Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion Cohort Research Articles

Revisiting the Posterior Approach for Cervical Radiculopathy Utilizing Endoscopic Techniques: A Favorable Short-Term Outcome and Cost Comparison With Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Cervical radiculopathy is a spine ailment frequently requiring surgical decompression via anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior foraminotomy/discectomy. While endoscopic posterior foraminotomy/discectomy is gaining popularity, its financial impact remains understudied despite equivalent randomized long-term outcomes to ACDF. In a cohort of patients undergoing ACDF vs endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy/discectomy, we sought to compare the total cost of the surgical episode while confirming an equivalent safety profile and perioperative outcomes. A single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy undergoing ACDF or endoscopic cervical foraminotomy between 2018 and 2023 was undertaken. Primary outcomes included the total cost of care for the initial surgical episode (not charges or reimbursement). Perioperative variables and neurological recovery were recorded. Multivariable analysis tested age, body mass index, race, gender, insurance type, operative time, and length of stay. A total of 38 ACDF and 17 endoscopic foraminotomy/discectomy operations were performed. All patients underwent single-level surgery except for 2 two-level endoscopic decompressions. No differences were found in baseline characteristics and symptom length except for younger age (46.8 ± 9.4 vs 57.6 ± 10.3, P = 0.002) and more smokers (18.4% vs 11.8%, P = 0.043) in the ACDF group. Actual hospital costs for the episode of surgical care were markedly higher in the ACDF cohort (mean ±95% CI; $27,782 ± $2011 vs $10,103 ± $720, P < 0.001) driven by the ACDF approach (β = $17,723, P < 0.001) on multivariable analysis. On sensitivity analysis, ACDF was never cost-efficient compared with endoscopic foraminotomy, and endoscopic failure rates of 64% were required for break-even cost. ACDF was associated with significantly longer operative time (167.7 ± 22.0 vs 142.7 ± 27.4 minutes, P < 0.001) and length of stay (1.1 ± 0.5 vs 0.1 ± 0.2 days, P < 0.001). No significant difference was found regarding 90-day neurological improvement, readmission, reoperation, or complications. Compared with patients treated with a single-level ACDF for unilateral cervical radiculopathy, endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy/discectomy can achieve a similar safety profile, pain relief, and neurological recovery at considerably less cost. These findings may help patients and surgeons revisit offering the posterior cervical foraminotomy/discectomy utilizing endoscopic techniques. Endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy/discectomy offers comparable safety, pain relief, and neurological recovery to traditional methods but at a significantly lower cost.

1076 3-Level ACDF Versus 3-Level Laminectomy and Fusion: Are There Differences in Outcomes? An Analysis of the QOD CSM Cohort

INTRODUCTION: Prior studies comparing anterior versus posterior approaches for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) are limited by the heterogeneity of levels operated. METHODS: The prospective QOD CSM cohort was queried for fusions across only three interspaces. Surgeries crossing the cervicothoracic junction were excluded. The cohort was divided into anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior laminectomy-and-fusion. 24-month patient-reported outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Of 199 patients (123 ACDF, 76 posterior fusions), 24-month follow-up rates were similar (ACDF: 90.2% vs. 92.1%, p = 0.67). Preoperatively, ACDF were younger (60.8 ± 10.2 vs. 65.0 ± 10.3 yr, p &lt; 0.01), used more private insurance (56.1% vs. 36.8%, p = 0.02), were more often employed (39.8% vs. 22.8%, p = 0.04), and independently ambulatory (14.6% vs. 31.6%, p &lt; 0.01). Otherwise, the cohorts had equivalent baseline mJOA, NDI, NRS Arm-Pain, NRS Neck-Pain, and EQ-5D (p &gt; 0.05). ACDF had shorter hospitalizations (1.6 vs. 3.9 days, p &lt; 0.01) and less non-routine discharge (7.3% vs. 22.8%, p &lt; 0.01) but higher postoperative dysphagia (13.5% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.049). Both groups demonstrated improvements in all outcomes at 24 months (p &lt; 0.05). In multivariable analyses, ACDF was associated with the greatest 24-month NASS Satisfaction (NASS 1)(69.4% vs. 53.7%, OR = 2.44, p = 0.02). Otherwise, the cohorts shared similar 24-month patient-reported outcomes. There were no differences in 3-month readmission (4.1% ACDF vs. 3.9% posterior fusion, p = 0.97) and 24-month reoperation rate (13.5% ACDF vs. 18.6% posterior fusion, p = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort limited to 3-level surgeries, ACDF was associated with reduced blood loss, shorter lengths of hospitalization, and higher routine discharge rates; however, posterior cervical fusion resulted in less dysphagia. After controlling for confounders, the ACDF cohort had a significantly higher odds of maximum satisfaction. Patients should be counseled on the risks and benefits of each approach, given relatively comparable outcomes.

167 Association Between Safety-net Hospital Status and Postoperative Outcomes Following ACDF or PCDF for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

INTRODUCTION: Few prior studies have addressed the impact of safety-net hospital (SNH) status on outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the 2016–2019 National Inpatient Sample Database. All adult patients (&gt;18 years old) undergoing elective ACDF or PCDF for CSM, identified using ICD-10-CM coding, were stratified into SNH and non-SNH (N-SNH) cohorts. Hospitals in the top quartile of Medicaid/uninsured patient admissions were defined as SNHs. Demographics, treating hospital characteristics, comorbidities, operative variables, adverse events (AEs), LOS, discharge disposition, and costs were assessed. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of prolonged LOS, non-routine discharge (NRD) disposition, and increased costs for ACDF and PCDF. RESULTS: Of the 49,945 study patients, 34,195 (68.5%) underwent ACDF and 15,750 (31.5%) underwent PCDF. Within the ACDF cohort, 8,025 patients (23.5%) were treated at SNHs. Among patients undergoing PCDF, 4,120 (26.2%) were treated at SNHs. Patients treated at SNHs were more likely to be Black- or Hispanic-identifying and have incomes in the bottom quartile in both cohorts. Mean LOS was significantly greater in the SNH cohorts for both procedures (ACDF:N-SNH: 2.43 ± 3.12 days vs SNH: 2.94 ± 4.13 days, p &lt;0.001; PCDF:N-SNH: 4.36 ± 4.28 days vs SNH: 5.41 ± 8.67 days, p = 0.002), as were mean costs (ACDF:N-SNH: $20,991 ± $12,126 vs SNH: $22,412 ± $15,302, p = 0.010; PCDF:N-SNH: $25,835 ± $16,812 vs SNH: $28,945 ± $29,166, p = 0.010). A significantly greater proportion of patients in the ACDF cohort treated at SNHs experienced NRDs (N-SNH: 10.9% vs SNH: 13.9%, p = 0.006). On multivariate analysis, SNH status was not significantly associated with extended LOS [ACDF: p = 0.097; PCDF: p = 0.158], NRD [ACDF: p = 0.288; PCDF: p = 0.246], or increased costs [ACDF: p = 0.664; PCDF: p = 0.593]. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest SNH status may not significantly impact postoperative outcomes following ACDF and PCDF.

Are Patients With Segmental Cervical Kyphosis Appropriate Candidates for Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (CDA)? A Clinical and Radiographic Analysis Compared to Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF).

Retrospective cohort study. To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) in patients with preoperative segmental kyphosis. Patients with segmental cervical kyphosis at the operative levels undergoing 1- or 2-level ACDF or CDA from 2017 to 2020 with 2years of follow were identified. Patient demographics, perioperative data, complication rates, radiographic findings and reported outcomes were analyzed. A total of 48 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in our study (ACDF: n = 24, CDA: n = 24). Patient demographic data between the 2 cohorts was similar expect for proportion of males (ACDF: 62.5% vs CDA: 33.3%, P = .043). There was no statistical significance in the change of segmental lordosis (ACDF: +8.09° vs CDA: +5.88°, P = .075) between the preoperative and final postoperative period. Additionally, the change in cervical lordosis was similar between groups (ACDF:+ 9.86° vs CDA: +7.60°, P = .226). VAS scores were similar between the 2 groups at every follow-up interval. NDI scores were significantly different at the 6-month, 12 month and the final follow-up. Mean improvements between preoperative and final postoperative periods were statistically superior in the CDA cohort compared to the ACDF cohort (ACDF: 22.8 vs CDA: 24.1, P = .0375). CDA was superior to ACDR in regards to NDI scores following index procedure in patients with preoperative segmental cervical kyphosis. Those in the CDA cohort had similar complication rates, revision rates and radiographic outcomes as those who underwent ACDF.

Impact of Preoperative Frailty on Outcomes in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Undergoing Anterior vs. Posterior Cervical Surgery.

Introduction: Frailty has been shown to negatively influence patient outcomes across many disease processes, including in the cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) population. The aim of this study was to assess the impact that frailty has on patients with CSM who undergo anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF). Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the 2016-2019 national inpatient sample. Adult patients (≥18 years old) undergoing ACDF only or PCDF only for CSM were identified using ICD codes. The patients were categorized based on receipt of ACDF or PCDF and pre-operative frailty status using the 11-item modified frailty index (mFI-11): pre-Frail (mFI = 1), frail (mFI = 2), or severely frail (mFI ≥ 3). Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative characteristics, perioperative adverse events (AEs), and healthcare resource utilization were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of extended length of stay (LOS) and non-routine discharge (NRD). Results: A total of 37,990 patients were identified, of which 16,665 (43.9%) were in the pre-frail cohort, 12,985 (34.2%) were in the frail cohort, and 8340 (22.0%) were in the severely frail cohort. The prevalence of many comorbidities varied significantly between frailty cohorts. Across all three frailty cohorts, the incidence of AEs was greater in patients who underwent PCDF, with dysphagia being significantly more common in patients who underwent ACDF. Additionally, the rate of adverse events significantly increased between ACDF and PCDF with respect to increasing frailty (p < 0.001). Regarding healthcare resource utilization, LOS and rate of NRD were significantly greater in patients who underwent PCDF in all three frailty cohorts, with these metrics increasing with frailty in both ACDF and PCDF cohorts (LOS: p < 0.001); NRD: p < 0.001). On a multivariate analysis of patients who underwent ACDF, frailty and severe frailty were found to be independent predictors of extended LOS [(frail) OR: 1.39, p < 0.001; (severely frail) OR: 2.25, p < 0.001] and NRD [(frail) OR: 1.49, p < 0.001; (severely frail) OR: 2.22, p < 0.001]. Similarly, in patients who underwent PCDF, frailty and severe frailty were found to be independent predictors of extended LOS [(frail) OR: 1.58, p < 0.001; (severely frail) OR: 2.45, p < 0.001] and NRD [(frail) OR: 1.55, p < 0.001; (severely frail) OR: 1.63, p < 0.001]. Conclusions: Our study suggests that preoperative frailty may impact outcomes after surgical treatment for CSM, with more frail patients having greater health care utilization and a higher rate of adverse events. The patients undergoing PCDF ensued increased health care utilization, compared to ACDF, whereas severely frail patients undergoing PCDF tended to have the longest length of stay and highest rate of non-routine discharge. Additional prospective studies are necessary to directly compare ACDF and PCDF in frail patients with CSM.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities Among Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion or Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A National Administrative Database Analysis

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of racial disparities on surgical outcomes for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Adult patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF) for CSM were identified from the 2016 to 019 National Inpatient Sample Database using the International Classification of Diseases codes. Patients were categorized based on approach (ACDF or PCDF) and race/ethnicity (White, Black, Hispanic). Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative characteristics, adverse events, and health care resource utilization were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of extended length of stay (LOS), nonroutine discharge (NRD), and exorbitant costs. A total of 46,500 patients were identified, of which 36,015 (77.5%) were White, 7465 (16.0%) were Black, and 3020 (6.5%) were Hispanic. Black and Hispanic patients had a greater comorbidity burden compared to White patients (P= 0.001) and a greater incidence of any postoperative complication (P= 0.001). Healthcare resource utilization were greater in the PCDF cohort than the ACDF cohort and greater in Black and Hispanic patients compared to White patients (P < 0.001). Black and Hispanic patient race were significantly associated with extended hospital LOS ([Black] odds ratio [OR]: 2.24, P < 0.001; [Hispanic] OR: 1.64, P < 0.001) and NRD ([Black] OR: 2.33, P < 0.001; [Hispanic] OR: 1.49, P= 0.016). Among patients who underwent PCDF, Black race was independently associated with extended hospital LOS ([Black] OR: 1.77, P < 0.001; [Hispanic] OR: 1.47, P= 0.167) and NRD ([Black] OR: 1.82, P < 0.001; [Hispanic] OR: 1.38, P= 0.052). Our study suggests that patient race may influence patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilization following ACDF or PCDF for CSM.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Versus Cervical Disc Replacement for a Workers' Compensation Population in an Ambulatory Surgical Center.

Retrospective Cohort. To evaluate patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement outcomes between anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and cervical disk replacement (CDR) in the Workers' Compensation (WC) population. No studies to our knowledge have compared PROMs and MCID attainment between ACDF and CDR among patients with WC insurance undergoing surgery in an outpatient ambulatory surgical center (ASC). WC insurance patients undergoing primary, single/double-level ACDF/CDR in an ASC were identified. Patients were divided into ACDF versus CDR. PROMs were collected at preoperative/6-week/12-week/6-month/1-year timepoints, including PROMIS-PF, SF-12 PCS/MCS, VAS neck/arm, and NDI. Seventy-nine patients were included, 51 ACDF/28 CDR. While operative time (56.4 vs. 54.4min), estimated blood loss (29.2 vs. 25.9mL), POD0 pain (4.9 vs. 3.8), and POD0 narcotic consumption (21.2 vs. 14.5 oral morphine equivalents) were higher in ACDF patients, none reached statistical significance ( P >0.050, all). One-year arthrodesis rate was 100.0% among ACDF recipients with available imaging (n=36). ACDF cohort improved from preoperative for PROMIS-PF from 12 weeks to 1 year, SF-12 PCS at 6 months, all timepoints for VAS neck/arm, and 12 weeks/6 months for NDI ( P ≤0.044, all). CDR cohort improved from preoperative for PROMIS-PF at 6 months, VAS neck/arm from 12 weeks to 1 year, and NDI at 12 weeks/6 months ( P ≤0.049, all). CDR cohort reported significantly lower VAS neck at 12 weeks/1 year and VAS arm at 12 weeks ( P ≤0.039, all). MCID achievement rates did not differ. While operative duration/estimated blood loss/acute postoperative pain/narcotic consumption were, on average, higher among ACDF recipients, these were not statistically significant, possibly due to the limited sample size. ACDF and CDR ASC patients generally demonstrated comparable arm pain/disability/physical function/mental health, though neck pain was significantly lower at multiple timepoints among CDR patients. Clinically meaningful PROM improvements were comparable. Larger, multicentered studies are required to confirm our results.

Single-level Anterior Cervical discEctomy and Fusion has Lower Five-year Revisions than Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy in a Large National Cohort.

Retrospective cohort study using the 2010-2020 MSpine PearlDiver administrative dataset. To compare perioperative adverse events and five-year revisions for single-level ACDF versus PCF. Cervical disc disease can often be treated surgically using single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF). Prior studies have suggested that posterior approaches provide similar short-term outcomes as ACDF; however, posterior procedures may have an increased risk of revision surgery. The database was queried for patients undergoing elective single-level ACDF or PCF (excluding cases performed for myelopathy, trauma, neoplasm, and/or infection). Outcomes including specific complications, readmission and reoperations were assessed Multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain odds ratios (OR) of 90-day adverse events controlling for age, sex, and co-morbidities. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to determine 5-year rates of cervical reoperation in the ACDF and PCF cohorts. A total of 31,953 patients treated by ACDF (29,958, 93.76%) or PCF (1,995, 6.24%) were identified. Multivariable analysis, controlling for age, sex, and comorbidities, demonstrated that PCF was associated with a significantly greater odds of aggregated serious adverse events (OR 2.17, P<0.001), wound dehiscence (OR 5.89, P<0.001), surgical site infection (OR 3.66, P<0.001), and pulmonary embolism (OR 1.72, P=0.04). However, PCF was associated with significantly lower odds of readmission (OR 0.32, P<0.001), dysphagia (OR 0.44, P<0.001), and pneumonia (OR 0.50, P=0.004). At five years, PCF cases had a significantly higher cumulative revision rate compared to ACDF cases (19.0% vs. 14.8%, P<0.001). he current study is the largest to date to compare short-term adverse events and five-year revision rates between single-level ACDF and PCF for non-myelopathy elective cases. Perioperative adverse events differed by procedure, and it was notable that the incidence of cumulative revisions was higher for PCF. These findings can be used in decision making when there is clinical equipoise between ACDF and PCF.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Versus Microendoscopic Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy for Unilateral Cervical Radiculopathy: A 1-Year Cost-Utility Analysis.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) are the most common surgical approaches for medically refractory cervical radiculopathy. Rigorous cost-effectiveness studies comparing ACDF and PCF are lacking. To assess the cost-utility of ACDF vs PCF performed in the ambulatory surgery center setting for Medicare and privately insured patients at 1-year follow-up. A total of 323 patients who underwent 1-level ACDF (201) or PCF (122) at a single ambulatory surgery center were compared. Propensity matching generated 110 pairs (220 patients) for analysis. Demographic data, resource utilization, patient-reported outcome measures, and quality-adjusted life-years were assessed. Direct costs (1-year resource use × unit costs based on Medicare national allowable payment amounts) and indirect costs (missed workdays × average US daily wage) were recorded. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated. Perioperative safety, 90-day readmission, and 1-year reoperation rates were similar between groups. Both groups experienced significant improvements in all patient-reported outcome measures at 3 months that was maintained at 12 months. The ACDF cohort had a significantly higher preoperative Neck Disability Index and a significantly greater improvement in health-state utility (ie, quality-adjusted life-years gained) at 12 months. ACDF was associated with significantly higher total costs at 1 year for both Medicare ($11 744) and privately insured ($21 228) patients. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for ACDF was $184 654 and $333 774 for Medicare and privately insured patients, respectively, reflecting poor cost-utility. Single-level ACDF may not be cost-effective in comparison with PCF for surgical management of unilateral cervical radiculopathy.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Anterior and Posterior Surgical Approaches for Multilevel Cervical Myelopathy.

Retrospective cohort. To compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes between approach techniques for the treatment of multilevel degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Both anterior and posterior approaches for the surgical treatment of cervical myelopathy are successful techniques in the treatment of myelopathy. However, the optimal treatment has yet to be determined, especially for multilevel disease, as the different approaches have separate complication profiles and potentially different impacts on HRQoL metrics. Retrospective review of a prospectively managed single institution database of patient-reported outcome measures after 3 and 4-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF) for DCM. The electronic medical record was reviewed for patient baseline characteristics and surgical outcomes whereas preoperative radiographs were analyzed for baseline cervical lordosis and sagittal balance. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to compare the two groups. We identified 153 patients treated by ACDF and 43 patients treated by PCDF. Patients in the ACDF cohort were younger (60.1 ± 9.8 vs . 65.8 ± 6.9 yr; P < 0.001), had a lower overall comorbidity burden (Charlson Comorbidity Index: 2.25 ± 1.61 vs . 3.07 ± 1.64; P = 0.002), and were more likely to have a 3-level fusion (79.7% vs . 30.2%; P < 0.001), myeloradiculopathy (42.5% vs . 23.3%; P = 0.034), and cervical kyphosis (25.7% vs . 7.69%; P = 0.027). Patients undergoing an ACDF had significantly more improvement in their neck disability index after surgery (-14.28 vs . -3.02; P = 0.001), and this relationship was maintained on multivariate analysis with PCDF being independently associated with a worse neck disability index (+8.83; P = 0.025). Patients undergoing an ACDF also experienced more improvement in visual analog score neck pain after surgery (-2.94 vs . -1.47; P = 0.025) by bivariate analysis. Our data suggest that patients undergoing an ACDF or PCDF for multilevel DCM have similar outcomes after surgery.

103. Effects of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion on mental health

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Cervical disc disease can lead to debilitating symptoms which can affect a patient both physically and mentally. Studies have shown anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is an appropriate intervention that can alleviate symptoms of cervical spondylosis more quickly than conservative management and often improves clinical function. In theory, this alleviation of symptoms should lead to increased mental well-being of afflicted patients. While such a surgery may ameliorate a patient's physical ailments, the psychosocial impact of both a patient's symptoms, as well as the impact of surgery, cannot be ignored. It has been consistently stated in the current literature that preoperative depression can lead to worse postoperative outcomes after spinal surgery. However, diagnoses of new mental health disorders after surgery, and the time at which they occur, are less understood. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> The primary objective of this study is to determine the incidence of newly diagnosed mental health disorders between patients with cervical spondylosis who underwent ACDF compared to those who did not. This study aims to identify which mental health diagnoses a patient may be predisposed to after an ACDF, as well as to determine how long it takes to develop a new mental health disorder in each group. <h3>Methods</h3> A retrospective cohort study was performed of 5,924 patients with a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis within a single large health care system between January 2015 and December 2019. Only patients greater than 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis were included in this study. 493 patients with a mental health diagnosis prior to diagnosis of cervical spondylosis, or a prior ACDF, were excluded. The final study group included for analysis consisted of 5,431 patients which was split into two cohorts depending on whether or not they underwent ACDF during the study period (ACDF cohort: n=189; no surgery cohort: n=5,242). Demographic analysis was performed for each cohort. A chi-square test was used to compare the incidence of new mental health diagnoses in each cohort, and a Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the length of time until diagnosis of the new mental health disorders. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 5,431 patients (3,229 females, 2,202 males) ranging from 18 to 111 years old were included for review in our study. Of these patients, 189 (3.4%) with an average age of 58.8 years underwent ACDF compared to 5,242 (96.5%) with an average age of 64.0 years who did not. Overall, 1,056 patients (19.4%) developed a new mental health diagnosis. The incidence of new mental health diagnoses after surgery within the ACDF cohort was 31.2% (n=59) compared to an incidence of 19.0% (n=997) in the cohort that did not undergo surgery (p<0.001). The average time to diagnosis of a new mental health disorder was 468 days for those who underwent ACDF compared to 903 days for the nonsurgical cohort (p<0.001). Depression and anxiety were the two most common new mental health diagnoses across both surgical and nonsurgical cohorts. <h3>Conclusions</h3> ACDF for cervical spondylosis is associated with a greater incidence of new mental health diagnoses postoperatively, compared to those who were treated conservatively. Depression and anxiety were the two most common diagnoses across both cohorts, and those who underwent ACDF were diagnosed sooner. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Versus Laminoplasty for Multilevel Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A National Administrative Database Analysis

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is effective for the treatment of single-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). However, the data surrounding multilevel CSM have remained controversial. One alternative is laminoplasty, although evidence comparing these strategies has remained sparse. In the present report, we retrospectively reviewed the readmission and reoperation rates for patients who had undergone ACDF or laminoplasty for multilevel CSM from a national longitudinal administrative claims database. We queried the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database to identify patients who had undergone ACDF or laminoplasty for multilevel CSM from 2007 to 2016. The patients were stratified by operation type. Patients aged <18 years, patients with a history of tumor or trauma, and patients who had undergone anteroposterior approach were excluded from the present study. A total of 5445 patients were included, of whom 1521 had undergone laminoplasty. A matched cohort who had undergone ACDF was identified. The overall 90-day postoperative complication rate was greater in the laminoplasty cohort (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-1.86; P < 0.0001). The mean length of stay and 90-day readmission rates were greater in the laminoplasty cohort. The hospital and total payments of the index hospitalization were greater in the ACDF cohort, as were the total payments for ≤2 years after the index hospitalization. In the present administrative claims database study, no difference was found in the reoperation rate between ACDF and laminoplasty. ACDF resulted in fewer complications and readmissions compared with laminoplasty but was associated with greater costs. Additional prospective research is required to investigate the factors driving the higher costs of ACDF in this population and the long-term clinical outcomes.

Comparing Mid-Term Outcomes Between ACDF and Minimally Invasive Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy in the Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy.

Retrospective cohort study. To compare minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy (MI-PCF) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in the treatment of unilateral cervical radiculopathy. MI-PCF has been shown to be equally effective as ACDF in treating cervical radiculopathy due to foraminal stenosis and similar pathologies. Additionally, it has been hypothesized that preserving motion and avoiding fusion reduces risk for adjacent segment disease, but potentially increases risk for subsequent revision to an ACDF. With similar short-term outcomes and substantial advantages, MI-PCF may be an effective alternative to ACDF for addressing appropriate cervical pathology. A retrospective review was performed to identify patients between 2009 and 2013 who underwent ACDF or MI-PCF with a minimum follow-up of 7 years. Demographic data was recorded. Revision rates and average time to revision between cohorts were compared. Clinical outcomes were assessed at each follow-up visit with Neck Disability Index and Visual Analog Scale for neck and Visual Analog Scale for arm pain scores. All complications were reviewed. Standard binomial and categorical comparative analysis were performed. A total of 251 consecutive patients were included (205 ACDF, 46 MI-PCF). Mean follow-ups for the ACDF and MI-PCF groups were 98.3 and 95.9 months, respectively. Complication rates were 2.9% and 2.2% for the ACDF and MI-PCF cohorts, respectively (P = 0.779). Revision rates were 7.8% for the ACDF cohort and 8.7% for the MI-PCF cohort (P = 0.840). Both cohorts experienced significant improvements in their clinical scores compared with their preoperative values. Final Visual Analog Scale for neck pain (ACDF: 2.6; MI-PCF: 1.6) and Visual Analog Scale for arm pain (ACDF: 1.1; MI-PCF: 0.4) scores differed significantly at final follow-up (P = < 0.001; P = < 0.001). MI-PCF is a safe and effective alternative to ACDF in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy, demonstrating substantial benefit. After final follow-up, MI-PCF demonstrated superior improvements in Visual Analog Scale scores, without increased complication or revision rates.Level of Evidence: 3.

The Impact of Non-Elective Admission on Cost of Care and Length of Stay in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

Retrospective cohort study. To evaluate the impact of admission status on patient outcomes and healthcare costs in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Undergoing ACDF non-electively has been associated with higher patient comorbidity burdens. However, the impact of non-elective status on the total cost of hospital stay has yet to be quantified. Patients undergoing ACDF at a single institution were placed into elective or non-elective cohorts. Propensity score-matching analysis in a 5:1 ratio controlling for insurance type and comorbidities was used to minimize selection bias. Demographics were compared by univariate analysis. Cost of care, length of stay (LOS), and clinical outcomes were compared between groups using multivariable linear and logistic regression with elective patients as reference cohort. All analyses controlled for sex, preoperative diagnosis, elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI), age, length of surgery, number of segments fused, and insurance type. Of 708 patients in the final ACDF cohort, 590 underwent an elective procedure and 118 underwent a non-elective procedure. The non-elective group was significantly younger (53.7 vs. 49.5 yr; P = 0.0007). Cohorts had similar proportions of private versus public health insurance, although elective had higher rates of commercial insurance (39.22% vs. 15.25%; P < 0.0001) and non-elective had higher rates of managed care (32.77% vs. 56.78%; P < 0.0001). Operation duration was significantly longer in non-elective patients (158 vs. 177 minutes; P = 0.01). Adjusted analysis also demonstrated that admission status independently affected cost (+$6877, 95% confidence interval [CI]: $4906-$8848; P < 0.0001) and LOS (+4.9 days, 95% CI: 3.9-6.0; P < 0.0001) for the non-elective cohort. The non-elective cohort was significantly more likely to return to the operating room (OR: 3.39; 95% CI: 1.37-8.36, P = 0.0008) and experience non-home discharge (OR: 10.95; 95% CI: 5.00-24.02, P < 0.0001). Patients undergoing ACDF non-electively had higher cost of care and longer LOS, as well as higher rates of postoperative adverse outcomes.Level of Evidence: 3.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function Validation for Use in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A 2-Year Follow-up Study.

ObjectiveOur study aims to evaluate the correlation of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical function (PROMIS PF) with legacy patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) among patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). MethodsA prospectively maintained database was retrospectively reviewed for ACDF surgeries performed between May 2015 and September 2017. Inclusion criteria were primary elective, single- or multilevel ACDFs for degenerative spinal pathology. Patients lacking preoperative or 2-year PROMIS PF surveys were excluded. Mean scores were calculated for visual analogue scale (VAS) neck, VAS arm, Neck Disability Index (NDI), 12-Item Short Form Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS), and PROMIS PF at preoperative and 6-week, 12-week, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year postoperative timepoints. A t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were utilized to evaluate score improvement and PROM relationships respectively. ResultsThe 50 subject cohort was 60.0% male, 50% obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) and had an average age of 50.9 years. Significant improvements were demonstrated for VAS neck and NDI at all postoperative timepoints (p < 0.001) and for SF-12 and PROMIS PF at all timepoints except 6 weeks (p ≤ 0.025). VAS arm improvement was seen up to 1 year (p ≤ 0.016). PROMIS PF demonstrated strong correlations with NDI and SF-12 PCS at all evaluated timepoints and with VAS neck at all postoperative timepoints except 6 weeks (all p < 0.01). ConclusionPROMIS PF was strongly correlated with pain, disability, and physical function up to 2 years for patients undergoing ACDF. Our results support the long-term validity of PROMIS PF for measurement of patient-reported physical function among ACDF cohorts.

Potential Selection Bias in Observational Studies Comparing Cervical Disc Arthroplasty to Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Retrospective study using a national administrative database. To define the cohort differences in patient characteristics between patients undergoing cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in a large national sample, and to describe the impact of those baseline patient characteristics on analyses of costs and complications. CDA was initially studied in high quality, randomized trials with strict inclusion criteria. Recently a number of non-randomized, observational studies have been published an attempt to expand CDA indications. These trials are predisposed to falsely attributing differences in outcomes to an intervention due to selection bias. Adults undergoing ACDF or CDA between 2004 and 2014 were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis and procedure codes. Perioperative demographics, comorbidities, complications, and costs were queried. Patient characteristics were compared via chi-square and t tests. Cost, mortality, and complications were compared between ACDF and CDA cohorts using models that adjusted for demographics and comorbidities, as well as "naïve" models that did not. A total of 290,419 procedures, 98.2% ACDF and 1.8% CDA, were included in the sample. Compared with ACDF patients, CDA patients were younger, healthier as evidenced by number of comorbidities, and had an improved socioeconomic status as measured by income and insurance. The naïve logistic regression model showed that hospital costs for CDA were $549 lower than ACDF. In the fully specified model, CDA was $574 more expensive. The naïve model for medical complications suggests a protective advantage for CDA over ACDF, odds ratio of 0.627, P < 0.01. No statistically significant difference was found in the fully specified model in terms of complications. Patients undergoing CDA were younger and healthier with higher socioeconomic statuses compared with ACDF patients. Accounting for these baseline differences significantly attenuated the apparent benefit for CDR on costs and medical complications. 3.

Friday, September 28, 2018 10:30 AM–12:00 PM abstracts: complications of cervical spine surgery: 161. Incidence of postoperative stroke after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in patients who have carotid stenosis

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a procedure used to treat cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy. During the surgical approach, the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the carotid sheath are retracted laterally. Complications related to compression and retraction of the artery is infrequent. However, to our knowledge, there have been no studies that have evaluated carotid artery retraction and the development of a postoperative stroke in patients who have carotid artery stenosis. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of postoperative strokes after ACDF in patients with carotid artery stenosis. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING This study utilized the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database from 2009 to 2013. PATIENT SAMPLE Patients who underwent ACDF between 2009 and 2013. Patients less than age 18 years and patients who had a previous history of a stroke that predated the ACDF were excluded. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative stroke after ACDF in patients with and without carotid artery stenosis. Secondary outcomes included other postoperative complications, lengths of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges. METHODS Patient demographics included age, sex, race, insurance provider, Charlson/Deyo scores, and total hospital charges for each visit. Using the ACDF cohort, patients who had a preoperative diagnosis of carotid stenosis were identified, and were propensity score matched in a 1:1 ratio to those without a diagnosis of carotid stenosis based on age, sex, and Charlson/Deyo scores. We evaluated postoperative complications, including the incidence of a postoperative stroke. There were 61 patients in the carotid stenosis cohort and 61 patients without carotid stenosis. In terms of the demographics, compared to the patients without carotid stenosis, the carotid stenosis cohort was older (68 vs. 60 years, p RESULTS The incidence of postoperative stroke in the carotid artery stenosis cohort was significantly higher compared to those without carotid artery stenosis (6.6 vs. 0%, p CONCLUSIONS Patients with carotid artery stenosis who underwent ACDF had a significantly greater incidence of developing a postoperative stroke, among other complications, compared to patients without carotid stenosis. These patients could potentially benefit from medical or surgical optimization of their carotid stenosis prior to undergoing ACDF.

Thursday, September 27, 2018 3:35 PM–5:05 PM Section on Motion Technology Abstract Presentations: 138. Inpatient cost and length of stay for cervical disc arthroplasty and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a cohort-matched comparison

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the most common surgical treatment for cervical disc pathology. However, recent evidence has demonstrated superior outcomes with cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA). PURPOSE This study aims to compare inpatient cost and length of stay (LOS) between cervical disc arthroplasty and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE A total of 676 patients were analyzed (338 ACDF and 338 CDA). The average patient ages for ACDF and CDA were 49.15 years and 49.11 years, respectively (p=.957). Only elective hospital admissions were included in this sample. Patients in the ACDF group were limited to those with one to two level fusions. OUTCOME MEASURES This study compared the ACDF and CDA cohorts on high-end hospital charges and prolonged inpatient length of stay. METHODS This study screened over 35 million hospital discharges in the United States from 2010 to 2014 using the National Inpatient Sample and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) procedure codes were used to identify 75,377 patients who underwent ACDF of two or three vertebrae (ICD 81.02 and 81.62), and 387 patients who underwent CDA (ICD 84.62). The ACDF and CDA groups were statistically matched based on age, year of procedure, sex, indication for surgery, race, hospital type, and comorbidities. Mean hospital charges and LOS for each cohort were calculated and compared using the Kruskal Wallis H test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to compare high-end cost and prolonged LOS between the cohorts, defined as patients with LOS and total hospital charges greater than the 75th percentile of the respective means. RESULTS We matched 338 (87.34%) CDA patients with patients who underwent ACDF. The average LOS was greater for CDA (x=1.56, SD=0.946) compared to ACDF (x=1.43, SD=1.12; p=.001). Additionally, the average inpatient hospital charges for CDA were $21,320 (SD=10,854) compared to $16,123 (SD=8,499) for ACDF (p CONCLUSIONS Patients who underwent ACDF had significantly lower LOS and hospital charges than a statistically matched CDA cohort. This conclusion directly contradicts recent findings in the literature, although this study is the first to use a large cohort-matched analysis. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Clinical Outcomes of Treating Cervical Adjacent Segment Disease by Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Versus Total Disc Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Study Design:Systematic review and meta-analysis.Objective:To compare clinical outcomes of all available adjacent segment disease (ASD) cohorts being treated by either anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or total disc replacement (TDR).Methods:We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. Searches of electronic databases from inception to August 2017 identified 349 articles for screening. Data was extracted and analyzed using meta-analysis of proportions.Results:The search identified 1 double-armed study and 8 single-armed studies from which data of 5 TDR and 5 ACDF cohorts treating ASD were extracted. Between the 2 pooled TDR (n = 103) and ACDF (n = 258) groups, baseline characteristics were predominantly similar. Compared with ACDF, TDR demonstrated superior operation duration (107 vs 188 minutes, P = .011) and range of motion of C2-C7 at final follow-up at least 1 year after surgery (40.2° vs 35.1°, P = .001). Other surgical and performance parameters including estimated blood loss, complications, and Japanese Orthopedic Association score, Neck Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale neck, and Visual Analog Scale upper limb measures were comparable between cohorts.Conclusion:TDR confers similar surgical and postoperative outcomes to the treatment of ASD as ACDF. Both procedures lead to improvement in all performance outcomes. Larger, prospective, randomized studies will validate the findings of this meta-analysis. Longer term studies are required to ascertain the recurrence rates of ASD following either surgical treatment of primary ASD.

Minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy with tubes to prevent undesired fusion: a long-term follow-up study.

The objective of this study was to compare anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy (MI-PCF) with tubes for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy in terms of the 1) overall revision proportion, 2) index and adjacent level revision rates, and 3) functional outcome scores. The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients who had undergone ACDF or MI-PCF at a single institution between 2009 and 2014. Patients treated for cervical radiculopathy without myelopathy and with a minimum 2-year follow-up were compared according to the procedure performed for their pathology. Primary outcome measures included the overall rate of revision with fusion and overall revision proportion as well as the rate of index and adjacent level revisions per year. Secondarily, self-reported outcome measures-Neck Disability Index (NDI) and visual analog scale (VAS) for arm (VASa) and neck (VASn) pain-at the preoperative and postoperative evaluations were analyzed. Standard binomial and categorical comparative analyses were performed. Forty-nine consecutive patients were treated with MI-PCF, and 210 consecutive patients were treated with ACDF. The mean follow-up for the MI-PCF cohort was 42.9 ± 6.6 months (mean ± SD) and for the ACDF cohort was 44.9 ± 10.3 months. There was no difference in the overall revision proportion between the two cohorts (4 [8.2%] of 49 MI-PCF vs. 12 [5.7%] of 210 ACDF, p = 0.5137). There was no difference in the revision rate per level per year (3.1 vs. 1.7, respectively, p = 0.464). Moreover, there was no difference in the revision rate per level per year at the index level (1.8 vs. 0.7, respectively, p = 0.4657) or at an adjacent level (1.3 vs. 1.1, p = 0.9056). Neither was there a difference between the cohorts as regards the change from preoperative to final postoperative functional outcome scores (NDI, VASa, VASn). Minimally invasive PCF for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy demonstrates rates of revision at the index and adjacent levels similar to those following ACDF. In order to confirm the positive efficacy and cost analysis findings in this study, future studies need to extend the follow-up and show that the rate of revision with fusion does not increase substantially over time.