Anterior Procedures Research Articles

Comparison of patient outcomes of anterior and posterior lumbar interbody fusions: A retrospective national database analysis

BackgroundLumbar interbody fusions are used to treat degenerative lumbar disease unresponsive to conservative treatment. This procedure may be divided into anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF/TLIF). Despite their widespread use, comparative research on their outcomes remains limited. MethodsThe PearlDiver Database was utilized to identify patients undergoing single and multi-level ALIF and PLIF/TLIF between 2010 and 2022. We examined demographic data, comorbidities, and reoperation rates at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years. Complications were assessed using multivariable regression to adjust for confounders. ResultsThe study included multi-level anterior interbody fusions (N = 569, mean age 59.8, 59 % female), multi-level posterior interbody fusions (N = 43,651, mean age 57.9, 60 % female), single-level anterior interbody fusions (N = 3,547, mean age 55.3, 61 % female) and single-level posterior interbody fusions (N = 25,792, mean age 56.9, 62 % female). Multi-level posterior interbody fusion patients had a lower prevalence of HTN (OR .77, P < .05), ischemic heart disease (OR .73, P < .05), CDK (OR .77, P < .05), postoperatively more DVTs (OR 1.44, P < .05), a lower incidence of respiratory failure (OR .57, P < .05), and a higher 90-day, 1-year, and 2-year all-cause reoperation rate (7.3 %) compared to multi-level anterior interbody fusion patients (3.7 %). Single-level posterior interbody fusion patients had more HTN (OR 1.1, P < .05), less ischemic heart disease (OR .89, P < .05), obesity (OR .92, P < .05), and postoperatively a higher incidence of DVT (OR 1.34, P < .05) but lower 90-day, 1-year, and 2-year all-cause reoperation rates. ConclusionsThis study confirms that posterior interbody fusions are more common than anterior procedures, though the latter is increasing. Reoperation rates are higher for multi-level posterior and single-level anterior fusions. Both anterior and posterior approaches show similar complication profiles, though specific risks, such as postoperative DVT, vary. These findings emphasize the need for ongoing research and consideration of individual patient factors when choosing an interbody fusion technique.

Elective Versus Nonelective Spinal Fusions: Surgical and Financial Outcomes in a Bundled Payment Reimbursement Model.

Bundled payment for care improvement advanced (BPCIA) is a voluntary alternative payment model administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services using value-based care to reduce costs by incentivizing care coordination and improved quality. We aimed to identify drivers of negative financial performance in BPCIA among patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. This is a single-institution retrospective review of patients enrolled in BPCIA undergoing spinal fusion with DRGs 453, 454, 455, 459, and 460 from 2018 to 2022. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with negative financial performance and compare nonelective vs elective surgeries. We identified 172 cases, of which 24% (n = 41) had negative financial performance and 9% (n = 16) were nonelective cases. Nonelective surgery (P < .001, odds ratios 19.81), greater levels instrumented (P < .001), and no anterior procedure (P = .001) were associated with negative financial performance. Surgical outcomes associated with negative financial performance and factors more common in nonelective cases respectively included higher hospital length of stay (P < .001, P = .005), nonhome discharge (P < .001, P < .001), 90-day hospital readmission (P < .001, P < .001), 90-day additional nonspine surgery (P = .01, P < .001), and less days at home of the 90 days (P < .001, P = .01). Nonelective surgeries had higher total spend (P = .01), readmission spend (P = .03), skilled nursing facility spend (P = .02), durable medical equipment spend (P = .003), and professional billing spend (P = .04) despite similar target pricing (P = .60), all of which resulted in greater financial loss compared with elective surgeries (P = .001). Nonelective spinal surgery is an independent preoperative predictor of negative financial performance in BPCIA. Nonelective spinal surgeries are more likely than elective surgeries to have higher length of stay, nonhome discharge, 90-day hospital readmission, 90-day additional nonspine surgeries, and less time spent at home during the bundled period, all of which contribute to higher health care utilization. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should consider incorporating nonelective spine surgery into risk-adjustment models.

Isolated posterior stabilization in type B and C thoracolumbar fractures associated with ankylosing spine disorders: A single center experience with clinical and radiological outcomes.

Fractures in ankylosing spine disorders (ASD) are associated with high complication and mortality rates. During the posterior stabilization of these fractures, reduction is often partial, resulting in the persistence of a significant anterior diastasis. Our objective was to evaluate the safety and efficiency of isolated posterior stabilization in elderly ASD patients, without direct reduction of the anterior diastasis, in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes, complications, and mortality. This retrospective study included 46 patients, mean age 79.3years, with ASD, who underwent isolated posterior stabilization, open or percutaneous, for thoracolumbar fractures. The average follow-up was 21.7months, with a minimum follow-up of 6months. Autonomy (Parker score) and radiological results (lordotic angulation) were analyzed pre-and post-operatively. Autonomy was maintained at the last follow-up, with no significant difference in Parker's score. The consolidation rate was 94.6%. No implant failure was recorded. Despite the absence of an anterior procedure, lordotic angulation was significantly reduced by 2.6° at 6months (p=0.02). The rate of surgical complications following open surgeries was 10.9% (n=5), of which 6.5% were infections. No surgical complications were reported in percutaneous surgeries. The rate of medical complications was 67.4% (n=31), with a rate of 88.2% in the open surgery group, compared to 55.2% in the percutaneous surgery group. An open approach was associated with a five-fold higher risk of complications (p=0.049). Nine patients died during follow-up (19.6%). Isolated posterior stabilization in the treatment of thoracolumbar spine fractures in elderly ASD patients is a safe technique promoting autonomy preservation, and high radiological bony healing with acceptable complication and mortality rates. The persistent anterior gap is partially reduced when the spine is loaded and does not seem to require an anterior procedure, thus decreasing complications. Percutaneous surgery should be the technique of choice to reduce surgical complications.

Transcranial Motor Evoked Potentials as a Predictive Modality for Postoperative Deficit in Cervical Spine Decompression Surgery - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether transcranial motor evoked potential (TcMEP) alarms can predict postoperative neurologic complications in patients undergoing cervical spine decompression surgery. A meta-analysis of the literature was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase to retrieve published reports on intraoperative TcMEP monitoring for patients undergoing cervical spine decompression surgery. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), of overall, reversible, and irreversible TcMEP changes for predicting postoperative neurological deficit were calculated. A subgroup analysis was performed to compare anterior vs posterior approaches. Nineteen studies consisting of 4608 patients were analyzed. The overall incidence of postoperative neurological deficits was 2.58% (119/4608). Overall TcMEP changes had a sensitivity of 56%, specificity of 94%, and DOR of 19.26 for predicting deficit. Reversible and irreversible changes had sensitivities of 16% and 49%, specificities of 95% and 98%, and DORs of 3.54 and 71.74, respectively. In anterior procedures, TcMEP changes had a DOR of 17.57, sensitivity of 49%, and specificity of 94%. In posterior procedures, TcMEP changes had a DOR of 21.01, sensitivity of 55%, and specificity of 94%. TcMEP monitoring has high specificity but low sensitivity for predicting postoperative neurological deficit in cervical spine decompression surgery. Patients with new postoperative neurological deficits were 19 times more likely to have experienced intraoperative TcMEP changes than those without new deficits, with irreversible TcMEP changes indicating a much higher risk of deficit than reversible TcMEP changes.

Single- and Multilevel Corpectomy and Vertebral body replacement for treatment of spinal infections. A retrospective single-center study of 100 cases

BackgroundThe optimal operative approach for treating spinal infections remains a subject of debate. Corpectomy and Vertebral Body Replacement (VBR) have emerged as common modalities, yet data on their feasibility and complication profiles are limited. MethodsThis retrospective single-center study examined 100 consecutive cases (2015–2022) that underwent VBR for spinal infection treatment. A comparison between Single-level-VBR and Multi-level-VBR was performed, evaluating patient profiles, revision rates, and outcomes. ResultsAmong 360 cases treated for spinal infections, 100 underwent VBR, located in all spinal regions. Average clinical and radiologic follow-up spanned 1.5 years. Single-level-VBR was performed in 60 cases, Two-level-VBR in 37, Three-level-VBR in 2, and Four-level-VBR in one case.Mean overall sagittal correction reached 10° (range 0–54°), varying by region. Revision surgery was required in 31 cases. Aseptic mechanical complications (8% pedicle screw loosening, 3% cage subsidence, 6% aseptic adjacent disc disease) were prominent reasons for revision. Longer posterior constructs (>4 levels) had significantly higher revision rates (p < 0.01). General complications (wound healing, hematoma) followed, along with infection relapse and adjacent disc infection (9%) and neurologic impairment (1%).Multilevel-VBR (≥2 levels) displayed no elevated cage subsidence rate compared to Single-level-VBR. Three deaths occurred (43–86 days post-op), all in the Multi-level-VBR group. ConclusionThis study, reporting the largest number of VBR cases for spinal infection treatment, affirmed VBR's effectiveness in sagittal imbalance correction. The overall survival was high, while reinfection rates matched other surgical studies. Anterior procedures have minimal implant related risks, but extended dorsal instrumentation elevates revision surgery likelihood.

Long-term outcomes and complications of isolated anterior thoracolumbar fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis associated with myelomeningocele.

Neuromuscular scoliosis associated with myelomeningocele is a difficult clinical dilemma for the treating surgeon. The traditional surgical treatment consists of a posterior spinal instrumented fusion with or without a combined anterior procedure, but this has been associated with high complication rates, mostly related to deep infection. An anterior thoracolumbar fusion is not able to address the entirety of the deformity in many cases but could potentially avoid the devastating infection risks from the posterior approach by avoiding compromised skin. This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes and complications associated with isolated anterior thoracolumbar fusion in this high-risk group. This study is a retrospective analysis of patients with myelomeningocele-associated scoliosis treated with an isolated anterior spinal fusion over a 20-year time period at a single center. Surgical details, demographics, curve characteristics and complications were recorded. Comparisons were made between patients who required revision surgery and those who did not. Sixteen patients were enrolled with an average age of 12.7years at the time of surgery and average follow-up of 5.5years. Patients had on average 7.4 levels fused anteriorly with the most common levels being T10-L4. There were no deep wound infections associated with the anterior surgery. Overall, nine patients (56%) had to be revised posteriorly due to adding-on or junctional deformity at an average of 3.7years after index procedure. Four patients were revised due to proximal adding-on, while 1 was extended distally. Four additional patients were extended both proximally and distally. Of the posterior revisions, 2 patients developed deep wound infections, and both of these were in patients extended distally. Preoperative lumbar lordosis was higher in patients who required distal extension (100 vs. 69 degrees; p = 0.035). Patients undergoing isolated anterior fusion for scoliosis associated with myelomeningocele have low infection rates but often require posterior revision. The majority of patients can avoid the deep infection risk associated with distal posterior surgery at long-term follow-up. IV.

A novel less invasive endoscopic-assisted procedure for complete reduction of low-and high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis performed by anterior and posterior combined approach.

The optimal surgical management of low- and high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (LGS and HGS -IS) is debated as well as whether reduction is needed especially for high-grade spondylolisthesis. Both anterior and posterior techniques can be associated with mechanical disadvantages as hardware failure with loss of reduction and L5 injury. We purpose a novel endoscopic-assisted technique (Sled technique, ST) to achieve a complete reduction in two surgical steps: first anteriorly through a retroperitoneal approach to obtain the greatest part of correction and then posteriorly to complete reduction in the same operation. ST efficacy and complications rate were evaluated through a retrospective functional and radiological analysis. Thirty-one patients, 12 male (38.7%) and 19 female (61.3%), average age: 45.4years with single level IS underwent olisthesis reduction by ST. Twenty-three IS involved L5 (74.2%), 7 L4 (22.5%) and 1 L3 (3.3%). No intraoperative complications were recorded. One patient required repositioning of a pedicle screw. A significant improvement of functional and radiological parameters (L4-S1 and L5-S1 lordosis) outcomes was recorded (p < 0.001). ST provides a complete reduction in the slippage in LGS and HGS. The huge anterior release as well as the partial reduction in the slippage by the endoscopic-assisted anterior procedure, because of the cage is acting as a "guide rail", facilitate the final posterior reduction, always complete in our series, minimizing mechanical stresses and neurological risks. gov Identifier: NCT03644407.

Technical aspects of total spondylectomy of C2.

Tumorous involvement of the second cervical vertebra is an infrequent, but severe disease. Primary tumors and solitary metastases can be addressed by a radical procedure, a complete removal of the whole compartment. The second cervical vertebra has a highly complex anatomy, and its operation requires considerable surgical skills. The aim of this retrospective study is to present technical aspects of complete resection of C2 for tumor indications, clinical and radiological evaluation of our group of patients and comparison of results of recent reports on surgery in this region in the literature. Between 2006 and 2019 we performed 10 total resections of C2 for primary bone tumor or solitary metastasis at our department. Operation was indicated for chordoma in 4 cases and for other diagnoses (plasmacytoma, EWSA, metastases of papillary thyroid carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, lung carcinoma and sinonasal carcinoma) in one case each. The operative procedure was in all cases performed in two steps. It always started with the posterior approach. The anterior procedure was scheduled according to the patient's condition after an average interval of 16.9 days (range 7-21). A stable upper cervical spine was achieved in all patients. A solid bone fusion over the whole instrumentation was present in all living patients and they returned to their preoperative activity level. By the final follow-up 6 patients died: one patient died on the 5th postop day because of diffuse uncontrollable bleeding from surgical wound, three patients died of generalization of the underlying disease and two patients due to complications associated with local recurrence of the disease. In addition to regular follow-ups, the surviving patients (N.=4) were also examined upon completion of the study, i.e., on average 91 months (range 17-179 months) postoperatively. With exclusion of an early deceased patient, the average follow-up period of deceased patients was 34.6 months (range 9-55) (N.=5). The average follow-up of the whole group of patients was 59,7 months (N.=9). Total spondylectomy of C2 is an exceptional surgical procedure associated with risk of serious complications but offers chance for a complete recovery of the patient. Defining indications accurately, especially in solitary metastases, is very difficult even with current level of imaging and other testing. The quality of life of long-term surviving patients in our study was not significantly impacted.

A new classification of spondylodiscitis: possibility of validation and multidisciplinary expert consensus

Objective. To perform validation study of the E. Pola classification (2017) and to assess expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of infectious lesions of the spine in the national professional community.Material and Methods. A clinical and radiological database on 15 cases of infectious spondylitis, as well as the information about original article by Pola and a Russian translation of the classification and tactical tables from this article, were distributed to 408 orthopedic traumatologists, neurosurgeons and radiologists who have experience in treating patients with spinal pathology and whose data are available in the registers of the relevant professional associations of the Russian Federation. The coincidence/difference in the responses concerning the definition of lesion types and the choice of treatment tactics, as well as proposals for the use of classification were assessed.Results. Answers were obtained from 37 respondents from 11 regions of the Russian Federation. The general interobserver agreement index (Fleiss kappa) for all types of spondylodiscitis was 0.388 (95 % CI 0.374–0.402), including for lesion types: type A – 0.480 (95 % CI 0.460–0.499, type B – 0.300 (95 % CI 0.281–0.320), and type C – 0.399 (95 % CI 0.380–0.419). Agreement levels were higher among radiologists (type A – 0.486, type B – 0.484, and type C – 0.477), orthopedic traumatologists (type A – 0.474, type B – 0.380, and type C – 0.479), and specialists with clinical experience less than 10 years (type A – 0.550, type B – 0.318, and type C – 0.437). The pooled data for all 12 lesion subtypes showed general poor agreement (k = 0.247, CI 0.240–0.253), satisfactory level was found for B3.2 type (k = 0.561, CI 0.542–0.581), good agreement (k &gt; 0.61) was achieved between orthopedic traumatologists for type B3.2 and between radiologists for B3.1 and B3.2 lesion types. Respondents refused to use basic treatment options for type A in 15.1 %, type B in 7.5 % and type C in 3.2 % of answers, while indicating the need for interventions through anterior approach in 24.7 %, 43.0 % and 46.2 %, respectively. Limitations of the classification use depending on the localization and etiology of spondylitis were noted. Authors recommended taking into account the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, mandatory CT scanning, clarification of spinal instability criteria, and the addition of anterior surgical interventions to the treatment algorithm.Conclusion. The Pola classification of spondylodiscitis is currently considered the most successful for tactical algorithms and implementation in broad clinical practice for spondylodiscitis. However, at the stages of its clinical application, there is an unsatisfactory interobserver expert consensus on the types of lesions, and there are limitations related to the etiology, localization and severity of the disease. A modified classification taking into account the identified limitations and including anterior procedures in the tactical options is advisable.

The value of dynamic MRI in cervical spondylotic myelopathy: About 24 cases.

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine is extremely useful in assessing pathological changes at the spinal cord, vertebrae, discs, ligaments and facet joints. We attempted to document the radiological changes that the cervical spine undergoes during dynamic maneuvers and the effects of Dynamic MRI in management of cervical myelopathy, emphasizing on the changes in treatment protocol effected by the new findings discovered. Our work is based on 24 consecutive patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy had cervical MR imaging in neutral position, in flexion and extension of the cervical spine between January 2021 and December 2021. The result found the mean age was 57.9 years (range 26-85 years). Among these 24 patients, there were 11 males and 13 females. Total number of levels of compression were 47 and the additional levels of involvement were 17. Additional levels of compression were noted in 12 patients, among these 17 new levels, 7 were in the posterior and 10 in the anterior. The most affected level was C5C6 with 16 cases. All additional levels of compression were noted in extension; Reduction of the cervical canal was observed in 20 patients only in extension. In the bending sequences we have noticed an increase of the canal diameter in 3 patients. The location of the compression is in 15 cases anterior, 2 cases posterior and 5 cases are mixed anterior and posterior Surgery was considered in 17 patients. Anterior procedures were 11 (ACDF/corpectomy and fusion) and Posterior surgeries were 6 (laminoplasty/laminectomy), and. The rest of the patients did not require surgery and was conservatively treated. A change of the signal was found in 3 patients during the acquisition in extension position a. Most studies have shown a reduction of the root canal with an increase of the compression level, which was the case in our study. MRI is a useful tool for diagnosis of CM, it does not give an exact idea as to which is the offending level in a multilevel compression that requires surgery. Even the approach and procedure cannot be decided on a static examination and hence are subject to significant interpractitioner the role of extension MRI in determining cervical compression levels. Thus, dynamic cervical spine MRI should be an important investigation before we decide to write off surgical treatment in patients with cervical myelopathy and cord signal changes without definitive compression on static MRI. Flexion and extension MRI is an important tool for decision making and planning appropriate management in cervical compressive myelopathy.

Dual-Rod Instrumentation Via the Anterior Approach for Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background: Posterior spinal fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation is currently the standard technique for spinal surgery. However, the anterior approach remains useful for thoracolumbar and lumbar (TL/L) lesions, such as in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) 1–4 and spinal injuries 5,6 . We previously documented that long-term radiographic findings and clinical measures were satisfactory in patients with TL/L AIS treated with anterior dual-rod instrumentation 1 . Description: This surgical technique is indicated for single TL/L (Lenke 5) curves and is performed with use of extrapleural retroperitoneal approaches. The extrapleural cavity is connected to the retroperitoneal space by diaphragmatic transection. The lateral aspect of the vertebral bodies is exposed by retracting the psoas major muscle posteriorly from the intervertebral discs. Segmental vascular bundles are divided with coagulation and/or ligation. Care should be taken to reflect the psoas in its entirety and avoid an intramuscular approach to prevent bleeding injury to nerves, including the femoral, ilioinguinal, and genitofemoral nerves, as well as ureteral injury. After the intervertebral discs and cartilage plates are removed to the vertebral end plates, 2 screws are inserted in each vertebral body through a vertebral staple 1,4 . The anterior rod is then placed in the screw heads and rotated anteriorly, providing 3-dimensional correction of kyphotic deformities with lordosis production 1,4 . After the posterior rod is applied in the same manner as the anterior rod, compression forces are applied between the screws to correct scoliosis 1,4 . The compression force is first applied to the posterior rod so that kyphosis can be corrected more effectively 1,4 . Alternatives: Posterior pedicle screw instrumentation techniques are widely utilized for TL/L AIS curve correction. However, anterior techniques have frequently also been applied to the curve. Dwyer et al. 7 first reported the use of anterior spinal fusion (ASF) with a single braided cable connecting vertebral screws for the treatment of TL/L AIS, and Zielke et al. 8 modified that procedure by replacing the cable with a threaded rod. Although these instrumentation techniques and other single anterior rod techniques such as the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital System effectively correct scoliosis in the coronal plane and improve vertebral derotation 1,9 , poor sagittal and rotational plane deformity correction, implant weakness, and high incidence of pseudarthrosis remain unresolved issues 1 . Rationale: The fundamental advantages of the anterior approach in dual-rod instrumentation are the ability to achieve 3-dimensional correction with extremely low rates of pseudarthrosis and implant failure 1,10–12 . Furthermore, the fusion is expected to include fewer motion segments than with posterior systems (usually 1 level less distally and proximally). However, low skeletal maturity and a TL/L to thoracic Cobb ratio of &lt;1.25 appeared to be important factors for postoperative curve progression of the thoracic coronal deformity following ASF for the treatment of Lenke 5 curves 1,13 . In addition, subjacent disc wedging may occur when the subjacent disc is nearly parallel before surgery 1,14 . Expected Outcomes: The described technique is expected to provide 3-dimensional spinal correction. In a previous study, 30 patients with Lenke 5 AIS were followed for a mean of 17 years 1 . The mean TL/L Cobb angle correction rate and correction loss were 79.8% and 3.4°, respectively, at the time of the latest follow-up 1 . The average percent of predicted forced vital capacity and of forced expiratory volume in 1 second were 91.8% and 81.8%, respectively 1 . The average total score on the Scoliosis Research Society-30 outcome instrument was 4.21. No instrumentation failure, pseudarthrosis, or clinically relevant neurovascular complications were observed 1 . Important Tips: This technique is applicable to Lenke 5 AIS curves. However, the anterior approach can also be utilized for other TL/L lesions.The anterior procedure is accomplished via extrapleural retroperitoneal approaches with diaphragmatic transection.Care should be taken to reflect the psoas in its entirety and avoid an intramuscular approach to prevent bleeding and nerve and ureteral injuries. Acronyms &amp; Abbreviations: SRS-30 = Scoliosis Research Society-30

Comparative Utilization of Laminoplasty in the United States and Japan.

Laminoplasty is a well-established technique used to manage cervical myelopathy (CM). Nevertheless, the degree to which United States surgeons have adopted laminoplasty from Japan to treat CM is less clear. The purpose of this study was to compare operative management strategies for CM in the United States (US) with Japan. This study used a retrospective cohort of 16,084 patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database and 389,872 patients from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database from 2007 to 2015. Patients with the following diagnoses were collected: spondylosis with myelopathy (ICD-19; 721.1, ICD-10; M47.12) and disk herniation with myelopathy (ICD-9; 722.71, ICD-10; M50.00). The proportion of surgeries between Japan and the US was compared using a linear regression model controlling for year. US surgeons utilized anterior procedures in 70% of cases compared to 9% in Japan (p<.001). In contrast, Japan had significantly more laminoplasties than the US (43% vs. 4%, respectively, p<.001). The percentage of laminoplasty in Japan (43%) relative to the percentage in the US (4%) was significantly different (p<.001). Accounting for increases in the number of total surgeries per year seen in the ACS-NSQIP and DPC databases, no specific surgery demonstrated a significant increase or decrease over the 8 years. Japanese surgeons employ laminoplasty to treat CM approximately ten times more frequently than US surgeons who prefer anterior procedures.

Long-Term Survivorship of Cervical Spine Procedures; A Survivorship Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.

Systematic Review. To conduct a meta-analysis on the survivorship of commonly performed cervical spine procedures to develop survival function curves for (i) second surgery at any cervical level, and (ii) adjacent level surgery. A systematic review of was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Articles with cohorts of greater than 20 patients followed for a minimum of 36 months and with available survival data were included. Procedures included were anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), cervical disc arthroplasty (ADR), laminoplasty (LAMP), and posterior laminectomy and fusion (PDIF). Reconstructed individual patient data were pooled across studies using parametric Bayesian survival meta-regression. Of 1829 initial titles, 16 citations were included for analysis. 73811 patients were included in the second surgery analysis and 2858 patients in the adjacent level surgery analysis. We fit a Log normal accelerated failure time model to the second surgery data and a Gompertz proportional hazards model to the adjacent level surgery data. Relative to ACDF, the risk of second surgery was higher with ADR and PDIF with acceleration factors 1.73 (95% CrI: 1.04, 2.80) and 1.35 (95% CrI: 1.25, 1.46) respectively. Relative to ACDF, the risk of second surgery was lower with LAMP with deceleration factor .06 (95% CrI: .05, .07). ADR decreased the risk of adjacent level surgery with hazard ratio .43 (95% CrI: .33, .55). In cases of clinical equipoise between fusion procedures, our analysis suggests superior survivorship with anterior procedures. For all procedures, laminoplasty demonstrated superior survivorship.

P43. Single-level posterior lumbar fusions in patients with Ehlers Danlos syndrome not found to be associated with increased postoperative adverse events or five-year reoperations

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder that results from mutations in collagen genes. Potentially related to laxity and resultant degenerative changes, adult EDS patients may require posterior lumbar fusion (PLF). However, with low numbers, adequately powered outcome studies have been limited. PURPOSE To investigate the effect of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome on postoperative outcomes and reoperations following PLF. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective cohort study using the 2010 - 2020 MSpine Pearldiver dataset. PATIENT SAMPLE Patients with a diagnosis of EDS (any type) were identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Patients over 18 years of age undergoing PLF with or without laminectomy were identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Patients who had a primary diagnosis code of fractures, infection, neoplasm or were not in the database for at least 90 days following the surgery were excluded. Further, patients who had multilevel fusions or had concurrent anterior fusion were excluded. OUTCOME MEASURES Ninety-day any, severe, and minor adverse events as well as readmissions and five-year reoperations. METHODS Adult patients undergoing single-level PLF (excluding any with anterior procedures) with and without EDS for which at least 90-day follow up was available were identified. Any cases performed for trauma, tumor, or infection were excluded. Single-level PLF EDS patients were then matched 1:4 with PLF non-EDS patients based on age, sex and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI). Rates of 90-day any, severe, and minor adverse events as well as readmissions were tabulated and compared with chi-square tests. Multivariate logistical regression was then performed (controlling for age, and ECI). Reoperation surgeries over five years were assessed, Kaplan-Meier survival curves generated, and curves of those with and without EDS were compared with log rank test. RESULTS In total, there were 170,100 single-level PLF case identified, of which 242 (0.14%) had EDS. After matching, there were 957 without EDS and 239 with EDS. On multivariate regression, there were no significant differences in 90-day any, severe, or minor adverse events, or readmissions (p>0.05 for each). Over five years, there were also not significant differences in rates of reoperation (p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS For EDS patients undergoing PLF, the current study identified similar 90-day adverse events and five-year reoperation rates compared to those without EDS. These findings may be useful for patient counseling and surgical planning for those with this rare condition. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder that results from mutations in collagen genes. Potentially related to laxity and resultant degenerative changes, adult EDS patients may require posterior lumbar fusion (PLF). However, with low numbers, adequately powered outcome studies have been limited. To investigate the effect of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome on postoperative outcomes and reoperations following PLF. Retrospective cohort study using the 2010 - 2020 MSpine Pearldiver dataset. Patients with a diagnosis of EDS (any type) were identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Patients over 18 years of age undergoing PLF with or without laminectomy were identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Patients who had a primary diagnosis code of fractures, infection, neoplasm or were not in the database for at least 90 days following the surgery were excluded. Further, patients who had multilevel fusions or had concurrent anterior fusion were excluded. Ninety-day any, severe, and minor adverse events as well as readmissions and five-year reoperations. Adult patients undergoing single-level PLF (excluding any with anterior procedures) with and without EDS for which at least 90-day follow up was available were identified. Any cases performed for trauma, tumor, or infection were excluded. Single-level PLF EDS patients were then matched 1:4 with PLF non-EDS patients based on age, sex and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI). Rates of 90-day any, severe, and minor adverse events as well as readmissions were tabulated and compared with chi-square tests. Multivariate logistical regression was then performed (controlling for age, and ECI). Reoperation surgeries over five years were assessed, Kaplan-Meier survival curves generated, and curves of those with and without EDS were compared with log rank test. In total, there were 170,100 single-level PLF case identified, of which 242 (0.14%) had EDS. After matching, there were 957 without EDS and 239 with EDS. On multivariate regression, there were no significant differences in 90-day any, severe, or minor adverse events, or readmissions (p>0.05 for each). Over five years, there were also not significant differences in rates of reoperation (p> 0.05). For EDS patients undergoing PLF, the current study identified similar 90-day adverse events and five-year reoperation rates compared to those without EDS. These findings may be useful for patient counseling and surgical planning for those with this rare condition.

RECURRENT ANTERIOR SHOULDER DISLOCATION TREATED BY OPENINFERIOR GLENOHUMERAL LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

The anterior capsulolabralcomplex repair with inferior glenohumeral ligament reconstruction has been encouraging predominantly in young active population, and heavy workers with traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcome of patients who underwent inferior glenohumeral ligament reconstruction for recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder instability by the open method. A prospective study of 40 patients with a mean age of 30 years ( 20 – 50 years ) who underwent open reconstruction of the inferior glenohumeral ligament ( RIGHL) to treattraumatic recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation was conducted. All patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. They had traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation with subsequent recurrent instability. All were males with no professional athletes among them. Detachment of the dominant shoulder from the glenoid marginwas found in all cases . No patient had surgical intervention before. Twenty patients had the right shoulder affected. All patients were evaluated by physical examination and followed for a minimum of 6 months (15-80 months). Rowe score was used for the clinical assessment of patients. The mean modified Rowe score was 93.3% (65% -100%) with 92.3% good and excellent results. There were 14 excellent, 10 good, 5 fair, and 3 poor results due to redislocation after major trauma ( RTA). There was no loss of range of motion compared to preoperative values. These observations point out that glenoid sided capsulolabral repair can reestablish shoulder stability in patients with recurrent traumatic anterior dislocation, and success rates comparable to those of other open anterior shoulder repair procedures can be achieved. Although arthroscopic repair for recurrent shoulder instability is a choice for most surgeons nowadays, open repair remains an excellent option and should not be forgotten especially with the lack of experience or arthroscopic availability.

Single-level posterior lumbar fusions in patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome not found to be associated with increased postoperative adverse events or five-year reoperations

BackgroundEhlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder that results from mutations in collagen genes. Potentially related to laxity and resultant degenerative changes, adult EDS patients may require posterior lumbar fusion (PLF). However, with low numbers, adequately powered outcome studies have been limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate risk of complications, readmissions and reoperations in adult patients with EDS following single-level PLF, MethodsA retrospective study using the 2010 to 2020 MSpine Pearldiver dataset was performed. Adult patients undergoing single-level PLF (excluding any with anterior procedures) with and without EDS for which at least 90-day follow up was available were identified. Any cases performed for trauma, tumor, or infection were excluded.Single-level PLF EDS patients were then matched 1:4 with PLF non-EDS patients based on age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI). Rates of ninety-day any, severe, and minor adverse events as well as readmissions were tabulated and compared with chi-square tests. Multivariate logistical regression was then performed (controlling for age, sex, and ECI).Reoperation surgeries over five years were assessed, Kaplan-Meier survival curves generated, and curves of those with and without EDS were compared with log rank test. ResultsIn total, there were 170,100 single-level PLF case identified, of which 242 (0.14%) had EDS. After matching, there were 957 without EDS and 239 with EDS. On multivariate regression, there were no significant differences in 90-day any, severe, or minor adverse events, or readmissions (p>0.05 for each). Over five years, there were also not significant differences in rates of reoperation (p> 0.05). ConclusionsFor EDS patients undergoing PLF, the current study identified similar 90-day adverse events and 5-year reoperation rates compared to those without EDS. These findings may be useful for patient counseling and surgical planning for those with this rare condition.

Surgical management of dropped head syndrome: A systematic review.

Background: Dropped head syndrome (DHS) is uncommon and involves severe weakness of neck-extensor muscles resulting in a progressive reducible cervical kyphosis. The first-line management consists of medical treatment targeted at diagnosing underlying pathologies. However, the surgical management of DHS has not been well studied.Methods: Here, we systematically reviewed the PubMed and Cochrane databases for DHS using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. All relevant articles up to March 31, 2022, were analyzed. The patient had to be ≥18 years with DHS and had to have undergone surgery with outcomes data available. Outcomes measurements included neurological status, rate of failure (RF), horizontal gaze, and complications.Results: A total of 22 articles selected for this study identified 54 patients who averaged 68.9 years of age. Cervical arthrodesis without thoracic extension was performed in seven patients with a RF of 71%. Cervicothoracic arthrodesis was performed in 46 patients with an RF of 13%. The most chosen upper level of fusion was C2 in 63% of cases, and the occiput was included only in 13% of patients. All patients neurologically stabilized or improved, while 75% of undergoing anterior procedures exhibited postoperative dysphagia and/or airway-related complications.Conclusion: The early surgery for patients with DHS who demonstrate neurological compromise or progressive deformity is safe and effective and leads to excellent outcomes.

Combined anteroposterior approaches in lateral position treatment of lumbosacral tuberculous in single-stage

BackgroundThe local anatomy of the lumbosacral region of spine is complicated, with special biomechanical characteristics. For surgical management of tuberculous spondylitis reported in the literature, the methods would be two-stage anterior and posterior approaches or one-stage anterior and posterior approach with patient’s intraoperative position being changed. These types of surgery approaches would result in long operative duration and more intraoperative blood loss, and most important there is no coordination between anterior and posterior procedures.MethodsThe purpose of this study was to introduce a new procedure called in the lateral position single -stage combined anteriorposterior approaches for treatment of lumbosacral tuberculous spondylitis and to evaluate its preliminary surgical outcomes. Fifteen patients with lumbosacral tuberculous spondylitis who underwent single-stage anterior and posterior radical focal debridement and reconstruction in lateral position in our hospital from April 2005 to June 2012 were included in the study. There were 6 males and 9 females with the average age of 46.8 years. The tuberculous lesions involved the following regions: L3-4 in 5cases, L4-5 in 5 cases, L5-S1 in 2 cases, L4 in one case, and L5 in 2 cases. The assessment of surgical outcomes was conducted with clinical symptoms and radiological findings,including operative time, blood loss. deformity angle, Frankel grade and Kirkaldy-Willis evaluation.ResultsOperation posture: The right lateral position was used for 11 patients and the left lateral position was used for the remaining 4 patients. The average duration of operation for the 15 patients was 270 min. The average intraoperative blood loss was 1720 ml. The mean follow-up period was 4.2 years. There was no recurrence. The postoperative radiological findings showed that the interbody bone grafts were fixed without any dislodgment. There was significant difference between preoperative and postoperative lumbosacral lordotic angles. Kirkaldy-Willis classification rating for the 13 cases with satisfactory results.ConclusionSingle-stage combined anterior and posterior surgical management of lumbosacral tuberculous spondylitis with patient in lateral position can achieve radical focal debridement, anterior and posterior procedure coordination and spinal reconstruction.

Clinical improvement after surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy; A comparison of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures during 12-month follow-up.

Although many patients report clinical improvement after surgery due to degenerative cervical myelopathy, the aim of intervention is to stop progression of spinal cord dysfunction. We wanted to provide estimates and assess achievement rates of Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) at 3- and 12-month follow-up for Neck Disability Index (NDI), Numeric Rating Scale for arm pain (NRS-AP) and neck pain (NRS-NP), Euro-Qol (EQ-5D-3L), and European Myelopathy Score (EMS). 614 degenerative cervical myelopathy patients undergoing surgery responded to Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) prior to, 3 and 12 months after surgery. External criterion was the Global Perceived Effect Scale (1-7), defining MCID as "slightly better", "much better" and "completely recovered". MCID estimates with highest sensitivity and specificity were calculated by Receiver Operating Curves for change and percentage change scores in the whole sample and in anterior and posterior procedural groups. The NDI and NRS-NP percentage change scores were the most accurate PROMs with a MCID of 16%. The change score for NDI and percentage change scores for NDI, NRS-AP and NRS-NP were slightly higher in the anterior procedure group compared to the posterior procedure group, while remaining PROM estimates were similar across procedure type. The MCID achievement rates at 12-month follow-up ranged from 51% in EMS to 62% in NRS-NP. The NDI and NRS-NP percentage change scores were the most accurate PROMs to measure clinical improvement after surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy. We recommend using different cut-off estimates for anterior and posterior approach procedures. A MCID achievement rate of 60% or less must be interpreted in the perspective that the main goal of surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy is to prevent worsening of the condition.

Predictors of good outcome after anterior decompression and fusion in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the thoracic spine

BackgroundThere are few reports concerning determinants of the surgical outcome of anterior decompression and fusion (ADF) when performed for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the thoracic spine (T-OPLL). We investigated prognostic factors associated with neurological recovery in the patients with T-OPLL. MethodsThis retrospective study included consecutive cases of T-OPLL patients from January 2002 to January 2020 and minimum one-year follow-up. Data were collected for sex, age, body mass index, preoperative manual muscle test score for the weakest muscle, surgical data, and preoperative and postoperative findings on radiographs, magnetic resonance images, and computed tomography scans. Imaging data were also collected, including preoperative kyphotic angles, canal occupancy ratio, type of OPLL, and high-intensity areas on T2-weighted images. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score for thoracic myelopathy (T-JOA) was used to evaluate the recovery of the thoracic myelopathy. The patients were categorized according to whether the improvement in T-JOA score was >50% or ≤50%. ResultsForty-six patients who underwent anterior procedures for T-OPLL were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative T-JOA scores were 4.2 ± 2.3 and 7.9 ± 2.1, respectively. The improvement in the T-JOA score was 54.5 ± 25.6%. The proportion of patients with beak-type OPLL was significantly higher in the >50% JOA improvement group (23/27) than in the ≤50% group (9/19) (p = 0.009) and the canal occupancy ratio was significantly lower in the >50% group (56.3 ± 12.2% vs 64.4 ± 8.73%; p = 0.0163). There were no significant between-group differences in other factors. ConclusionsBeak-type ossification and a low canal occupancy ratio are predictors of good outcome after ADF in patients with T-OPLL. ADF should be considered in patients with either or both of these features.