximal screw pullout occurred significantly less frequently in the triangular fixation group than the conventional group (0.0% vs 22.5%, p=0.049). Clinical outcomes in the two groups were not significantly different.