Spinal Deformity Correction Surgery Research Articles

Machine learning applications in adult spinal deformity corrective surgery: a narrative review

Machine learning applications in adult spinal deformity corrective surgery: a narrative review

Machine Learning Applications in Adult Spinal Deformity Corrective Surgery: A Narrative Review

Machine Learning Applications in Adult Spinal Deformity Corrective Surgery: A Narrative Review

P132. Alignment schematic impact on complications and outcomes in adult spinal deformity corrective surgery

P132. Alignment schematic impact on complications and outcomes in adult spinal deformity corrective surgery

P176. Waiting on a response: a full-body analysis of patients maintaining pelvic compensation following adult spinal deformity corrective surgery

P176. Waiting on a response: a full-body analysis of patients maintaining pelvic compensation following adult spinal deformity corrective surgery

P149. Optimal octogenarians: which elderly patients best tolerate adult spinal deformity corrective surgery?

P149. Optimal octogenarians: which elderly patients best tolerate adult spinal deformity corrective surgery?

Perioperative Benefits of a 3D Printed Spine Biomodel in the Setting of Congenital Scoliosis Surgery

The spine community is continuously adding to its armamentarium of intraoperative techniques for visualization and instrumentation of the spine. Recently, three-dimensional printed spine models were introduced for use in preoperative planning, surgical simulation, and intraoperative guidance. We present a 14-year old African male with congenital kyphoscoliosis, small stature, an obvious gibbus deformity and coronal imbalance, who underwent a three-staged posterior surgical correction procedure, during which a 3D-printed spine biomodel was utilized for better appreciation of his complex spinal deformity patho-anatomy. During the first stage of the procedure, he developed diminished lower extremity motor strength bilaterally and bowel/bladder control, but, following his third stage procedure and with focused rehabilitation efforts, he has regained full control of his bowel and bladder function, and is able to ambulate and perform activities of daily living independently, albeit still requiring intermittent walking support with a single forearm crutch due to residual left leg weakness. The 3D spine biomodel functioned successfully as a valuable tool and surrogate anatomic blueprint for the surgeons, enabling adequate appreciation of the complex bony anatomy which could not be easily resolved on the conventionally available imaging modalities, intraoperative navigation or robotic platform. Theoretically, up to $2900 USD in savings, translated from the mean estimated time saved per procedure with the use 3D-printed spine models has been proposed in some studies. Therefore, 3D-printed spine models have utility in complex spinal deformity correction surgery.

Durability of substantial clinical benefit leading to optimal outcomes in adult spinal deformity corrective surgery: a minimum 5-year analysis.

The objective was to evaluate factors associated with the long-term durability of outcomes in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients. Operative ASD patients fused from at least L1 to the sacrum with baseline (BL) to 5-year (5Y) follow-up were included. Substantial clinical benefit (SCB) in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), numeric rating scale (NRS)-back, NRS-leg, and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22r scores and physical component score were assessed on the basis of previously published values. Factors were evaluated on the basis of meeting optimal outcomes (OO) at 2 years (2+) and 5 years (5+). Furthermore, 2+ patients were isolated and evaluated on the basis of meeting OO at 5 years (2+5+) or not at 5 years (2+5-). OO were defined as follows: no reoperation, major mechanical failure, proximal junctional failure, and meeting either 1) SCB in terms of ODI score (decrease > 18.8) or 2) ODI < 15 and SRS-22r total > 4.5. In total, 330 ASD patients met the inclusion criteria, with 45.5% meeting SCB for ODI at 2 years, while 46.0% met SCB at 5 years; 79% of those who achieved 2-year (2Y) SCB went on to achieve 5Y SCB. This rate was lower for OO, with 41% achieving 2Y OO (2+), while 37% met 5Y OO (5+) and 80% of 2+ patients had durable outcomes until 5+ (32% of the total cohort). Of the patient factors, frailty was significantly different among groups at 2 years, while comorbidity burden was significantly different at 5 years and the combination thereof differed in those with durable outcomes. Those who regained their level of activity postoperatively had 4 times higher odds of maintaining OO from 2 years to 5 years (p < 0.05). Osteoporosis rates, although equivocal at BL, were higher at the last follow-up in those who met 2Y OO but failed to meet 5Y OO. The odds of achieving OO at 5 years in 2+ patients decreased by 47% for each additional comorbidity and decreased by 74% in those who had lower-extremity paresthesias at BL (both p < 0.05). Controlling for patient factors and BL disability found fewer levels fused, decreased correction of sagittal vertical axis, and increased correction of pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch to be predictive of maintaining 2Y OO until 5 years (p < 0.05). SCB was met in 46% of ASD patients at 5 years. The durability of OO was seen in a third of patients until 5 years postoperatively. Higher rates of medical complications were seen in those who failed to achieve and maintain OO until 5 years. Frailty and comorbidity burden were significant factors associated with the achievement and durability of OO until 5 years.

Should the pelvis be included? An analysis of distal junctional failure risk factors in correcting adult spinal deformity in women with fusion to L5.

To identify the risk factors for distal junctional failure (DJF) in women treated for adult spine deformity with fusion to L5 and to highlight the significance of preoperative assessment, surgical decision-making, and postoperative care. This is a retrospective study of data collected prospectively on the local institutional spine surgery registry (2016-2021). All patients, women older than 18 years, with a diagnosis of adult spine deformity who underwent long posterior instrumentation to L5 and had a minimum of 2-years follow-up were included in the study (two groups: with or without DJF). Demographic and radiographic data, corrective strategy, preoperative level of degeneration at L5/S1 and GAP score were compared between the two groups. Forty-eight patients (n = 48) satisfied eligibility criteria. At two-years follow-up, nine patients (18,7%) developed a DJF that required surgical revision. Thirty-nine patients did not present distal junctional complications. Patients with or without DJF showed significant differences in terms of preoperative spinopelvic parameters (PT: 28°± 6° vs. 23°± 9°, p-value 0.05; DJF group vs. not DJF) and degeneration of L5-S1 (Pfirmann grade L5-S1 disc 3.7 ± 1.0 vs. 2.6 ± 0.8, p-value 0.001; DJF group vs. not DJF) (L5-S1 Facet joint Osteoarthritis 3.1 ± 0.8 vs.2.4 ± 0.8, p-value 0.023; DJF group vs. not DJF). DJF following spinal deformity correction surgery is influenced by a combination of patient-related, surgical and implant-related factors. Fusion construct length, preoperative and postoperative sagittal alignment and the grade of degeneration of the distal disc have been identified as significant risk factors. Surgeons should carefully evaluate these factors and employ appropriate strategies.

Impact of Spinal Surgery on Intrathecal Nusinersen Injections in Pediatric Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Complex spinal deformities necessitate surgical interventions that may intervene with intrathecal injections in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This study aimed to determine the effect of spinal deformity correction surgery on nusinersen administration. Pediatric patients with SMA, operated by a single surgeon, either via magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) or definitive fusion (DF) with skip instrumentation, were evaluated retrospectively in terms of safety and feasibility of intrathecal injections. Patients' and their parents' perspectives were evaluated through a questionnaire regarding any shift in the setting of injections. Fourteen patients with 15 spinal surgeries (10 MCGR and 5 DF) were included. Eleven patients received intrathecal treatment both before and after the surgery. Preoperative (n=3) and postoperative (n=9) fluoroscopic guidance was required leading to a shift in the application settings in 6 patients. Of 106 preoperative injections, 15% required fluoroscopy and 2% required anesthesia. Postoperatively, of 88 injections, 73% required fluoroscopy and 26% required anesthesia. No patients discontinued intrathecal injections due to technical difficulties associated with the spinal surgery. This study demonstrates that spinal surgery does not prevent safe and successful intrathecal nusinersen injections. In the DF group, the skip instrumentation technique provided access to interlaminal space for intrathecal injections. In either surgical group, no further auxillary approach was required. Modifications in the injection technique require an institutional approach, and concerns of patients and their families should be addressed accordingly. IV.

Development of Consensus-Based Best Practice Guidelines for the Peri- and Post-operative Care of Pediatric Patients with Spinal Deformity and Programmable Implanted Devices

Study Design. Modified Delphi consensus study. Objective. To develop consensus-based best practices for the care of pediatric patients who have implanted programmable devices (IPDs) and require spinal deformity surgery. Summary of Background Data. Implanted programmable devices (IPDs) are often present in patients with neuromuscular or syndromic scoliosis who require spine surgery. Guidelines for monitoring and interrogating these devices during the peri-operative period are not available. Methods. A panel was assembled consisting of 25 experts (i.e., spinal deformity surgeons, neurosurgeons, neuro-electrophysiologists, cardiologists, and otolaryngologists). Initial postulates were based on literature review and results from a prior survey. Postulates addressed the following IPDs: vagal nerve stimulators (VNS), programmable ventriculo-peritoneal shunts (VPS), intrathecal baclofen pumps (ITBP), cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD), deep brain stimulators (DBS), and cochlear implants. Cardiologist and otolaryngologists participants responded only to postulates on cardiac pacemakers or cochlear implants, respectively. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement, items that did not reach consensus were revised and included in subsequent rounds. A total of three survey rounds and one virtual meeting were conducted. Results. Consensus was reached on 39 total postulates across six IPD types. Postulates addressed general spine surgery considerations, use of intraoperative monitoring and cautery, use of magnetically-controlled growing rods (MCGRs), and use of an external remote controller to lengthen MCGRs. Across IPD types, consensus for the final postulates ranged from 94.4-100%. Overall, experts agreed that MCGRs can be surgically inserted and lengthened in patients with a variety of IPDs and provided guidance for the use of intraoperative monitoring and cautery, which varied between IPD types. Conclusion. Spinal deformity correction surgery often benefits from the use of intraoperative monitoring, monopolar and bipolar cautery, and MCGRs. Final postulates from this study can inform the peri- and post-operative practices of spinal deformity surgeons who treat patients with both scoliosis and IPDs. Level of Evidence. V- Expert opinion

The Incremental Clinical Benefit of Adding Layers of Complexity to the Planning and Execution of Adult Spinal Deformity Corrective Surgery.

For patients with surgical adult spinal deformity (ASD), our understanding of alignment has evolved, especially in the last 20 years. Determination of optimal restoration of alignment and spinal shape has been increasingly studied, yet the assessment of how these alignment schematics have incrementally added benefit to outcomes remains to be evaluated. Patients with ASD with baseline and 2-year were included, classified by 4 alignment measures: Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-Schwab, Age-Adjusted, Roussouly, and Global Alignment and Proportion (GAP). The incremental benefits of alignment schemas were assessed in chronological order as our understanding of optimal alignment progressed. Alignment was considered improved from baseline based on SRS-Schwab 0 or decrease in severity, Age-Adjusted ideal match, Roussouly current (based on sacral slope) matching theoretical (pelvic incidence-based), and decrease in proportion. Patients separated into 4 first improving in SRS-Schwab at 2-year, second Schwab improvement and matching Age-Adjusted, third two prior with Roussouly, and fourth improvement in all four. Comparison was accomplished with means comparison tests and χ2 analyses. Sevenhundredthirty-two. patients met inclusion. SRS-Schwab BL: pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch (++:32.9%), sagittal vertical axis (++: 23%), pelvic tilt (++:24.6%). 640 (87.4%) met criteria for first, 517 (70.6%) second, 176 (24%) third, and 55 (7.5%) fourth. The addition of Roussouly (third) resulted in lower rates of mechanical complications and proximal junctional kyphosis (48.3%) and higher rates of meeting minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for physical component summary and SRS-Mental (P < .05) compared with the second. Fourth compared with the third had higher rates of MCID for ODI (44.2% vs third: 28.3%, P = .011) and SRS-Appearance (70.6% vs 44.8%, P < .001). Mechanical complications and proximal junctional kyphosis were lower with the addition of Roussouly (P = .024), while the addition of GAP had higher rates of meeting MCID for SRS-22 Appearance (P = .002) and Oswestry Disability Index (P = .085). Our evaluation of the incremental benefit that alignment schemas have provided in ASD corrective surgery suggests that the addition of Roussouly provided the greatest reduction in mechanical complications, while the incorporation of GAP provided the most significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes.

Delayed presentation of Wilkie’s syndrome after scoliotic curve correction surgery: a case report

BackgroundSuperior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie’s syndrome, is a rare but serious complication following scoliosis correction surgery. It occurs as a result of mechanical compression of third part of duodenum between the SMA and aorta. This condition occurs most commonly in significantly underweight patients with deformities, and usually during the first week following spinal deformity corrective surgeries. The angle between the abdominal aorta and the SMA gets reduced following spinal lengthening during deformity correction surgery causing compression of third part of duodenum resulting in development of SMA syndrome.Case presentation.We present a case of 17-year-old male with congenital scoliosis with a 70-degree scoliotic curve who underwent spinal deformity correction surgery with posterior instrumented fusion. Post-operative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged after suture removal on post-operative day 15. The patient presented after 21-days of symptom onset on post-operative-day 51, with a 3 week history of post-prandial vomiting, abdominal pain and distension which resulted in rapid weight loss of 11 kg. A CT-angiogram showed obstruction at third part of duodenum. After reviewing clinical and radiological profile of the patient, a diagnosis of SMA syndrome was made. Conservative management was tried, but due to rapid deterioration of patient condition and symptoms of complete intestinal obstruction, the patient was treated surgically by gastro-jejunostomy and side-to-side jejuno-jejunostomy, which improved his condition.ConclusionSMA syndrome can occur much later than previously reported cases and with potentially life-threatening symptoms following scoliosis correction. Having a high index of suspicion, early recognition of condition and institution of appropriate treatment are essential to prevent occurrence of severe complications including risk of intestinal perforation and mortality. This case highlights management of delayed onset of SMA syndrome, with presentation further delayed after symptom onset, as is common in developing parts of the world, due to limited availability and accessibility of resources, and low socio-economic status of large segments of the population.

Highest Achievable Outcomes for Adult Spinal Deformity Corrective Surgery: Does Frailty Severity Exert a Ceiling Effect?

Retrospective single-center study. To assess the influence of frailty on optimal outcome following ASD corrective surgery. Frailty is a determining factor in outcomes after ASD surgery and may exert a ceiling effect on the best possible outcome. ASD patients with frailty measures, baseline, and 2-year ODI included. Frailty was classified as Not Frail (NF), Frail (F) and Severely Frail (SF) based on the modified Frailty Index, then stratified into quartiles based on two-year ODI improvement (most improved designated "Highest"). Logistic regression analyzed relationships between frailty and ODI score and improvement, maintenance, or deterioration. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze differences in time to complication or reoperation. A total of 393 ASD patients were isolated (55.2% NF, 31.0% F, and 13.7% SF), then classified as 12.5% NF-Highest, 17.8% F-Highest, and 3.1% SF-Highest. The SF group had the highest rate of deterioration (16.7%, P =0.025) in the second postoperative year, but the groups were similar in improvement (NF: 10.1%, F: 11.5%, SF: 9.3%, P =0.886). Improvement of SF patients was greatest at six months (ΔODI of -22.6±18.0, P <0.001), but NF and F patients reached maximal ODI at 2 years (ΔODI of -15.7±17.9 and -20.5±18.4, respectively). SF patients initially showed the greatest improvement in ODI (NF: -4.8±19.0, F: -12.4±19.3, SF: -22.6±18.0 at six months, P <0.001). A Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed a trend of less time to major complication or reoperation by 2 years with increasing frailty (NF: 7.5±0.381 yr, F: 6.7±0.511 yr, SF: 5.8±0.757 yr; P =0.113). Increasing frailty had a negative effect on maximal improvement, where severely frail patients exhibited a parabolic effect with greater initial improvement due to higher baseline disability, but reached a ceiling effect with less overall maximal improvement. Severe frailty may exert a ceiling effect on improvement and impair maintenance of improvement following surgery. Level III.

326 Factors Associated With the Maintenance of Cost-Effectiveness at 5 Years in Adult Spinal Deformity Corrective Surgery

INTRODUCTION: Substantial increase of costs in the surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity has given precedence to scrutinize the value it can provide hence cost-effectiveness (CE) is a vital analytical constituent. The analysis of factors associated with the durability of cost-effectiveness at 5 years has not been previously evaluated. METHODS: Adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients with baseline (BL) to 5-year (5Y) data were included. Cost calculation using PearlDiver database and CMS.gov definitions was used. Cost analysis was based on average DRG reimbursement rates. ODI was converted to SF-6D, with a 3% discount applied for residual decline in life expectancy. Cost per QALY gained at 2Y and 5Y was calculated. Threshold value for cost per QALY was $100,000. Patients that met 2Y (CE2+) were grouped based on meeting CE at 5Y(CE5+) or not(CE5-). Analysis based on meeting cost-effectiveness (CE) at 2Y and 5Y was conducted. Conditional-inference-tree (CIT) established cutoffs values for HRQLs. RESULTS: 299 patients with 5Y data were included. Major and minor complication rates were 11% and 47% respectively, while 26% underwent reoperation by 5Y. The mean cost of surgery was $91,095 ± $47,003, utility-gain of 0.091 ± 0.086, and QALY of 0.171 ± 0.183, CE of $118,976 ± $208,323. 85.5% of the cohort met CE at 2Y, 79.2% at 5Y, whereas 59.6% met both. Frailty was comparable at baseline but was worse in CE5- at 2Y. CIT depicted 2Y ODI &lt; 18 and SRS-22r &gt; 3.3 (both p &lt; 0.03) being associated with higher rates of C5+. Multivariable-regression depicted higher baseline CCI and pelvic tilt (PT) to be the strongest baseline predictors of not maintaining CE at 5Y (CCI OR: 1.821, p = 0.009) (PT OR: 1.079, p = .030). CONCLUSIONS: The majority that met cost-effectiveness at the 2 year went on to maintain it at 5 years. Lower baseline CCI and PT were strong predictive factors.

168 Sustenance of Substantial Clinical Benefit in Adult Spinal Deformity Corrective Surgery Patients: A Minimum 5-Year Outcomes Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Clinical outcomes for adult spinal deformity patients has been extensively reported on, however factors associated with sustaining two year (2Y) substantial clinical benefit (SCB) till five year (5Y) remains unclear. METHODS: ASD patients fused from at least L1 to sacrum with 5Y postoperative data were included. Good Outcome(GO) was defined as: no reoperation, mechanical failure, proximal junctional failure(PJF) based on Lafage criteria, and [meeting either: (1) SCB for Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)(decrease of &gt;18.8), or (2) ODI &lt;15 and Scoliosis Research Society(SRS-22r) Total&gt;4.5]. Multivariable analysis controlled for age, BMI, CCI, frailty, deformity, HRQLs, and surgical variations. RESULTS: 330 ASD patients were included. 42% achieved GO at 2Y(2+) while 47% at 5Y(5+) did. 71% of 2+ cohort attained 5+. In 2- cohort, 29% achieved 5+. Isolating 2+ cohort, assessing 5+ vs 5-: 5- had greater SVA deformity at 5Y (p &lt; .05). Regaining the level of activity postoperatively was associated with 4x higher odds of maintaining GO from 2Y to 5Y (p &lt; .05). The odds of achieving GO at 5Y in 2+ decreased by 47% for each additional comorbidity and decreased by 74% in those that had lower extremity paresthesias at BL (both p &lt; .05). Decreased number of levels fused, decreased correction in SVA and increased correction in PI-LL to be predictive of sustaining 2Y GO till 5Y (all p &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 47% had substantial clinical benefit till 5Y. While 71% of patients at 2Y sustained good clinical outcome till 5Y, major contributors to its loss were adjacent segment changes and rod fracture. The odds of achieving SCB till 5Y decreased by nearly 50% for each additional comorbidity. Decreased levels fused along with decreased correction of SVA and increased correction in PI-LL were predictive of optimal sustaining of clinical outcomes.

1073 Prone Transpsoas (PTP)-LLIF Approach Versus Standard LLIF in Patients Undergoing Surgical Revision Following Adult Spinal Deformity Correction Surgery

INTRODUCTION: Both the prone transpsoas (PTP) and standard LLIF have been developed to facilitate minimally invasive (MIS) indirect decompression, alignment correction, and posterior instrumentation. METHODS: A multi-center cohort of all patients was identified and all relevant data were retrospectively collected. Preoperative standing 36” scoliosis radiographs were retrospectively reviewed for pelvic incidence (PI), lumbar lordosis (LL), and PI minus LL (PI-LL mismatch). Postoperative regional sagittal alignment parameters were measured using the first postoperative standing 36” scoliosis radiographs. Finally, multivariable analysis was performed to assess the primary outcome measure: postoperative change in regional sagittal alignment (PI-LL mismatch). RESULTS: Two-hundred and two (n = 202) patients were retrospectively identified and included for formal analysis. One-hundred and fifty one (n = 151, 74.8%) of the patients underwent PTP revision while 51 (25.2%) underwent standard LLIF revision. Univariate analysis demonstrated a greater value for baseline mean pre-operative PI-LL mismatch in the PTP versus standard LLIF cohort (21.4 vs. 10.45°; p = 0.0001). Furthermore, multiple linear regression demonstrated that the PTP approach enabled significantly greater PI-LL mismatch change (p = 0.0017) and that this change was associated with the number of levels fused (p = 0.0481) as well as percutaneous (vs. open) screw placement (p = 0.0193). Finally, multiple logistic regression identified standard LLIF (p = 0.0378), female sex (p &lt; 0.0001), non-osteoporotic bone density (p &lt; 0.0001), and younger age (p &lt; 0.0001) as predictive of postoperative PI-LL mismatch &lt; 10° (the threshold under which such mismatch is no longer regarded as clinically significant deformity). CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately, PTP-LLIF was associated with greater net improvement in postoperative PI-LL mismatch, the primary outcome measure of this study. The present retrospective analysis therefore corroborated results of previous studies in suggesting that the utility of PTP-LLIF is translatable to ASD revision surgery.

Factors Associated with the Maintenance of Cost-Effectiveness at 5 Years in Adult Spinal Deformity Corrective Surgery.

Retrospective cohort. To evaluate factors associated with the long-term durability of cost-effectiveness (CE) in ASD patients. A substantial increase in costs associated with the surgical treatment for adult spinal deformity (ASD) has given precedence to scrutinize the value and utility it provides. We included 327 operative ASD patients with 5-year (5Y) follow-up. Published methods were used to determine costs based on CMS.gov definitions and were based on the average DRG reimbursement rates. Utility was calculated using quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) utilizing the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) converted to Short-Form Six-Dimension (SF-6D), with a 3% discount applied for its decline with life expectancy. The CE threshold of $150,000 was used for primary analysis. Major and minor complication rates were 11% and 47% respectively, with 26% undergoing reoperation by 5Y. The mean cost associated with surgery was $91,095±$47,003, with a utility gain of 0.091±0.086 at 1Y, QALY gained at 2Y of 0.171±0.183, and at 5Y of 0.42±0.43. The cost per QALY at 2Y was $414,885, which decreased to $142,058 at 5Y.With the threshold of $150,000 for CE, 19% met CE at 2Y and 56% at 5Y. In those in which revision was avoided, 87% met cumulative CE till life expectancy. Controlling analysis depicted higher baseline CCI and pelvic tilt (PT) to be the strongest predictors for not maintaining durable CE to 5Y (CCI OR: 1.821 [1.159-2.862], P=0.009) (PT OR: 1.079 [1.007-1.155], P=0.030). Most patients achieved cost-effectiveness after four years postoperatively, with 56% meeting at five years postoperatively. When revision was avoided, 87% of patients met cumulative cost-effectiveness till life expectancy. Mechanical complications were predictive of failure to achieve cost-effectiveness at 2Y, while comorbidity burden and medical complications were at 5Y.

Correlation analysis and clinical significance of changes in upper thoracic vertebra tilt and clavicle angle pre- and post-operation.

The imbalance of the lateral shoulder is reflected by the clavicle angle (CA) in radiology. It remains unclear how to achieve postoperative lateral shoulder balance (LSB) after spinal deformity correction surgery. A retrospective analysis was conducted on AIS patients who underwent surgery by the same spine surgeon at our hospital from 2016 to 2020. A total of 110 patients with spinal deformity were included in the study to verify the correlation between the T1-T5 tilt angle and CA before and after surgery, as well as the relation-ship between the change in T1-T5 tilt angle before and after surgery and the change in CA before and after surgery. By comparing the correlation coefficients, it was found that there may not be a direct relationship between the pre- and postoperative tilt angles of T1-5 and CA, but their changes were closely related to the changes in CA. The change in T1 tilt angle after orthopaedic surgery was significantly correlated with the change in CA, with a correlation coefficient of 0.976, indicating a close relationship between T1 and the clavicle. As the vertebrae moved down, the correlation gradually decreased. In summary, this study suggests that there is a close relationship between T1-T5 and the clavicle and that the change in T1 tilt angle after spinal scoliosis correction surgery is significantly correlated with CA, which decreases as the vertebra moves down.

Prospective Validation of the Spinal Cord Shape Classification System in the Prediction of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Data Loss: Assessing the Risk of Spinal Cord Data Loss During Spinal Deformity Correction.

The Spinal Cord Shape Classification System (SCSCS) class has been associated with spinal cord monitoring data loss during spinal deformity surgery. The objective of the current study was to prospectively validate the SCSCS as a predictor of spinal cord monitoring data loss during spinal deformity surgery. A prospective cohort study of consecutive patients who were undergoing primary deformity surgery at a single institution from 2018 to 2023 and whose major curve was in the spinal cord region was undertaken. Spinal cord morphology at the apex of the major curve on preoperative axial T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was used to categorize patients into 3 spinal cord shape types based on the SCSCS. The primary outcome was intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) data loss related to spinal cord dysfunction. Demographics and surgical and radiographic variables were compared between patients with IONM data loss and those without loss. Predictors of IONM loss were determined using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. A total of 256 patients (168 adult, 88 pediatric) were included and were separated into 3 SCSCS types: 110 (43.0%) with Type I, 105 (41.0%) with Type II, and 41 (16.0%) with Type III. IONM loss was observed in 30 (11.7%) of the 256 patients, including 7 (6.4%) of 110 with SCSCS Type I, 7 (6.7%) of 105 with Type II, and 16 (39.0%) of 41 with Type III. IONM loss was associated with SCSCS Type III, the preoperative deformity angular ratio, performance of 3-column osteotomies, greater operative time, greater transfusion volume, and greater postoperative sagittal corrections. SCSCS type was the strongest independent predictor of IONM data loss. SCSCS Type III had the greatest odds of IONM loss (odds ratio [OR] = 6.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.45 to 18.23 compared with Types I and II combined). The overall predictive performance with respect to IONM loss (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.827) was considered excellent. This prospective cohort study of patients undergoing spinal deformity correction confirmed that patients with a Type-III spinal cord shape had greater odds of IONM loss. Inclusion of the SCSCS in preoperative risk stratification and intraoperative management of spinal deformity corrective surgery is recommended. Prognostic Level II . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Post-operative C-reactive protein and white blood cells changes pattern following spinal deformity surgery and its clinical correlation

ObjectiveFollowing the changing pattern of post-operative CRP and WBC counts and compare them to the patient’s clinical condition to find which one is better for early detection of early infection.MethodsA total of 50 patients who underwent spinal deformity correction surgery without clinical signs of infection such as fever, wound redness, or discharge were enrolled in this prospective study. The C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) counts were measured the 2nd and 7th post-operative days. We try to detect the type of correlation between both CRP and WBCs level and clinical condition of patient regarding wound local condition.ResultsAll cases showed high CRP by the 2nd day post-operative which decreased significantly but not reaching normal levels even by the 7th day. All cases showed elevated WBCs count by the 2nd day which decreased to normal levels by the 3rd day in 86% of patients, and by the 7th day, 94% of cases showed normal levels. In addition, WBCs in the 2nd day post-operative significantly positive correlated with fusion level and operative time. There was no significant correlation between WBCs and blood transfusion or age. No significant correlation between CRP and number of fusion levels, blood transfusion nor operative time.ConclusionWBCs count returned earlier to normal levels than CRP in our cases, so monitoring early changes in the 1st week in WBCs count pattern is more indicative of an ongoing infectious process.