Enhanced recovery following posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A medical and economic study in a French private nonprofit pediatric hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Little data exist on the efficacy of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). HYPOTHESIS: ERAS reduces hospital costs (HC) and length of stay (LOS) without increasing pain or complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective comparative medical and economic study of 2 cohorts of patients who underwent PSF for AIS: a prospective group who underwent surgery with an ERAS protocol without a specially assigned care coordinator from 2020 to 2021 (n=30) and a retrospective group (control) who received standard care from 2017 to 2018 (n=30). The key amendments to the ERAS protocol were reduced preoperative investigations, opioid-sparing analgesia, ambulation starting on postoperative day (POD) 1, early resumption of oral diet, and early transition to oral analgesics. Moreover, an intensive care unit (ICU) stay, surgical drainage, and the postoperative CT scan were no longer routine. The discharge criteria were the same for both groups: normal bowel function, independent walking, pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS)<3 without strong opioids, and no signs of complications. The endpoints were: decreased HC (calculated by subtracting the costs of hospital days and complementary exams that were not carried out) and LOS, complications, and postoperative pain according to the VAS on POD 1, POD 3, and discharge. All means were reported with the standard deviation. RESULTS: The mean age of patients undergoing surgery (14.5±1.7 years), sex ratio, curve type according to the Lenke classification, mean Cobb angle (54±12°), and the number of instrumented vertebrae (9±2) were similar in both groups (p>0.5). The HC decreased on average by 3029€ per patient. The mean LOS was 5±0.9 days in the ERAS group versus 6.5±0.6 days in the control group (p<0.001). The VAS scores on POD 1 and POD 3 were lower in the ERAS group. One postoperative complication was noted in each group. CONCLUSION: Implementing an ERAS protocol without a specifically assigned care coordinator for patients with AIS undergoing PSF significantly decreased HC, LOS, and early postoperative pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; retrospective comparative study.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients aged 65 years or younger: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is offered to young patients with a failed previous arthroplasty or a cuff-deficient shoulder, but the overall results are still uncertain. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to report the midterm outcomes and complications of RSA in patients younger than 65 years. METHODS: A search of the MEDLINE and Cochrane electronic databases identified clinical studies reporting the results, at a minimum 2-year follow-up, of patients younger than 65 years treated with an RSA. The methodologic quality was assessed with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies score by 2 independent reviewers. Complications, reoperations, range of motion, functional scores, and radiologic outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight articles were included, with a total of 417 patients. The mean age at surgery was 56 years (range, 21-65 years). RSA was used as a primary arthroplasty in 79% of cases and revision of a failed arthroplasty in 21%. In primary cases, the indications were cuff tear arthropathy and/or massive irreparable cuff tear in 72% of cases. The overall complication rate was 17% (range, 7%-38%), with the most common complications being instability (5%) and infection (4%). The reintervention rate was 10% at 4 years, with implant revision in 7% of cases. The mean weighted American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, active forward elevation, and external rotation were 64 points, 121°, and 29°, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RSA provides reliable clinical improvements in patients younger than 65 years with a cuff-deficient shoulder or failed arthroplasty. The complication and revision rates are comparable to those in older patients.