Area Socioeconomic Status is Associated with Refusal of Recommended Surgery in Patients with Metastatic Bone and Joint Disease.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to identify associations between the Yost Index, a geocoded area neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) score, and race/ethnicity with patient refusal of recommended surgery for metastatic bone disease. METHODS: Patients with metastatic bone disease were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The Yost Index was geocoded using factor analysis and categorized into quintiles using census tract-level American Community Service (ACS) 5-year estimates and seven nSES measures. Multivariable logistic regression models calculated odds ratios (ORs) of refusal of recommended surgery and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for clinical covariates. RESULTS: A total of 138,257 patients were included, of which 14,943 (10.8%) were recommended for surgical resection. Patients in the lowest nSES quintile had 57% higher odds of refusing surgical treatment than those in the highest quintile (aOR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.30-1.91, p < 0.001). Patients in the lowest nSES quintile also had a 31.2% higher age-adjusted incidence rate of not being recommended for surgery compared with those in the highest quintile (186.4 vs. 142.1 per 1 million, p < 0.001). Black patients had 34% higher odds of refusing treatment compared with White patients (aOR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.14-1.58, p = 0.003). Advanced age, unmarried status, and patients with aggressive cancer subtypes were associated with higher odds of refusing surgery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: nSES and race/ethnicity are independent predictors of a patient refusing surgery for metastatic cancer to bone, even after adjusting for various clinical covariates. Effective strategies for addressing these inequalities and improving the access and quality of care of patients with a lower nSES and minority backgrounds are needed.

Risk of adjacent level fracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty vs natural history for the management of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are common interventions for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. However, there is concern about an increased risk of adjacent-level fractures after treatment. This study aimed to compare the risk of adjacent-level fractures after vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty with the natural history after osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to evaluate the risk of adjacent-level fractures after vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty compared to the natural history after osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted using the "netmeta" package, and heterogeneity was assessed using Q statistics. The pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random effects. RESULTS: Twenty-three RCTs with a total of 2838 patients were included in the analysis. The network meta-analysis showed comparable risks of adjacent-level fractures between vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and natural history after osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with a mean follow-up of 21.2 (range: 3-49.4 months). The pooled RR for adjacent-level fractures after kyphoplasty compared to natural history was 1.35 (95% CI, 0.78-2.34, p = 0.23) and for vertebroplasty compared to natural history was 1.16 (95% CI, 0.62-2.14) p = 0.51. The risk of bias assessment showed a low to moderate risk of bias among included RCTs. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the risk of adjacent-level fractures after vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty compared to natural history after osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. The inclusion of a large patient number and network meta-analysis of RCTs serve evidence-based clinical practice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The risk of adjacent-level fracture following percutaneous vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty is similar to that observed in the natural history after osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. KEY POINTS: RCTs have examined the risk of adjacent-level fracture after intervention for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. There was no difference between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty patients compared to the natural disease history for adjacent compression fractures. This is strong evidence that interventional treatments for these fractures do not increase the risk of adjacent fractures.

Predictors of mortality in chronic subdural hematoma evacuation.

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is one of the most common types of intracranial hemorrhages, particularly in the elderly. Despite extensive research regarding cSDH diagnosis and treatment, there is conflicting data on predictors of postoperative mortality (POM). We conducted a large retrospective review of patients who underwent a cSDH evacuation at a single urban institution between 2015 and 2022. Data were collected from the electronic medical record on prior comorbidities, anticoagulation use, mental status on presentation, preoperative labs, and preoperative/postoperative imaging parameters. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to analyze predictors of mortality. Mortality during admission for this cohort was 6.1%. Univariate analysis showed the mortality rate was higher in those presenting with a history of dialysis. In addition, those who presented with altered mental status, were intubated, and lower GCS scores had higher rates of POM. Usage of Coumadin was correlated with higher rates of POM. Examination of preoperative labs showed that patients who presented with anemia or thrombocytopenia had higher POM. Imaging data showed that cSDH volume and greatest dimension were correlated with higher rates of POM. Finally, patients that were not extubated postoperatively had higher rates of POM. Multivariate analysis showed that only altered mental status and being not being extubated postoperatively were correlated with a higher risk of mortality. In summation, we demonstrated that altered mental status and failure to extubate were independent predictors or mortality in cSDH evacuation. Interestingly, patient age was not a significant predictor of mortality.

Performance assessment and external validation of specific thresholds of total psoas muscle cross-sectional area as predictors of mortality in oncologic spine surgery for spinal metastases.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of low muscle mass (LMM) in predicting 90-day and 12-month mortality after spinal tumor surgery. METHODS: We identified 115 patients operated on for spinal metastases between April 2012 and August 2022 who had available perioperative abdominal or lumbar spine CT scans and minimum 90-day follow-up. LMM was defined as a total psoas muscle cross-sectional area (TPA) at the L4 pedicle level less than 10.5 cm2 for men and less than 7.2 cm2 for women based on previously reported thresholds. A secondary analysis was performed by analyzing TPA as a continuous variable. The primary endpoint was 90-day mortality, and the secondary endpoint was 12-month mortality. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The 90-day mortality was 19% for patients without and 42% for patients with LMM (p = 0.010). After multivariate analysis, LMM was not independently associated with increased odds of 90-day mortality (odds ratio 2.16 [95% confidence interval 0.62 to 7.50]; p = 0.223). The 12-month mortality was 45% for patients without and 71% for patients with LMM (p = 0.024). After multivariate analysis, LMM was not independently associated with increased odds of 12-month mortality (OR 1.64 [95% CI 0.46 to 5.86]; p = 0.442). The secondary analysis showed no independent association between TPA and 90-day or 12-month mortality. CONCLUSION: Patients with LMM had higher rates of 90-day and 12-month mortality in our study, but this was not independent of other parameters such as performance status, hypoalbuminemia, or primary cancer type.

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is independently associated with 90-day and 12-month mortality after metastatic spinal tumor surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Estimated postoperative survival is an important consideration during the decision-making process for patients with spinal metastases. Nutritional status has been associated with poor outcomes and limited survival in the general cancer population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive utility of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) for postoperative mortality after spinal metastasis surgery. METHODS: A total of 139 patients who underwent oncologic surgery for spinal metastases between April 2012 and August 2022 and had a minimum 90-day follow-up were included. PNI was calculated using preoperative serum albumin and total lymphocyte count, with PNI < 40 defined as low. The mean PNI of our cohort was 43 (standard deviation: 7.7). The primary endpoint was 90-day mortality, and the secondary endpoint was 12-month mortality. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The 90-day mortality was 27% (37/139), and the 12-month mortality was 56% (51/91). After controlling for age, ECOG performance status, total psoas muscle cross-sectional area (TPA), and primary cancer site, the PNI was associated with 90-day mortality [odds ratio 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.79-0.94); p = 0.001]. After controlling for ECOG performance status and primary cancer site, the PNI was associated with 12-month mortality [OR 0.89 (95% CI 0.82-0.97); p = 0.008]. Patients with a low PNI had a 50% mortality rate at 90 days and an 84% mortality rate at 12 months. CONCLUSION: The PNI was independently associated with 90-day and 12-month mortality after metastatic spinal tumor surgery, independent of performance status, TPA, and primary cancer site.

Are There Racial or Socioeconomic Disparities in Ambulatory Outcome or Survival After Oncologic Spine Surgery for Metastatic Cancer? Results From a Medically Underserved Center.

BACKGROUND: Disparities among patients with cancer are well documented. Recent studies suggest these disparities also affect patients undergoing metastatic spinal tumor surgery. However, it is unclear whether social factors are associated with ambulatory outcomes or overall survival. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In patients undergoing metastatic spinal tumor surgery, (1) Are race, Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) score, or insurance status associated with a lower likelihood of postoperative ambulation? (2) Are race, SVI score, or insurance status associated with shorter overall survival? METHODS: Between April 2012 and June 2021, we surgically treated 148 patients for metastatic cord compression or spinal mechanical instability because of cancer. Inclusion criteria were patients with complete demographic, social, oncologic, and follow-up data and patients who were followed until death or for at least 3 months postoperatively. Based on these criteria, 12% (18 of 148) were excluded because they had incomplete data and another 7% (11 of 148) were excluded because they were lost before the minimum study follow-up interval, leaving 80% (119) for analysis. Collected social data included self-reported race (White, Black, Hispanic or Latino, or other), SVI score, and primary insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, or private). The median age of the group was 62 years (interquartile range [IQR] 53 to 70 years), and 58% of patients were men (69 of 119). The race distribution was 45% Black (54 of 119), 32% Hispanic or Latino (38 of 119), 16% White (19 of 119), and 7% other (eight of 119). The median SVI score was 89.8 (IQR 73.8 to 98.5), and 74% of patients (88) were categorized as having high vulnerability. The insurance distribution was as follows: Medicare: 43%, Medicaid: 36%, and private insurance: 21%. The primary outcome variable was complete inability to ambulate postoperatively and the secondary outcome was median overall survival. Exploratory data analysis, univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: After controlling for race, SVI score, insurance status, primary cancer, and modified Bauer score, the only factor independently associated with postoperative nonambulation was preoperative nonambulatory status (odds ratio 59.3 [95% confidence interval (CI) 13.2 to 266.1]; p < 0.001). After controlling for variables such as performance status, BMI, primary cancer, modified Bauer score, and insurance status, factors independently associated with survival included Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (hazard ratio [HR] 1.4 [95% CI 1.1 to 2.0]; p = 0.03), prostate cancer (HR 0.4 [95% CI 0.1 to 0.9]; p = 0.03), and hematologic cancer (HR 0.3 [95% CI 0.1 to 0.8]; p = 0.02). Race, SVI score, and insurance status were not associated with overall survival. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found no difference in ambulatory outcome for patients based on their race, SVI score, or insurance status. Likewise, no differences in postoperative survival were found. These findings suggest that despite differences in presentation or short-term outcome reported in other investigations, the social factors we explored were not associated with the likelihood of a patient being nonambulatory postoperatively or shorter survival after spinal tumor surgery. Research studies that analyze race as a covariate of interest should take care to explore metrics of socioeconomic deprivation (such as the SVI score) to avoid drawing misleading conclusions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Separation surgery for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression: comparison of a minimally invasive versus open approach.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of separation surgery for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus open surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing MIS or standard open separation surgery for MESCC between 2009 and 2019 was performed. Both groups received circumferential decompression via laminectomy and a transpedicular approach for partial corpectomy to debulk ventral epidural disease, as well as instrumented stabilization. Outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 17 patients in the MIS group and 24 in the open surgery group. The average age of the MIS group was significantly older than the open surgery group (65.5 vs 56.6 years, p < 0.05). The preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale score of the open group was significantly lower than that of the MIS group, with averages of 63.0% versus 75.9%, respectively (p = 0.02). This was also evidenced by the higher proportion of emergency procedures performed in the open group (9 of 24 patients vs 0 of 17 patients, p = 0.004). The average Spine Instability Neoplastic Score, number of levels fused, and operative parameters, including length of stay, were similar. The average estimated blood loss difference for the open surgery versus the MIS group (783 mL vs 430 mL, p < 0.05) was significant, although the average amount of packed red blood cells transfused was not significantly different (325 mL vs 216 mL, p = 0.39). Time until start of radiation therapy was slightly less in the MIS than the open surgery group (32.8 ± 15.6 days vs 43.1 ± 20.3 days, p = 0.069). Among patients who underwent open surgery with long-term follow-up, 20% were found to have local recurrence compared with 12.5% of patients treated with the MIS technique. No patients in either group developed hardware failure requiring revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: MIS for MESCC is a safe and effective approach for decompression and stabilization compared with standard open separation surgery, and it significantly reduced blood loss during surgery. Although there was a trend toward a faster time to starting radiation treatment in the MIS group, both groups received similar postoperative radiotherapy doses, with similar rates of local recurrence and hardware failure. An increased ability to perform MIS in emergency settings as well as larger, prospective studies are needed to determine the potential benefits of MIS over standard open separation surgery.

Interhospital transfer status for spinal metastasis patients in the United States is associated with more severe clinical presentations and higher rates of inpatient complications.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with metastatic spinal disease (MSD), interhospital transfer can potentially impact clinical outcomes as the possible benefits of transferring a patient to a higher level of care must be weighed against the negative effects associated with potential delays in treatment. While the association of clinical outcomes and transfer status has been examined in other specialties, the relationship between transfer status, complications, and risk of mortality in patients with MSD has yet to be explored. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of transfer status on in-hospital mortality and clinical outcomes in patients diagnosed with MSD. METHODS: The National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was retrospectively queried for adult patients diagnosed with vertebral pathological fracture and/or spinal cord compression in the setting of metastatic disease between 2012 and 2014. Demographics, baseline characteristics (e.g., metastatic spinal cord compression [MSCC] and paralysis), comorbidities, type of intervention, and relevant patient outcomes were controlled in a multivariable logistic regression model to analyze the association of transfer status with patient outcomes. RESULTS: Within the 10,360 patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, higher rates of MSCC (50.2% vs 35.9%, p < 0.001) and paralysis (17.3% vs 8.4%, p < 0.001) were observed in patients transferred between hospitals compared to those directly admitted. In univariable analysis, a higher percentage of transferred patients underwent surgical intervention (p < 0.001) when compared with directly admitted patients. After controlling for significant covariates and surgical intervention, transferred patients were more likely to develop in-hospital complications (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.18-1.52, p < 0.001), experience prolonged length of stay (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.16-1.52, p < 0.001), and have a discharge disposition other than home (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.46-1.98, p < 0.001), with no significant difference in inpatient mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MSD who were transferred between hospitals demonstrated more severe clinical presentations and higher rates of inpatient complications compared to directly admitted patients, despite demonstrating no difference in in-hospital mortality rates.

Minimally invasive transpedicular approach for the treatment of central calcified thoracic disc disease: a technical note.

PURPOSE: To assess the utility of stereotactic navigation for the surgical treatment of ossified, paracentral thoracic discs via a minimally invasive (MI) transpedicular approach. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective review of cases with paracentral thoracic disc herniation resulting in myelopathy where a traditional MI approach would be difficult, who underwent a stereotactic assisted MI transpedicular approach via a tubular retractor system between 2011 and 2016. Five cases of patients over the age of 18 were selected. Collected data included patient age at surgery, sex, preoperative Nurick grade, number of levels treated, calcified disc presence, length of surgery, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS), complication rate, postoperative Nurick grade, and length of follow-up. RESULTS: Five patients had a stereotaxic assisted MI transpedicular thoracic discectomy for paracentrally located calcified disc herniation. Intraoperative navigational images were acquired using intraoperative CT scans (O-arm) to plan and guide the surgical procedure, and real-time navigation was used for precise navigation around the cord to access and remove all fragments. MIS surgery was successfully performed in these otherwise contraindicated cases due to the use of intraoperative real-time stereotactic navigation. All patients had a successful decompression around the anterior aspect of the cord. CONCLUSION: The traditional MI transpedicular thoracic discectomy approach can be further refined and enhanced by stereotactic navigation to expand the limitations of the MIS technique allowing for an increased number and types of patients eligible for minimally invasive surgery. Therefore, MIS via a tubular retractor system with stereotactic navigation is a novel, safe, and effective improvement in feasibility from the traditional minimally invasive transpedicular thoracic discectomy technique.

Effect of body mass index on surgical outcomes after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE Obesity is an increasing public health concern in the pediatric population. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the impact of body mass index (BMI) on 30-day outcomes after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database (2013 and 2014) was reviewed. Patients 10-18 years of age who had undergone fusion of 7 or more spinal levels for AIS were included. Thirty-day outcomes (complications, readmissions, and reoperations) were compared based on patient BMI per age- and sex-adjusted growth charts as follows: normal weight (NW; BMI < 85th percentile), overweight (OW; BMI 85th-95th percentile), and obese (OB; BMI > 95th percentile). RESULTS Patients eligible for study numbered 2712 (80.1% female and 19.9% male) and had a mean age of 14.4 ± 1.8 years. Average BMI for the entire cohort was 21.9 ± 5.0 kg/m2; 2010 patients (74.1%) were classified as NW, 345 (12.7%) as OW, and 357 (13.2%) as OB. The overall complication rate was 1.3% (36/2712). For NW and OW patients, the complication rate was 0.9% in each group; for OB patients, the rate was 4.2% (p < 0.001). The 30-day readmission rate was 2.0% (55/2712) for all patients, 1.6% for NW patients, 1.2% for OW patients, and 5.0% for OB patients (p < 0.001). The 30-day reoperation rate was 1.4% (39/2712). Based on BMI, this reoperation rate corresponded to 0.9%, 1.2%, and 4.8% for NW, OW, and OB patients, respectively (p < 0.001). After controlling for patient age, number of spinal levels fused, and operative/anesthesia time on multiple logistic regression analysis, obesity remained a significant risk factor for complications (OR 4.61), readmissions (OR 3.16), and reoperations (OR 5.33; all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Body mass index may be significantly associated with short-term outcomes after long-segment fusion procedures for AIS. Although NW and OW patients may have similar 30-day outcomes, OB patients had significantly higher wound complication, readmission, and reoperation rates and longer hospital stays than the NW patients. The findings of this study may help spine surgeons and patients in terms of preoperative risk stratification and perioperative expectations.

Thirty-day readmission and reoperation rates after single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion versus those after cervical disc replacement.

OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to compare 30-day readmission and reoperation rates after single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) versus those after cervical disc replacement (CDR). METHODS The authors used the 2013-2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Included were adult patients who underwent first-time single-level ACDF or CDR for cervical spondylosis or disc herniation. Primary outcome measures were readmission and/or reoperation within 30 days of the original surgery. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of the procedure (ACDF or CDR) on outcome, and results are presented as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS A total of 6077 patients met the inclusion criteria; 5590 (92.0%) patients underwent single-level ACDF, and 487 (8.0%) patients underwent CDR. The readmission rates were 2.6% for ACDF and 0.4% for CDR (p = 0.003). When stratified according to age groups, only patients between the ages of 41 and 60 years who underwent ACDF had a significantly higher readmission rate than those who underwent CDR (2.5% vs 0.7%, respectively; p = 0.028). After controlling for patient age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, hypertension, steroid use, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, patients who underwent CDR were significantly less likely to undergo readmission within 30 days than patients who underwent ACDF (OR 0.23 [95% CI 0.06-0.95]; p = 0.041). Patients with a history of COPD (OR 1.97 [95% CI 1.08-3.57]; p = 0.026) or hypertension (OR 1.62 [95% CI 1.10-2.38]; p = 0.013) and those at ASA Class IV (OR 14.6 [95% CI 1.69-125.75]; p = 0.015) were significantly more likely to require readmission within 30 days. The reoperation rates were 1.2% for ACDF and 0.4% for CDR (p = 0.086), and multivariate analysis revealed that CDR was not associated with lower odds of reoperation (OR 0.60 [95% CI 0.14-2.55]; p = 0.492). However, increasing age was associated with a higher risk (OR 1.02 [95% CI 1.00-1.05]; p = 0.031) of reoperation; a 2% increase in risk per year of age was found. CONCLUSIONS Patients who underwent single-level ACDF had a higher readmission rate than those who underwent single-level CDR in this study. When stratified according to age, this effect was seen only in the 41- to 60-year age group. No significant difference in the 30-day single-level ACDF and single-level CDR reoperation rates was found. Although patients in the ACDF group were older and sicker, other unmeasured covariates might have accounted for the increased rate of readmission in this group, and further investigation is encouraged.

The use of a pedicle screw-cortical screw hybrid system for the surgical treatment of a patient with congenital multilevel spinal non-segmentation defect and spinal column deformity: a technical note.

INTRODUCTION: This technical note presents, to the authors' knowledge, the first reported case of a hybrid pedicle-cortical screw system for instrumented fusion in a patient with congenital vertebral column deformity. CASE: Cortical screws were navigated using stereotactic guidance to extend a prior non-segmented fusion mass, facilitating instrumentation in a circumstance with completely distorted anatomy. This technique provided a safe trajectory with excellent cortical purchase in an anatomically deformed spine. DISCUSSION: Cortical screw fixation may serve to be helpful in augmenting pedicle screw fixation and in circumstances in which the bone quality is suboptimal or the pedicles are compromised. Cortical screw fixation is a relatively new technology, but it may prove to be invaluable in providing an adjunct to pedicle screw constructs in anatomically distorted or osteoporotic spines.

Resection of spinal column tumors utilizing image-guided navigation: a multicenter analysis.

OBJECTIVE The use of intraoperative stereotactic navigation has become more available in spine surgery. The authors undertook this study to assess the utility of intraoperative CT navigation in the localization of spinal lesions and as an intraoperative tool to guide resection in patients with spinal lesions. METHODS This was a retrospective multicenter study including 50 patients from 2 different institutions who underwent biopsy and/or resection of spinal column tumors using image-guided navigation. Of the 50 cases reviewed, 4 illustrative cases are presented. In addition, the authors provide a description of surgical technique with image guidance. RESULTS The patient group included 27 male patients and 23 female patients. Their average age was 61 ± 17 years (range 14-87 years). The average operative time (incision to closure) was 311 ± 188 minutes (range 62-865 minutes). The average intraoperative blood loss was 882 ± 1194 ml (range 5-7000 ml). The average length of hospitalization was 10 ± 8.9 days (range 1-36 days). The postoperative complications included 2 deaths (4.0%) and 4 radiculopathies (8%) secondary to tumor burden. CONCLUSIONS O-arm 3D imaging with stereotactic navigation may be used to localize lesions intraoperatively with real-time dynamic feedback of tumor resection. Stereotactic guidance may augment resection or biopsy of primary and metastatic spinal tumors. It offers reduced radiation exposure to operating room personnel and the ability to use minimally invasive approaches that limit tissue injury. In addition, acquisition of intraoperative CT scans with real-time tracking allows for precise targeting of spinal lesions with minimal dissection.

Atlantoaxial Rotatory Subluxation: A Review for the Pediatric Emergency Physician.

Pediatric emergency physicians must have a high clinical suspicion for atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (AARS), particularly when a child presents with neck pain and an abnormal head posture without the ability to return to a neutral position. As shown in the neurosurgical literature, timely diagnosis and swift initiation of treatment have a greater chance of treatment success for the patient. However, timely treatment is complicated because torticollis can result from a variety of maladies, including: congenital abnormalities involving the C1-C2 joint or the surrounding supporting muscles and ligaments, central nervous system abnormalities, obstetric palsies from brachial plexus injuries, clavicle fractures, head and neck surgery, and infection. The treating pediatrician must discern the etiology of the underlying problem to determine both timing and treatment paradigms, which vary widely between these illnesses. We present a comprehensive review of AARS that is intended for pediatric emergency physicians. Management of AARS can vary widely bases on factors, such as duration of symptoms, as well as the patient's history. The goal of this review is to streamline the management paradigms and provide an inclusive review for pediatric emergency first responders.

The integration of radiosurgery for the treatment of patients with metastatic spine diseases.

Significant evidence emerging in the spinal oncology literature recommends radiosurgery as a primary modality of treatment of spinal metastasis. Improvements in the methods of delivering radiation have increased the ability to provide a higher and more exacting dose of radiation to a tumor bed than previously. Using treatment-planning software, radiation is contoured around a specific lesion with the intent of administering a tumoricidal dose. Combined with a minimally invasive, tumor-load reducing surgery, this advanced form of radiation therapy can provide better local control of the tumor compared with conventional external beam radiation.

Nonquantitative CT scan Hounsfield unit as a determinant of cervical spine bone density.

OBJECTIVE: Hounsfield unit (HU) values measured using CT have been increasingly recognized to stand as a reliable corollary to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scores in evaluating bone mineral density. The authors examined the correlation between cervical HU values and DEXA T- and Z-scores and determined novel cervical HU thresholds for determining bone quality classification. METHODS: One hundred patients who underwent both cervical spine CT and DEXA, 85 patients who underwent both lumbar CT and DEXA, and 128 patients who underwent cervical and lumbar CT within 24 months at a single institution were included in this retrospective review. Two independent reviewers collected HU values from 3 cervical vertebral levels (C4-6) and 4 lumbar vertebral levels (L1-4), and the averaged values were used. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis was performed to compare the association of cervical HU values with lumbar HU values and T- and Z-scores. The mean cervical HU values for each DEXA classification were calculated and compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created to determine the threshold and its sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis. RESULTS: Cervical (C4-6) HU values and average, lumbar, and femoral T- and Z-scores had significant correlations (0.436 > r > 0.274, all p < 0.01). A strong positive correlation between cervical and lumbar HU values was found (r = 0.79, p < 0.01). The average cervical HU value of healthy patients was 361.2 (95% CI 337.1-385.3); of osteopenic patients, 312.1 (95% CI 290.3-333.8); and of osteoporotic patients, 288.4 (95% CI 262.6-314.3). There was a significant difference between the cervical HU values of healthy and osteopenic patients (p = 0.0134) and between those of healthy and osteoporotic patients (p = 0.0304). The cervical HU value of 340.98 was 73.5% specific and 57.9% sensitive for diagnosing osteopenia with an area under the ROC (AUROC) curve of 0.655. The cervical HU value of 326.5 was 88.9% specific and 63.2% sensitive for diagnosing osteoporosis with an AUROC curve of 0.749. CONCLUSIONS: This is the second large-scale study and first with a patient population from the United States to show that HU values obtained using cervical CT were significantly correlated with bone quality based on DEXA T- and Z-scores and to establish a cervical HU threshold for determining bone quality classification. These results show that cervical HU values can and should be used to predict poor bone quality in surgical cervical spine patients.

Racial Differences in Perioperative Complications, Readmissions, and Mortalities After Elective Spine Surgery in the United States: A Systematic Review Using AI-Assisted Bibliometric Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of race on post-operative outcomes and complications following elective spine surgery in the United States. METHODS: PUBMED, MEDLINE(R), ERIC, EMBASE, and SCOPUS were searched for studies documenting peri-operative events for White and African American (AA) patients following elective spine surgery. Pooled odds ratios were calculated for each 90-day outcome and meta-analyses were performed for 4 peri-operative events and 7 complication categories. Sub-analyses were performed for each outcome on single institution (SI) studies and works that included <100,000 patients. RESULTS: 53 studies (5,589,069 patients, 9.8% AA) were included. Eleven included >100,000 patients. AA patients had increased rates of 90-day readmission (OR 1.33, P = .0001), non-routine discharge (OR 1.71, P = .0001), and mortality (OR 1.66, P = .0003), but not re-operation (OR 1.16, P = .1354). AA patients were more likely to have wound-related complications (OR 1.47, P = .0001) or medical complications (OR 1.35, P = .0006), specifically cardiovascular (OR 1.33, P = .0126), deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE) (OR 2.22, P = .0188) and genitourinary events (OR 1.17, P = .0343). SI studies could only detect racial differences in re-admissions and non-routine discharges. Studies with <100,000 patients replicated the above findings but found no differences in cardiovascular complications. Disparities in mortality were only detected when all studies were included. CONCLUSIONS: AA patients faced a greater risk of morbidity across several distinct categories of peri-operative events. SI studies can be underpowered to detect more granular complication types (genitourinary, DVT/PE). Rare events, such as mortality, require larger sample sizes to identify significant racial disparities.

Predictors of Clavien-Dindo Grade III-IV or Grade V Complications after Metastatic Spinal Tumor Surgery: An Analysis of Sociodemographic, Socioeconomic, Clinical, Oncologic, and Operative Parameters.

The rate of major complications and 30-day mortality after surgery for metastatic spinal tumors is relatively high. While most studies have focused on baseline comorbid conditions and operative parameters as risk factors, there is limited data on the influence of other parameters such as sociodemographic or socioeconomic data on outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed data from 165 patients who underwent surgery for spinal metastases between 2012-2023. The primary outcome was development of major complications (i.e., Clavien-Dindo Grade III-IV complications), and the secondary outcome was 30-day mortality (i.e., Clavien-Dindo Grade V complications). An exploratory data analysis that included sociodemographic, socioeconomic, clinical, oncologic, and operative parameters was performed. Following multivariable analysis, independent predictors of Clavien-Dindo Grade III-IV complications were Frankel Grade A-C, lower modified Bauer score, and lower Prognostic Nutritional Index. Independent predictors of Clavien-Dindo Grade V complications) were lung primary cancer, lower modified Bauer score, lower Prognostic Nutritional Index, and use of internal fixation. No sociodemographic or socioeconomic factor was associated with either outcome. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors did not impact short-term surgical outcomes for metastatic spinal tumor patients in this study. Optimization of modifiable factors like nutritional status may be more important in improving outcomes in this complex patient population.

Projections of Single-level and Multilevel Spinal Instrumentation Procedure Volume and Associated Costs for Medicare Patients to 2050.

BACKGROUND: Instrumented spinal fusions can be used in the treatment of vertebral fractures, spinal instability, and scoliosis or kyphosis. Construct-level selection has notable implications on postoperative recovery, alignment, and mobility. This study sought to project future trends in the implementation rates and associated costs of single-level versus multilevel instrumentation procedures in US Medicare patients aged older than 65 years in the United States. METHODS: Data were acquired from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2019. Procedure costs and counts were abstracted using Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify spinal level involvement. The Prophet machine learning algorithm was used, using a Bayesian Inference framework, to generate point forecasts for 2020 to 2050 and 95% forecast intervals (FIs). Sensitivity analyses were done by comparing projections from linear, log-linear, Poisson and negative-binomial, and autoregressive integrated moving average models. Costs were adjusted for inflation using the 2019 US Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2019, the annual spinal instrumentation volume increased by 776% (from 7,342 to 64,350 cases) for single level, by 329% (from 20,319 to 87,253 cases) for two-four levels, by 1049% (from 1,218 to 14,000 cases) for five-seven levels, and by 739% (from 193 to 1,620 cases) for eight-twelve levels (P < 0.0001). The inflation-adjusted reimbursement for single-level instrumentation procedures decreased 45.6% from $1,148.15 to $788.62 between 2000 and 2019, which is markedly lower than for other prevalent orthopaedic procedures: total shoulder arthroplasty (-23.1%), total hip arthroplasty (-39.2%), and total knee arthroplasty (-42.4%). By 2050, the number of single-level spinal instrumentation procedures performed yearly is projected to be 124,061 (95% FI, 87,027 to 142,907), with associated costs of $93,900,672 (95% FI, $80,281,788 to $108,220,932). CONCLUSIONS: The number of single-level instrumentation procedures is projected to double by 2050, while the number of two-four level procedures will double by 2040. These projections offer a measurable basis for resource allocation and procedural distribution.

The prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammation index on short- and long-term outcome following surgery for spinal metastases.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory markers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) have shown promise in predicting mortality in various types of cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess NLR, PLR, and SII in predicting 30-day mortality and overall survival (OS) among surgically treated patients with spinal metastasis. METHODS: This was a retrospective study including 153 patients who underwent surgery for spinal metastasis between 2012 and 2022. Electronic medical records were manually reviewed, and NLR, PLR, and SII were calculated from preoperative neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte counts. Receiver operating characteristic curves with areas under the curve were generated to determine cutoff values. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratios (ORs) for 30-day mortality. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used to determine the hazard ratio (HR) for OS limited to 5 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperative cutoff values were as follows: NLR > 10.2, PLR > 260, and SII > 2900. Overall, 35.9% (55/153) of patients had elevated NLR, 45.7% (70/153) had elevated PLR, and 30.7% (47/153) had elevated SII. The overall 30-day mortality was 8.5% (13/153). After controlling for confounders such as performance status and primary tumor type, high NLR (OR 5.20, 95% CI 1.21-22.28; p = 0.026) and SII (OR 4.92, 95% CI 1.17-20.63; p = 0.029) were associated with increased odds of 30-day postoperative mortality. The median OS time in the study population was 26 months (95% CI 12-40 months). After controlling for confounders such as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, primary tumor, and hypoalbuminemia, high NLR was associated with shorter OS (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.48-3.97; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: High preoperative NLR and SII were independently associated with 30-day postoperative mortality in this study. Elevated NLR was also found to be associated with shorter OS. The prognostic role of these metrics warrants further investigation.