Pre-existing vertebral fracture is a risk factor for postoperative proximal junctional fracture after adult spinal deformity surgery: A propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Corrective surgery for adult spinal deformity has recently been increasingly performed because of aging populations and advances in minimally invasive surgery. Low bone mineral density is a major contributor to proximal junctional kyphosis after spinal long fusion. Assessment for low bone mineral density ideally involves both dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and identification of pre-existing vertebral fractures, the latter, requiring only standard equipment, being performed more frequently. We therefore aimed to examine the impact of pre-existing vertebral fractures on the incidence of type 2 proximal junctional kyphosis, including proximal junctional fracture and failure, after corrective surgery for adult spinal deformity. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, single institution study of 106 women aged over 50 years who had undergone corrective long spinal fusion for severely symptomatic spinal deformity from 2014 to 2017. We allocated them to three groups (with and without pre-existing vertebral fractures and with severe [Grades 2-3 according to Genant et al.'s classification] preexisting vertebral fractures) and used propensity score matching to minimize bias. The primary outcome was postoperative proximal junctional fracture and the secondary outcome proximal junctional kyphosis/failure. RESULTS: The primary and secondary endpoints were achieved significantly more often in the 28 patients with than in the 78 without preexisting vertebral fractures (total 41). The former group was also significantly older and had greater pelvic tilt and fewer fused segments than those without vertebral fractures. After propensity score matching, the incidences of the endpoints did not differ with pre-existing vertebral fracture status; however, patients with severe vertebral fractures more frequently had proximal junctional fractures postoperatively. Postoperative improvements in health-related quality of life scores did not differ with pre-existing vertebral fracture status. CONCLUSIONS: Severe pre-existing vertebral fractures are a risk factor for proximal junctional fracture after correction of adult spinal deformity.

Effect of long spinal fusion including the pelvis on activities of daily living related to lumbar spinal function in adults with spinal deformity.

BACKGROUND: Spinal sagittal malalignment is managed by long spinal fusion including the pelvis, which reduces lumbar spine range of motion and impairs the activities of daily living. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in activities of daily living after long spinal fusion in adults with spinal deformity, and clarify the improvement or deterioration in the specific activities of daily living postoperatively. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 40 adults who underwent long spinal fusion in a single institution between 2014 and 2016 (female/male, 39/1; mean age, 68.5 years; range, 52-79 years). Each patient undertook three self-assessed health-related quality of life measures preoperatively and again at 2-years postoperatively: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association back pain evaluation questionnaire (JOABPEQ). Radiographic outcomes were measured preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Total ODI and all SRS-22 domains were improved at 2 years postoperatively. The JOABPEQ scores were also improved in all domains, except lumbar function. The change in pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis correlated with improvements in total ODI, SRS-22 function, and self-image scores. At 2 years postoperatively, satisfaction was correlated with total ODI, all SRS-22 domains, and the JOABPEQ pain domain. Subclass analysis of the JOABPEQ lumbar function domain at 2 years postoperatively revealed that 65% of patients had difficulty 'putting on socks or stockings', 42% had great difficulty 'bending forward, kneeling, or stooping', 32% reported improvement in 'sit to stand', and 32% reported deterioration in 'putting on socks or stockings' after surgery compared with before surgery. The JOABPEQ lumbar function domain was not correlated with the SRS-22 satisfaction domain. CONCLUSIONS: Despite restricting lumbar function, spinopelvic fusion improves health-related quality of life. Surgeons and patients should discuss potential changes and limitations in the activities of daily living after long spinal fusion including the pelvis.

Performance of Forward Roll Maneuvers Following Corrective Spinal Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Fusion surgeries for scoliosis patients are believed to deteriorate sports performance; in particular, forward roll should deteriorate, but no literature is available to substantiate this claim. HYPOTHESIS: The extent of postoperative deterioration can vary according to surgery type or curve type. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Idiopathic scoliosis patients between 10 and 29 years of age who underwent correction and fusion surgeries at our hospital were included in this study. Forward roll was recorded on video preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively. Performances were evaluated twice on a 10-point scale by two blinded examiners. Preoperative and 1-year postoperative upright spinal radiographs were analyzed for the Lenke classification, number of fused vertebrae, upper and lower instrumented vertebrae, major curve Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and surgical procedures. RESULTS: The average age was 16 years. Curve types according to the Lenke classification were: 15, type 1; 5, type 2; 14, type 5; 2, type 6. The mean number of fused vertebrae was 6.9 (3.2 for anterior surgeries and 9.3 for posterior surgeries). The mean preoperative assessment of forward roll was 9.6 points, and the 1-year postoperative assessment was lower at 8.8 points. Cluster analysis classified patients into 3 groups: long fusion with marked performance deterioration (C1), long fusion with minimal deterioration (C2), and short fusion with minimal deterioration (C3). The upper and lower instrumented vertebrae in C1 were more distal than those in C2. CONCLUSION: Patients with thoracic curves were classified into two groups, and patients who underwent surgeries with more distal upper and lower instrumented vertebra levels exhibited lower postoperative performance. However, patients with Lenke 5 curves who underwent anterior surgery showed better preoperative performance than other patients who underwent posterior surgery, showing minimal postoperative deterioration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III;Therapeutic Study.

Stomal stenosis during gradual closure of a traumatic abdominal wall hernia.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic abdominal wall hernias are often accompanied by intra-abdominal injuries, and a stoma may be required. Although rare, stomal stenosis can develop after the repair of a traumatic abdominal wall hernia. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 65-year-old woman was in a head-on collision with a truck and was brought by ambulance to our facility. The findings of a physical examination and computed tomography scan suggested bowel perforation for which exploratory surgery was performed. The lacerated small bowel and sigmoid colon were resected and an ileostomy and colostomy were created. Abdominal wall reconstruction was impossible because of the large defect size. Repair of the abdominal wall was achieved by gradual closure of the fascia after surgery in combination with negative pressure wound therapy. Stenosis of the ileostomy occurred during this process and was surgically repaired. DISCUSSION: We reconstructed the abdominal wall using negative pressure wound therapy in combination with sutures while minimizing the risk of abdominal compartment syndrome. This approach did not increase the intra-abdominal pressure, but it deformed the abdominal wall, resulting in unexpected stenosis of the ostomy. CONCLUSION: Gradual postoperative closure of a traumatic abdominal wall hernia with an ostomy in place may result in stomal stenosis. Stomal patency must be carefully evaluated during this process.