Adult spinal deformity patients revised for pseudarthrosis have comparable two-year outcomes to those not undergoing any revision surgery.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate whether adult spinal deformity patients undergoing revision for symptomatic pseudarthrosis have comparable two-year outcomes as patients who do not experience pseudarthrosis. METHODS: Patients whose indexed procedure was revision for pseudarthrosis (pseudo) were compared with patients who underwent a primary procedure and did not have pseudarthrosis by 2Y post-op (non-pseudo). Patients were propensity-matched (PSM) based on baseline (BL) sagittal alignment, specifically C7SVA and CrSVA-Hip. Key outcomes were 2Y PROs (SRS and ODI) and reoperation. All patients had a minimum follow-up period of two years. RESULTS: A total of 224 patients with min 2-year FU were included (pseudo = 42, non-pseudo = 182). Compared to non-pseudo, pseudo-patients were more often female (P = 0.0018) and had worse BL sagittal alignment, including T1PA (P = 0.02], C2-C7 SVA [P = 0.0002], and CrSVA-Hip [P = 0.004]. After 37 PSM pairs were generated, there was no significant difference in demographics, BL and 2Y alignment, or operative/procedural variables. PSM pairs did not report any significantly different PROs at BL. Consistently, at 2Y, there were no significant differences in PROs, including SRS function [3.9(0.2) vs 3.7(0.2), P = 0.44], pain [4.0 (0.2) vs. 3.57 (0.2), P = 0.12], and ODI [25.7 (5.2) vs 27.7 (3.7), P = 0.76]. There were no differences in 1Y (10.8% vs 10.8%, P > 0.99) and 2Y (13.2% vs 15.8%, P = 0.64) reoperation, PJK rate (2.6% vs 10.5%, P = 0.62), or implant failure (2.6% vs 10.5%, P = 0.37). Notably, only 2 patients (5.4%) had recurrent pseudarthrosis following revision. Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that patients undergoing intervention for pseudarthrosis had comparable overall reoperation-free survival (log-rank test, χ2 = 0.1975 and P = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing revision for pseudarthrosis have comparable PROs and clinical outcomes as patients who never experienced pseudarthrosis. Recurrence of symptomatic pseudarthrosis was infrequent.

Revision of Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Reasons, Treatments, and Clinical Management with Case Examples.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a curvature of the spine that develops in children ages 10-18 and can be attributed to unknown causes. The Lenke AIS classification system provides a template to classify these deformities by curve type paired with recommended operative treatments. Treatment of this patient population has been associated with low complication rates and overall surgical success. Nonetheless, a fraction of patients remain susceptible to revision surgery. This manuscript will focus on the aspects of AIS surgery, highlighting case examples, the different treatment approaches, complication rates, and primary reasons for revision surgery and associated outcomes.

Impact of Teriparatide on Complications and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Long Spinal Fusion According to Bone Density.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) poses substantial risks, including the development of symptomatic pseudarthrosis, which is twice as prevalent among patients with osteoporosis compared with those with normal bone mineral density (BMD). Limited data exist on the impact of teriparatide, an osteoanabolic compound, in limiting the rates of reoperation and pseudarthrosis after treatment of spinal deformity in patients with osteoporosis. METHODS: Osteoporotic patients on teriparatide (OP-T group) were compared with patients with osteopenia (OPE group) and those with normal BMD. OP-T patients were matched with OPE patients and patients with normal BMD at a 1:2:2 ratio. All patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up and underwent posterior spinal fusion (PSF) involving >7 instrumented levels. The primary outcome was the 2-year reoperation rate. Secondary outcomes included pseudarthrosis with or without implant failure, proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), and changes in patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Clinical outcomes were analyzed using conditional logistic regression. Changes in PROs were analyzed using a mixed-effects model. RESULTS: Five hundred and forty patients (52.6% normal BMD, 32.9% OPE, 14.4% OP-T) were included. In the unmatched cohort, 2-year reoperation rates (odds ratio [OR] = 0.45 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.20 to 0.91]) and pseudarthrosis rates (OR = 0.25 [95% CI: 0.08 to 0.61]) were significantly lower in the OP-T group than the OPE group. Seventy-eight patients in the OP-T group were matched to 156 patients in the OPE group. Among these matched patients, at 2 years, 23.1% (36) in the OPE group versus 11.5% (9) in the OP-T group had a reoperation (OR = 0.45, p = 0.0188), 21.8% (34) versus 6.4% (5) had pseudarthrosis with or without implant failure (OR = 0.25, p = 0.0048), and 6.4% (10) versus 7.7% (6) had PJK (OR = 1.18, p = 0.7547), respectively. At 2 years postoperatively, PROs were better among OP-T patients than OPE patients. Subsequently, 78 patients in the OP-T group were matched to 156 patients in the normal BMD group. Among these matched patients, there was no significant difference in 2-year reoperation (OR = 0.85 [95% CI: 0.37 to 1.98]), pseudarthrosis (OR = 0.51 [95% CI: 0.181 to 1.44]), and PJK rates (OR = 0.77 [95% CI: 0.28 to 2.06). CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporotic patients on teriparatide demonstrated lower reoperation and symptomatic pseudarthrosis rates 2 years postoperatively compared with osteopenic patients. Moreover, patient-reported and clinical outcomes for osteoporotic patients on teriparatide were not different from those for patients with normal BMD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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.

BACKGROUND: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Do adult spinal deformity patients who achieve and maintain PI-LL < 10 have better patient-reported and clinical outcomes compared to patients with PI-LL ≥ 10? A propensity score-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether patients with spinopelvic mismatch (PI-LL ≥ 10) report worse patient-reported outcomes (PROs) compared to patients who achieve PI-LL < 10 at 2-year postop. METHODS: In this retrospective study, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to analyze patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion due to deformity, as defined by one or more of the following criteria: PI-LL ≥ 25°, T1 pelvic angle ≥ 30°, sagittal vertical axis ≥ 15 cm, thoracic scoliosis ≥ 70°, thoracolumbar scoliosis ≥ 50°, coronal malalignment ≥ 7 cm, or those who underwent a three-column osteotomy or fusion with ≥ 12 levels. Key outcomes were total Scoliosis Research Society-22r, Oswestry Disability Index (PROs), and reoperation at 1- and 2-year postop. Patients were dichotomized based on their 2-year alignment: PI-LL ≥ 10° and PI-LL < 10°. A multivariable logistic regression model identified factors associated with achieving PI-LL < 10°, and independent predictors were matched using propensity score matching. Binary outcomes within matched cohorts were analyzed using the McNemar test, while continuous outcomes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-four patients with 2-year follow-up were included; mean age was 50.5 (standard error mean (SEM): 1.4) years, body mass index was 24.1(SEM 1.0), and number of operative levels was 13.5 (SEM 0.3). 84 (51.2%) and 80 (48.8%) patients achieved PI-LL < 10 and PI-LL ≥ 10 at 2-year follow-up, respectively. Baseline pelvic incidence [odds ratio (OR): 0.96 (95% CI 0.92-0.99)] and baseline PI-LL [OR: 0.95 (95% CI 0.9-0.99)] were independent predictors of achieving PI-LL < 10 at 2 years. When comparing propensity matched pairs, no significant differences were found in baseline PROs. At both 1- and 2-year follow-up, outcomes on the SRS-22r scale were nearly identical for both groups (function [4.1(0.1) vs 4.0 (0.1), P = 0.75] ,Pain [3.9 (0.2) vs 3.9 (0.2), P = 0.86], appearance [4.2 (0.2) vs 3.8 (0.2), P = 0.08], mental health [4.1 (0.2) vs 4.1 (0.1), P = 0.96], satisfaction [4.4 (0.2) vs 4.4 (0.2), P = 0.72], and total [90.2 (2.5) vs 88.1 (2.5), P = 0.57]). Additionally, ODI scores at 2 years were comparable [18.1 (2.9) vs 22.4 (2.9), P = 0.30]. The 90-day reoperation rate was 2.6% (one patient) in both matched cohorts (P > 0.99). There was no significant difference in 1-year (P > 0.9999) or 2-year (P = 0.2207) reoperation rates between the groups. CONCLUSION: Patients who achieve and maintain PI-LL < 10 2-years postop following adult spinal deformity surgery have nearly identical SRS-22r and ODI outcomes, and comparable 2-year reoperation rates as compared to patients who have PI-LL ≥ 10.

Revision of Harrington rod constructs: a single-center's experience with this homogenous adult spinal deformity population at a minimum 2-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes following revision surgery after HRC fusions. METHODS: Single-institution, retrospective study of patients revised following HRC with minimum 2-year follow-up post-revision. Demographics, perioperative information, radiographic parameters, complications, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were collected. Radiographic parameters included global alignment, coronal and sagittal measurements pre and postoperatively, as well as final follow-up time points. RESULTS: 26 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 3.3 ± 1.1 years. Mean age was 55.5 ± 7.8 years, BMI 25.2 ± 5.8, and 22 (85%) were females. Instrumented levels increased from 9.7 ± 2.8 to 16.0 ± 2.2. Five (19.2%) patients underwent lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomies, and 23 (88.4%) had interbody fusions. Patients significantly improved in all radiographic parameters at immediate and final follow-up (p < 0.005), except for thoracic kyphosis and pelvic incidence (p > 0.05). Correction was maintained from immediate postop to final follow-up (p > 0.05). 20 (76.9%) of patients experienced a complication at some point within the follow-up period with the most common being a lumbar nerve root deficit (n = 7). However, only one patient had a nerve root deficit at final follow-up, that being a 4/5 unilateral anterior tibialis function. 5 (19.2%) patients required further revision within a mean of 1.8 ± 1.1 years. On average, patients had an improvement in ODI score by final follow-up (35.6 ± 16.8 vs 25.4 ± 19.8, p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Patients revised for HRCs significantly improve, both clinically and radiographically by final follow-up. This group did have a propensity for distal lumbar root neurological issues, which were common but all patients except for one, recovered to full strength by two-year follow-up.

The Importance of Pelvic Obliquity in Assessing Spinal Coronal Alignment: Normative Values, Demographic, and Radiographic Correlations.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: In a geographically diverse population of asymptomatic volunteers, we sought to report the incidence of pelvic obliquity (PO), establish normative values of PO across patient factors, and assess the correlation of PO with radiographic parameters. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: PO is defined as the misalignment of the pelvis and can be assessed through several anatomic landmarks. Significant PO, whether caused by leg-length discrepancy or not, can lead to coronal malalignment which causes severe pain and disability. Significant emphasis has been placed on achieving appropriate sagittal alignment in recent decades; however, a greater understanding of coronal alignment is needed, and PO is a crucial aspect of evaluating the coronal plane in adult spinal deformity patients. METHODS: Asymptomatic adult volunteers, ages 18-80 years, enrolled patients from 5 countries (France, Japan, Singapore, Tunisia, and the United States) in the "multiethnic alignment normative study" cohort (IRB 201812144). The included volunteers had no known spinal disorder(s), no significant neck or back pain (Visual Analog Scale: ≤2; Oswestry Disability Index: ≤20), and no abnormal alignment (Cobb ≤20°). PO was measured in the frontal plane as the distance between the highest points of each acetabulum, calculated along the vertical axis in millimeters (mm). The incidence of PO was defined as PO ≥10 mm. Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon rank-sum, Pearson correlation, and linear regression were used. RESULTS: A total of 467 patients were included, and PO values by age, sex, body mass index, and country were provided. The overall incidence of PO ≥10 mm was 4.3%, and a nonsignificant trend toward increased PO with age was seen ( P = 0.077). No significant differences were seen in PO between sex, ethnicity, or body mass index groups. No significant correlation existed between PO and other commonly used coronal radiographic measurements. CONCLUSION: PO ≥10 mm occurred in 4.3% of asymptomatic volunteers. Despite the importance of recognizing PO in preventing coronal malalignment, PO did not seem to be associated with other radiographic and demographic information, which underscores the importance of intentionally assessing for any PO before surgery. These results in an asymptomatic population provide a foundation for studying PO in patients with spinal pathology.

Knee flexion compensation in postoperative adult spinal deformity patients: implications for sagittal balance and clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: To determine whether maintaining good sagittal balance with significant knee flexion (KF) constitutes a suboptimal outcome after adult spinal deformity (ASD) correction. METHODS: This single-center, single-surgeon retrospective study, assessed ASD patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion between 2014 and 2020. Inclusion criteria included meeting at least one of the following: PI-LL ≥ 25°, T1PA ≥ 20°, or CrSVA-H ≥ 2 cm. Those with lower-extremity contractures were excluded. Patients were classified into four groups based on their 6-week postoperative cranio-hip balance and KF angle, and followed for at least 2 years: Malaligned with Knee Flexion (MKF+) (CrSVA-H > 20 mm + KFA > 10), Malaligned without Knee Flexion (MKF-) (CrSVA-H > 20 mm + KFA < 10), Aligned without Knee Flexion (AKF-) (CrSVA-H < 20 mm + KFA < 10), and Aligned with Knee Flexion (AKF+) (CrSVA-H < 20 mm + KFA > 10). The primary outcomes of this study included one and two year reoperation rates. Secondy outcomes included clinical and patient reported outcomes. RESULTS: 263 patients (mean age 60.0 ± 0.9 years, 74.5% female, and mean Edmonton Frailty Score 3.3 ± 0.2) were included. 60.8% (160/263 patients) exhibited good sagittal alignment at 6-week postop without KF. Significant differences were observed in 1-year (p = 0.0482) and 2-year reoperation rates (p = 0.0374) across sub-cohorts, with the lowest and highest rates in the AKF- cohort (5%, n = 8) and MKF + cohort (16.7%, n = 4), respectively. Multivariable Cox regression demonstrated the AKF- cohort exhibited significantly better reoperation outcomes compared to other groups: AKF + (HR: 5.24, p = 0.025), MKF + (HR: 31.7, p < 0.0001), and MKF- (HR: 11.8, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that patients relying on knee flexion compensation in the early postoperative period have inferior outcomes compared to those achieving sagittal balance without knee flexion. When compared to malaligned patients, those with CrSVA-H < 20 mm and KFA > 10 degrees experience fewer early reoperations but similar delayed reoperation rates. This insight emphasizes the importance of considering knee compensation perioperatively when managing sagittal imbalance in clinical practice.

Use of the kickstand rod improves coronal alignment and maintains correction compared to control at 2 year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To assess and compare coronal alignment correction at 2 year follow-up in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients treated with and without the kickstand rod (KSR) construct. METHODS: ASD patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion at a single-center with a preoperative coronal vertical axis (CVA) ≥ 3 cm and a minimum of 2 year clinical and radiographic follow-up were identified. Patients were divided into two groups: those treated with a KSR and those who were not. Patients were propensity score-matched (PSM) controlling for preoperative CVA and instrumented levels to limit potential biases that my influence the magnitude of coronal correction. RESULTS: One hundred sixteen patients were identified (KSR = 42, Control = 74). There were no statistically significant differences in patient characteristics (p > 0.05). At baseline, the control group presented with a greater LS curve (29.0 ± 19.6 vs. 21.5 ± 10.8, p = 0.0191) while the KSR group presented with a greater CVA (6.3 ± 3.6 vs. 4.5 ± 1.8, p = 0.0036). After 40 PSM pairs were generated, there were no statistically significant differences in baseline patient and radiographic characteristics. Within the matched cohorts, the KSR group demonstrated greater CVA correction at 1 year (4.7 ± 2.4 cm vs. 2.9 ± 2.2 cm, p = 0.0012) and 2 year follow-up (4.7 ± 2.6 cm vs. 3.1 ± 2.6 cm, p = 0.0020) resulting in less coronal malalignment one (1.5 ± 1.3 cm vs. 2.4 ± 1.6 cm, p = 0.0056) and 2 year follow-up (1.6 ± 1.0 vs. 2.5 ± 1.5 cm, p = 0.0110). No statistically significant differences in PROMs, asymptomatic mechanical complications, reoperations for non-mechanical complications were observed at 2 year follow-up. However, the KSR group experienced a lesser rate of mechanical complications requiring reoperations (7.1% vs. 24.3%. OR = 0.15 [0.03-0.72], p = 0.0174). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with a KSR had a greater amount of coronal realignment at the 2 year follow-up time period and reported less mechanical complications requiring reoperation. However, 2 year patient-reported outcomes were similar between the two groups.

Cranial sagittal vertical axis to the hip as the best sagittal alignment predictor of patient-reported outcomes at 2 years postoperatively in adult spinal deformity surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to discern whether the cranial sagittal vertical axis (CrSVA) can best predict the trajectory of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 2 years postoperatively. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected adult spinal deformity patient data. CrSVA relative to the sacrum, hip (CrSVA-H), knee, and ankle was measured as the horizontal distance to the vertical plumb line from the nasion-inion midpoint, with positive values indicating an anterior cranium. Standard sagittal alignment parameters were also collected. Outcome variables were PROMs as measured by Scoliosis Research Society-22r questionnaire (SRS-22r) total and subdomain scores and the Oswestry Disability Index. Pearson's correlation coefficients and univariate regressions were performed to investigate associations between predictors and PROMs. Two conceptual multivariable linear regression models for each 2-year outcome measure were built after adjusting for the impact of preoperative SRS-22r scores. Model 1 assessed pre- and postoperative alignment only relative to C2 and C7, while model 2 assessed alignment relative to C2 and C7 as well as the cranium. RESULTS: There was a total of 363 patients with 2 years of radiographic and PROM follow-up (68.0% female, mean [standard error of the mean] age 60.8 [0.78] years, BMI 27.5 [0.29], and total number of instrumented levels 12.8 [0.22]). CrSVA measures were significantly associated with the 2-year SRS-22r total and subdomain scores. In univariate regression, revision surgery, number of prior surgeries, frailty, BMI, total number of osteotomies, and lower baseline total SRS-22r score as well as postoperative sagittal alignment were significantly associated with worse 2-year SRS-22r scores. In multivariable regression, after adjusting for baseline SRS-22r scores, greater preoperative C2 to sacrum sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and C7 SVA were found to be the only independent predictors of 2-year total SRS-22r score (ß = -0.011 [p = 0.0026] and ß = 0.009 [p = 0.0211], respectively) when alignment was considered only relative to C2. However, in the subsequent model, CrSVA-H replaced C7 SVA as the independent factor driving postoperative SRS-22r total scores (ß = -0.006, p < 0.0001). That is, when the model included alignment relative to the cranium, C2, and C7, greater or more anterior CrSVA-H resulted in worse SRS-22r scores, while smaller or more posterior CrSVA-H resulted in better scores. Similar models for subdomains again found CrSVA-H to be the best predictor of function (ß = -0.0095, p < 0.0001), pain (ß = -0.0091, p < 0.0001), self-image (ß = -0.0084, p = 0.0004), and mental health (ß = -0.0059, p = 0.0026). CONCLUSIONS: In multivariable regression, C7 SVA was supplanted by CrSVA-H alignment as a significant, independent predictor of 2-year SRS-22r scores in patients with adult spinal deformity and should be considered as one of the standard postoperative sagittal alignment target goals.

Does an improvement in cord-level intraoperative neuromonitoring data lead to a reduced risk for postoperative neurologic deficit in spine deformity surgery?

PURPOSE: To determine if an improvement in cord-level intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) data following data loss results in a reduced risk for new postoperative motor deficit in pediatric and adult spinal deformity surgery. METHODS: A consecutive series of 1106 patients underwent spine surgery from 2015 to 2023 by a single surgeon. Cord alerts were defined by Somatosensory-Evoked Potentials (SSEP; warning criteria: 10% increase in latency or > 50% loss in amplitude) and Motor-Evoked Potentials (MEP; warning criteria: 75% loss in amplitude without return to acceptable limits after stimulation up 100 V above baseline level). Timing of IONM loss and recovery, interventions, and baseline/postoperative day 1 (POD1) lower extremity motor scores were analyzed. RESULTS: IONM Cord loss was noted in 4.8% (53/11,06) of patients and 34% (18/53) with cord alerts had a POD1 deficit compared to preoperative motor exam. MEP and SSEP loss attributed to 98.1% (52/53) and 39.6% (21/53) of cord alerts, respectively. Abnormal descending neurogenic-evoked potential (DNEP) was seen in 85.7% (12/14) and detected 91.7% (11/12) with POD1 deficit. Abnormal wake-up test (WUT) was seen in 38.5% (5/13) and detected 100% (5/5) with POD1 deficit. Most cord alerts occurred during a three-column osteotomy (N = 23/53, 43%); decompression (N = 12), compression (N = 7), exposure (N = 4), and rod placement (N = 14). Interventions were performed in all 53 patients with cord loss and included removing rods/less correction (N = 11), increasing mean arterial pressure alone (N = 10), and further decompression with three-column osteotomy (N = 9). After intervention, IONM data improved in 45(84.9%) patients (Full improvement: N = 28; Partial improvement: 17). For those with full and partial IONM improvement, the POD1 deficit was 10.7% (3/28) and 41.2% (7/17), respectively. For those without any IONM improvement (15.1%, 8/53), 100% (8/8) had a POD1 deficit, P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: A full or partial improvement in IONM data loss after intraoperative intervention was significantly associated with a lower risk for POD1 deficit with an absolute risk reduction of 89.3% and 58.8%, respectively. All patients without IONM improvement had a POD1 neurologic deficit.

Machine learning clustering of adult spinal deformity patients identifies four prognostic phenotypes: a multicenter prospective cohort analysis with single surgeon external validation.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Among adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients, heterogeneity in patient pathology, surgical expectations, baseline impairments, and frailty complicates comparisons in clinical outcomes and research. This study aims to qualitatively segment ASD patients using machine learning-based clustering on a large, multicenter, prospectively gathered ASD cohort. PURPOSE: To qualitatively segment adult spinal deformity patients using machine learning-based clustering on a large, multicenter, prospectively gathered cohort. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Machine learning algorithm using patients from a prospective multicenter study and a validation cohort from a retrospective single center, single surgeon cohort with complete 2-year follow up. PATIENT SAMPLE: About 805 ASD patients; 563 patients from a prospective multicenter study and 242 from a single center to be used as a validation cohort. OUTCOME MEASURES: To validate and extend the Ames-ISSG/ESSG classification using machine learning-based clustering analysis on a large, complex, multicenter, prospectively gathered ASD cohort. METHODS: We analyzed a training cohort of 563 ASD patients from a prospective multicenter study and a validation cohort of 242 ASD patients from a retrospective single center/surgeon cohort with complete two-year patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and clinical/radiographic follow-up. Using k-means clustering, a machine learning algorithm, we clustered patients based on baseline PROs, Edmonton frailty, age, surgical history, and overall health. Baseline differences in clusters identified using the training cohort were assessed using Chi-Squared and ANOVA with pairwise comparisons. To evaluate the classification system's ability to discern postoperative trajectories, a second machine learning algorithm assigned the single-center/surgeon patients to the same 4 clusters, and we compared the clusters' two-year PROs and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: K-means clustering revealed four distinct phenotypes from the multicenter training cohort based on age, frailty, and mental health: Old/Frail/Content (OFC, 27.7%), Old/Frail/Distressed (OFD, 33.2%), Old/Resilient/Content (ORC, 27.2%), and Young/Resilient/Content (YRC, 11.9%). OFC and OFD clusters had the highest frailty scores (OFC: 3.76, OFD: 4.72) and a higher proportion of patients with prior thoracolumbar fusion (OFC: 47.4%, OFD: 49.2%). ORC and YRC clusters exhibited lower frailty scores and fewest patients with prior thoracolumbar procedures (ORC: 2.10, 36.6%; YRC: 0.84, 19.4%). OFC had 69.9% of patients with global sagittal deformity and the highest T1PA (29.0), while YRC had 70.2% exhibiting coronal deformity, the highest mean coronal Cobb Angle (54.0), and the lowest T1PA (11.9). OFD and ORC had similar alignment phenotypes with intermediate values for Coronal Cobb Angle (OFD: 33.7; ORC: 40.0) and T1PA (OFD: 24.9; ORC: 24.6) between OFC (worst sagittal alignment) and YRC (worst coronal alignment). In the single surgeon validation cohort, the OFC cluster experienced the greatest increase in SRS Function scores (1.34 points, 95%CI 1.01-1.67) compared to OFD (0.5 points, 95%CI 0.245-0.755), ORC (0.7 points, 95%CI 0.415-0.985), and YRC (0.24 points, 95%CI -0.024-0.504) clusters. OFD cluster patients improved the least over 2 years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the OFD cohort had significantly worse reoperation outcomes compared to other clusters (HR: 3.303, 95%CI: 1.085-8.390). CONCLUSION: Machine-learning clustering found four different ASD patient qualitative phenotypes, defined by their age, frailty, physical functioning, and mental health upon presentation, which primarily determines their ability to improve their PROs following surgery. This reaffirms that these qualitative measures must be assessed in addition to the radiographic variables when counseling ASD patients regarding their expected surgical outcomes.

Thoracic pediculectomy for acute spinal cord decompression in high-risk spinal deformity correction: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Neurological complications are higher in patients with severe spinal deformities (Cobb angle >100°). The authors highlight a known technique for thoracic concave apical pedicle resection that is useful for spinal cord decompression in patients with high-risk spinal deformities in the setting of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) changes. OBSERVATIONS: A 14-year-old female with progressive idiopathic scoliosis presented for evaluation of her clinical deformity. Scoliosis radiographs showed a double major curve pattern comprising a 107° right main thoracic curve and a compensatory 88° left thoracolumbar curve. She underwent 2 weeks of halo-gravity traction that reduced her major thoracic curve to 72°. During thoracic posterior column osteotomies, the authors were alerted to decreases in IONM signals that were not responsive to increases in mean arterial pressure, traction weight reduction, and convex compression maneuvers. The dural surface was tightly draped over the two thoracic apical pedicles of T7 and T8, so emergent pediculectomies were performed at both levels for spinal cord decompression. IONM signals gradually improved and eventually became even better than baseline. The patient woke up without any neurological deficits. LESSONS: Pediculectomy of the concave apical pedicle(s) should be considered for spinal cord decompression if there are IONM changes during high-risk spinal deformity surgery.

The "Sandwich" Extended Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy for the Treatment of Fixed Sagittal Malalignment: Technical Description, Case Series, and Early Results With 2-Year Outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adult spinal deformity (ASD) with fixed sagittal malalignment (FSM) may require a pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) for greater focal lordosis and restoration of global alignment. Despite growing trends in minimizing PSOs given their associated high risks, a considerable portion of patients with ASD still require a lumbar PSO most commonly because of iatrogenic flat back deformity. The purpose of this article is to describe a modified extended PSO technique with additional anterior column support coined the "sandwich" extended PSO (SE-PSO) to promote arthrodesis and report the outcomes in a consecutive case series. METHODS: Patients with ASD treated with a lumbar SE-PSO at a single institution from 2015 to 2020 were analyzed. Complications, radiographic data, and patient-reported outcomes were compared preoperatively, at immediate postoperative follow-up, and at a 2-year postoperative follow-up (FU). RESULTS: Fourteen patients who underwent revision operations for FSM were included. Improvements in segmental lordosis across the PSO site (14.8 ± 6.8 vs 39.9 ± 7.1, P < .0001), overall lumbar lordosis (14.6 ± 15.4 vs 44.6 ± 12.1, P < .0001), sacral slope (21.0 ± 10.5 31.1 ± 10.7, P = .0150), C7 sagittal vertical axis (140.1 ± 59.0 mm vs 35.9 ± 28.5, P < .0001), and spinopelvic mismatch (52.5 ± 21.3 vs 18.6 ± 14.1, P = .0001) were obtained in all patients. Eight patients experienced perioperative complications, with intraoperative durotomy being the most common (n = 7). Eight patients had a 2-year FU and demonstrated improvements in their segmental lordosis across the PSO site (14.3 ± 7.0 vs 41.3 ± 7.3, P = .0003), overall lumbar lordosis (8.7 ± 17.8 vs 46.1 ± 14.2, P = .0014), sacral slope (19.1 ± 12.8 vs 32.3 ± 12.5, P = .0479), C7 sagittal vertical axis (173.6 ± 54.4 mm vs 35.8 ± 30.0, P < .0001), and spinopelvic mismatch (63.0 ± 19.7 vs 21.1 ± 18.3, P < .0001), all of which were maintained at final FU (P > .05). At 2 years, a significant increase in Scoliosis Research Society-22r total score (2.5 ± 0.8 vs 3.6 ± 0.7, P = .0023 was reported. There were no reports of symptomatic pseudarthrosis or mechanical complications. CONCLUSION: SE-PSO is an effective technique to correct FSM and is associated with low complications, improved patient-reported outcomes, and spinopelvic parameters that are maintained at 2 years.

The "kickstand rod" technique for correction of coronal malalignment: two-year clinical and radiographic outcomes.

PURPOSE: Restoring coronal alignment in spine deformity patients has been shown to play an important role in improving patient reported outcomes (PRO). Recently, the "kickstand rod" (KSR) technique was developed as a novel coronal correction method in complex spine deformity cases. The goal of the present study was to assess outcomes of this technique at two years of follow-up. METHODS: Consecutive, unique adult patients who underwent KSR constructs for coronal spinal malalignment between 2015 and 2019 with a minimum 2 year clinical and radiographic follow-up were identified. A KSR construct includes a more laterally placed iliac screw and additional rod that effectively depresses the ipsilateral ilium/pelvis for coronal correction, while serving as a buttress to prevent future loss of correction. Outcomes included revision for instrumentation-related complications, radiographic alignment, and PROs. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included with a mean age of 54 years [range: 20-73 years]. Mean follow-up time was 2.5 years [range: 2.0-5.0]. Mean number of levels fused was 17.3 [range: 10-24]. There were significant improvements in coronal alignment (CVA: 5.8 cm ± 2.6 cm vs. 1.7 cm ± 1.5 cm), sagittal alignment (SVA: 5.6 cm ± 5.9 cm vs. 1.6 cm ± 2.5 cm) and major Cobb angle (55º ± 32 vs. 26º ± 21) maintained at 2 years (p < 0.05). One patient experienced an asymptomatic fracture at the shank of the KSR iliac screw. There were significant improvements in Oswestry Disability Index and SRS-22 domains (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The KSR technique is a safe and effective method for correcting coronal malalignment in complex spinal deformity patients with no revisions specific for the KSR or iliac screw and significantly improved PROs at a minimum two-year follow-up.

Patients With Coronal Malalignment Undergoing Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: Does Coronal Alignment Change From Immediately Postoperative to 2-years?

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to: (1) characterize the changes in coronal vertical axis (CVA) after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery from immediate postoperative to 2-years postoperative, and (2) assess for predictors of CVA change from immediate postoperative to 2-years postoperative. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: It is unknown whether coronal correction obtained immediately postoperative accurately reflects long-term coronal alignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, single-institution registry was queried for patients undergoing ASD surgery from 2015-2019, including patients undergoing ≥6-level fusions with preoperative coronal malalignment (CM), defined as CVA≥3 cm. A clinically significant change in CVA was defined a priori as ≥1 cm. Radiographic variables were obtained preoperatively, immediately postoperative, and at 2-years postoperative. RESULTS: Of 368 patients undergoing ASD surgery, 124 (33.7%) had preoperative CM, and 64 (17.0%) completed 2-years follow-up. Among 64 patients, mean age was 53.6±15.4 years. Preoperatively, absolute mean CVA was 5.4±3.1 cm, which improved to 2.3±2.0 cm ( P <0.001) immediately postoperative and 2.2±1.6 cm ( P <0.001) at 2-years. The mean change in CVA from preoperative to immediately postoperative was 2.2±1.9 cm (0.3-14.4). During the immediate postoperative to 2-years interval, 29/64 (45.3%) patients experienced a significant change of CVA by ≥1 cm, of which 22/29 (76%) improved by a mean of 1.7 cm and 7/29 (24%) worsened by a mean of 3.5 cm. No preoperative or surgical factors were associated with changed CVA from immediately postoperative to 2-years. CONCLUSION: Among 64 patients undergoing ASD surgery with preoperative CM, 45.3% experienced a significant (≥1 cm) change in their CVA from immediately postoperative to 2-years postoperative. Of these 29 patients, 22/29 (76%) improved, whereas 7/29 (24%) worsened. Although no factors were associated with undergoing a change in CVA, this information is useful in understanding the evolution and spontaneous coronal alignment changes that take place after major ASD coronal plane correction.

Outcomes and reoperation rates of adult spinal deformity patients with baseline sagittal malalignment based on the cranial axis to the hip at 2 years postoperatively.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to discern whether patients with a cranial sagittal vertical axis to the hip (CrSVA-H) > 2 cm at 2 years postoperatively exhibit significantly worse patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and clinical outcomes compared with patients with CrSVA-H < 2 cm. METHODS: This was a retrospective, 1:1 propensity score-matched (PSM) study of patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion for adult spinal deformity. All patients had a baseline sagittal imbalance of CrSVA-H > 30 mm. Two-year patient-reported and clinical outcomes were assessed in unmatched and PSM cohorts, including Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r) and Oswestry Disability Index scores as well as reoperation rates. The study compared two cohorts based on 2-year alignment: CrSVA-H < 20 mm (aligned cohort) vs CrSVA-H > 20 mm (malaligned cohort). For the matched cohorts, binary outcome comparisons were carried out using the McNemar test, while continuous outcomes used the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. For unmatched cohorts, categorical variables were compared using chi-square/Fisher's tests, while continuous outcomes were compared using Welch's t-test. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients with mean age of 63.7 (SEM 1.09) years underwent posterior spinal fusion spanning a mean of 13.5 (0.32) levels. At baseline, the mean pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis mismatch was 19.1° (2.01°), the T1 pelvic angle was 26.6° (1.20°), and the CrSVA-H was 74.9 (4.33) mm. The mean CrSVA-H improved from 74.9 mm to 29.2 mm (p < 0.0001). At the 2-year follow-up, 129 (78%) of 164 patients achieved CrSVA-H < 2 cm (aligned cohort). Patients who had CrSVA-H > 2 cm (malaligned cohort) at the 2-year follow-up had worse preoperative CrSVA-H (p < 0.0001). After performing PSM, 27 matched pairs were generated. In the PSM cohort, the aligned and malaligned cohorts demonstrated comparable preoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs). However, at the 2-year postoperative follow-up, the malaligned cohort reported worse outcomes in SRS-22r function (p = 0.0275), pain (p = 0.0012), and mean total score (p = 0.0109). Moreover, when patients were stratified based on their magnitude of improvement in CrSVA-H (< 50% vs > 50%), patients with > 50% improvement in CrSVA-H had superior outcomes in SRS-22r function (p = 0.0336), pain (p = 0.0446), and mean total score (p = 0.0416). Finally, patients in the malaligned cohort had a higher 2-year reoperation rate (22% vs 7%; p = 0.0412) compared with patients in the aligned cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients who present with forward sagittal imbalance (CrSVA-H > 30 mm), patients with CrSVA-H exceeding 20 mm at the 2-year postoperative follow-up have inferior PROs and higher reoperation rates.

High Cell Saver Autotransfusion is Associated With Perioperative Medical Complications in Adult Spinal Deformity Patients.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, propensity-matched observational study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of cell saver (CS) homologous transfusion on perioperative medical complications in adult patients undergoing spinal deformity surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Despite many endorsing its use, many analyses still refute the efficacy of CS on decreasing total perioperative allogenic red blood cell transfusions, cost efficiency, and its effect on perioperative complications. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent spinal deformity surgery at a single center between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient-specific, operative, radiographic, and 30-day complications/readmission data were collected for further analysis. Two methods were utilized to test our hypothesis: (1) absolute threshold model: two cohorts created among patients who received ≥550 mL of CS intraoperatively and those who received less; (2) adjusted ratio model: two cohorts created dependent on the ratio of CS to estimated blood loss (EBL). Propensity-score matching and various statistical tests were utilized to test the association between CS and perioperative medical complications. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-eight patients were included in this analysis with a mean age of 61.3±15.7yrs and 67.6% being female. Using the first method, 73 patients received ≥550 mL of CS, and 205 received less. Propensity-score matching resulted in 28 pairs of patients. 39.3% of patients with ≥550 mL CS required readmission within 30 days compared with 3.57% of patients in the <550 mL cohort ( P =0.016), despite a nearly identical proportion of patients requiring intraoperative blood transfusions ( P >0.9999). Using the second method, 155 patients had CS/EBL<0.33 and 123 with CS/EBL ≥0.33. 5.16% and 21.9% among patients with CS/EBL<0.33 and CS/EBL≥0.33, respectively, were readmitted by the 30-day marker ( P <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that greater CS volumes transfused are associated with higher rates of 30-day readmissions. Thus, surgeons should consider limiting CS volume intraoperatively to 550 mL and when greater volumes are required or preferred, ensuring that the ratio of CS:EBL remains under 0.33.

The Lumbosacral Fractional Curve vs Maximum Coronal Cobb Angle in Adult Spinal Deformity Patients with Coronal Malalignment: Which Matters More?

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: In patients undergoing adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery we sought to: 1) report preoperative and postoperative lumbosacral fractional (LSF) curve and maximum coronal Cobb angles and 2) determine their impact on radiographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). METHODS: A single-institution cohort study was undertaken. The LSF curve was the cobb angle between the sacrum and most tilted lower lumbar vertebra. Coronal/sagittal vertical axis (CVA/SVA) were collected. Patients were compared between 4 groups: 1) Neutral Alignment (NA); 2) coronal malalignment only (CM); 3) Sagittal malalignment only (SM); and 4) Combined-Coronal-Sagittal-Malalignment (CCSM). Outcomes including postoperative CM, postoperative coronal vertical axis, complications, readmissions, reoperation, and PROs. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients underwent ASD surgery with mean total instrumented levels of 13.5. Mean LSF curve was 12.1±9.9°(0.2-62.3) and mean max Cobb angle was 43.0±26.5° (0.0-134.3). The largest mean LSF curves were seen in patients with CM (14.6°) and CCSM (13.1°) compared to NA (12.1°) and SM (9.5°) (p=0.100). A higher LSF curve was seen in patients with fusion to the sacrum and instrumentation to the pelvis (p=0.009), and a higher LSF curve was associated with more TLIFs (p=0.031). Postoperatively, more TLIFs were associated with greater amount of LSF curve correction (p<0.001). Comparing the LSF and the max Cob angle among Qiu types, the highest mean max Cobb angle was in Qiu Type B patients (p=0.025), whereas the highest mean LSF curve was in Qiu Type C patients (p=0.037). Moreover, 82.7% of patients had a LSF curve opposite the max Cobb angle. The LSF curve was larger than the max Cobb angle in 22/243 (9.1%) patients, and most of these 22 patients were Qiu Type A (59.1%). Regarding correction, the max Cobb angle achieved more correction than the LSF curve, judged by the percent improved from preop (54.5% Cobb vs. 46.5% LSF, p=0.025) in patients with max cobb>20° and LSF curve >5°. The LSF curve underwent greater correction in Qiu Type C patients (9.2°) compared to Type A (5.7°) and Type B (5.1°) (p=0.023); however, the max Cobb angle was similarly corrected among Qiu Types: Type A 21.8°, Type B 24.6°, and Type C 25.4° (p=0.602). Minimal differences were seen comparing the preop/postop/change in LSF curve and max Cobb angle regarding postop CM, postop CVA, complications, readmissions, reoperation, and PROs. CONCLUSIONS: The LSF curve was highest in patients with CM, CCSM, and Qiu Type C curves. Most patients had a LSF curve opposite the max Cobb angle. The max Cobb angle was more often corrected than the LSF curve. The LSF curve underwent greater correction among Qiu Type C patients, whereas the max Cobb angle was similarly corrected among all Qiu Types. No clear trend was seen regarding postoperative complications and PROs between the LSF curve and max Cobb angle.

Predicting postoperative coronal alignment for adult spinal deformity: do lower-extremity factors matter?

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to describe an intraoperative method that accurately predicts postoperative coronal alignment for up to 2 years of follow-up. The authors hypothesized that the intraoperative coronal target for adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery should account for lower-extremity parameters, including pelvic obliquity (PO), leg length discrepancy (LLD), lower-extremity mechanical axis difference (MAD), and asymmetrical knee bending. METHODS: Two lines were drawn on intraoperative prone radiographs: the central sacral pelvic line (CSPL) (the line bisecting the sacrum and perpendicular to the line touching the acetabular sourcil of both hips) and the intraoperative central sacral vertical line (iCSVL) (which is drawn relative to CSPL based on the preoperative erect PO). The distance from the C7 spinous process to CSPL (C7-CSPL) and the distance from the C7 spinous process to iCSVL (iCVA) were compared with immediate and 2-year postoperative CVA. To account for LLD and preoperative lower-extremity compensation, patients were categorized into four preoperative groups: type 1, no LLD (< 1 cm) and no lower-extremity compensation; type 2, no LLD with lower-extremity compensation (PO > 1°, asymmetrical knee bending, and MAD > 2°); type 3, LLD and no lower-extremity compensation; and type 4, LLD with lower-extremity compensation (asymmetrical knee bending and MAD > 4°). A retrospective review of a consecutively collected cohort with ASD who underwent minimum 6-level fusion with pelvic fixation was performed for validation. RESULTS: In total, 108 patients (mean ± SD age 57.7 ± 13.7 years, 14.0 ± 3.9 levels fused) were reviewed. Mean preoperative/2-year postoperative CVA was 5.0 ± 2.0/2.2 ± 1.8 cm. For patients with type 1, both C7-CSPL and iCVA had similar error margins for immediate postoperative CVA (0.5 ± 0.6 vs 0.5 ± 0.6 cm, p = 0.900) and 2-year postoperative CVA (0.3 ± 0.4 vs 0.4 ± 0.5 cm, p = 0.185). For patients with type 2, C7-CSPL was more accurate for immediate postoperative CVA (0.8 ± 1.2 vs 1.7 ± 1.8 cm, p = 0.006) and 2-year postoperative CVA (0.7 ± 1.1 vs 2.1 ± 2.2 cm, p < 0.001). For patients with type 3, iCVA was more accurate for immediate postoperative CVA (0.3 ± 0.4 vs 1.7 ± 0.8 cm, p < 0.001) and 2-year postoperative CVA (0.3 ± 0.2 vs 1.9 ± 0.8 cm, p < 0.001). For patients with type 4, iCVA was more accurate for immediate postoperative CVA (0.6 ± 0.7 vs 3.0 ± 1.3 cm, p < 0.001) and 2-year postoperative CVA (0.5 ± 0.6 vs 3.0 ± 1.6 cm, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This system, which accounted for lower-extremity factors, provided an intraoperative guide to determine both immediate and 2-year postoperative CVA with high accuracy. For patients with type 1 and 2 (no LLD, with or without lower-extremity compensation), C7-intraoperative CSPL accurately predicted postoperative CVA up to 2-year follow-up (mean error 0.5 cm). For patients with type 3 and 4 (LLD, with or without lower-extremity compensation), iCVA accurately predicted postoperative CVA up to 2-year follow-up (mean error 0.4 cm).