Static and dynamic sagittal lumbar apex: a new concept for the assessment of lumbar lordosis distribution in spinal deformity.

PURPOSE: Sagittal lumbar apex has been demonstrated to be a key parameter in sagittal plane morphology. Our aim was to understand its behavior with postural changes, analyzing two different concepts of lumbar apex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective observational study with a cohort of patients presenting sagittal malalignment identified from a monocenter database of adult spinal deformities (ASD). Inclusion criteria were age > 30 years, SVA > 40 mm, and/or PT > 20. All patients had full-spine EOS radiographs in 2 different positions: (P1: natural position) and position 2 (P2: compensated position). Sagittal alignment, spinopelvic values, and two different methods of assessing lordosis apex location were analyzed in both P1 and P2 positions. Changes between P1 and P2 were compared using a paired t test with a significance level at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were recruited (21 women and 4 men). The mean age was 64.8 years (range 21-79). The patient's main compensation was based on an increase in the femoral shaft angle, and pelvic retroversion, with a subsequent decrease in sacral slope, and therefore of the lower lumbar arc. When the lumbar apex was calculated as the most anterior point touching the vertical line in a lateral radiograph, postural compensation changes modified its location usually shifting it to a more caudal position. When the lumbar apex was assessed as the most distant point of the global lumbar lordosis, its position remained stable regardless of compensation. CONCLUSIONS: Postural changes can modify the location of the lumbar apex when understanding its location as the cornerstone of sagittal plane harmonic distribution. This concept can be useful as an additional sign to assess compensation. However, if the lumbar apex was calculated as the angular point of the global lordosis, its position remained stable regardless of postural changes. This concept can help to mold lumbar lordosis in ASD surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Multiple-rod constructs in adult spinal deformity surgery for pelvic-fixated long instrumentations: an integral matched cohort analysis.

PURPOSE: Multiple-rod constructs (Multi-Rod: extra rods for additional pillar support) are occasionally used in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. We aimed to compare and analyze the general outcome of multi-rod constructs with a matched two-rod cohort, to better understand the differences and the similitudes. METHODS: This is a retrospective matched cohort study including patients with ASD that underwent surgical correction with long posterior instrumentation (more than five levels), pelvic fixation and a minimum 1-year follow-up. Matching was considered with demographical data, preoperative radiographical parameters, preoperative clinical status [health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) scores] and surgical characteristics (anterior fusion, decompression, rod material, osteotomies). Postoperative radiographical and clinical parameters, as well as complications, were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed regarding postoperative improvement, group variables comparison and parameters correlation. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients with multi-rod construct and 33 matched with a two-rod construct were selected from a database with 346 ASD-operated patients. Both groups had a significant improvement with surgical management in the radiographical and HRQoL parameters (p < 0.001). Differences between groups for the postoperative radiographical, clinical and perioperative parameters were not significant. Rod breakage was more frequent in the two-rod group (8 vs 4, p = 0.089), as well as the respective revision surgery for those cases (6 vs 1 p = 0.046). Risk factors related to revision surgery were greater kyphosis correction (p = 0.001), longer instrumentation (p = 0.037) and greater sagittal vertical axis correction (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: No major disadvantage on the use of multi-rod construct was identified. This supports the benefit of using multi-rod constructs to avoid implant failure. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Adult spinal deformity surgical decision-making score. Part 2: development and validation of a scoring system to guide the selection of treatment modalities for patients above 40 years with adult spinal deformity.

PURPOSE: We aimed to develop and internally validate a scoring system, the adult spinal deformity surgical decision-making (ASD-SDM) score, to guide the decision-making process for ASD patients aged above 40 years. METHODS: A multicentre prospective ASD database was retrospectively reviewed. The scoring system was developed using data from a derivation set and was internally validated in a validation set. The performance of the ASD-SDM score for predicting surgical management was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: A total of 702 patients were included for analysis in the present study. The scoring system developed based on 562 patients, ranging from 0 to 12 points, included five parameters: leg pain scored by the numerical rating scale; pain and self-image domains in the Scoliosis Research Society-22 score; coronal Cobb angle; and relative spinopelvic alignment. Surgical indication was graded as low (score 0 to 4), moderate (score 5 to 7), and high (score 8 to 12) groups. In the validation set of 140 patients, the AUC for predicting surgical management according to the ASD-SDM score was 0.797 (standard error = 0.037, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval = 0.714 to 0.861), and in the low, moderate, and high surgical indication groups, 23.7%, 43.5%, and 80.4% of the patients, respectively, were treated surgically. CONCLUSIONS: The ASD-SDM score demonstrated reliability, with higher scores indicating a higher probability of surgery. This index could aid in the selection of surgery for ASD patients in clinical settings. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Prediction of satisfaction after correction surgery for adult spinal deformity: differences between younger and older patients.

PURPOSE: Achieving an adequate level of patient's satisfaction with results is one of the goals of adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. However, it is unclear whether the same factors affect satisfaction in all patient populations. Patients' age influences the postoperative course and prevalence of complications after ASD surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors predicting satisfaction 2 years after ASD surgery in younger and older patients. METHODS: A total of 119 patients under 40 years old, 155 patients 40 to 65 years old, and 148 patients over 65 years old at surgery who were followed for a minimum of 2 years after surgery were included. Multivariate analysis was used to determine independent related factors with maximum AUC for satisfaction 2 years after surgery in each group. A propensity-matched cohort under equivalent demographic and clinical characteristics was used to confirm the results. RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses revealed satisfaction among the under-40 group corresponded to prior spine surgery, complications, and self-image. That among the 40-to-65 group corresponded to neurologic complication, revision surgery, pain, and sagittal vertical axis restoration. Among the over-65 group satisfaction correlated with revision surgery, standing ability, and lumbar lordosis index restoration. Propensity score matching confirmed that sagittal alignment correction led to substantial satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: In younger patients, avoiding complications and improving patients' self-image were essential for substantial satisfaction levels. In older patients, revision, standing ability, as well as sagittal spinopelvic alignment restoration, were the key factors. Surgeons should consider the differences in goals of each patient.

Opioids and analgesics use after adult spinal deformity surgery correlates with sagittal alignment and preoperative analgesic pattern.

PURPOSE: To assess pain, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores and sagittal parameters of adult spinal deformity (ASD)-operated patients in the context of their analgesic consumption especially opioids (narcotics) over the first year postoperative period. METHODS: In total, 372 patients from a multicenter database were stratified into 3 groups at baseline: 241 patients in the minimal group (no analgesic, or NSAIDs/narcotics weekly or less), 64 in the NSAIDs every day group and 67 in the narcotics every day group. HRQOL and back and leg pain scores were evaluated at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Also several sagittal alignment parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Significant improvements in pain and HRQOL scores were observed across all 3 groups by 1 year (P < 0.05) postoperatively. While the minimal group had the best pre- and postoperative HRQOL scores, the NSAID group demonstrated the best improvement in HRQOL. Only the minimal group displayed continued improvement from 6 months to 1 year. 90%, 65% and 40% of minimal, NSAID and narcotic groups of patients, respectively, no longer took any analgesics at 1 year postoperatively. Alternatively, 36% of patients in the narcotics group continued to take narcotics at 1 year. Residual malalignment increased NSAIDs consumption in different groups at 1 year. CONCLUSION: This study evaluated the analgesics use after ASD surgery in relation to the clinical and radiological outcomes. Despite important postoperative opioids consumption in the narcotics group, clinical outcome yet improved. Malalignment parameters demonstrated a predictive value in regard to NSAIDs' usage. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Mental health status and sagittal spinopelvic alignment correlate with self-image in patients with adult spinal deformity before and after corrective surgery.

PURPOSE: Preoperative patient self-image (SI) in adult spinal deformity (ASD) is the most relevant factor for surgical decision-making. Postoperative SI has an important role in a patient's satisfaction with surgery. However, few studies are available to describe these variables. The aim was to investigate the factors that correlate with SI before and 2 years after ASD surgery. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of prospectively collected multicentric data. Patients who underwent ASD surgery with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were enrolled (n = 391). They were divided into high-SI and low-SI groups, both preoperatively and postoperatively, according to SRS-22R SI/appearance subdomain scores at baseline and at 2 years, respectively. Independently related factors for SI were determined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Crucial factors for SI at baseline were the scores on the SRS-22R function/activity (OR: 2.61), SRS-22R mental health (OR: 2.63) subdomains, and relative spinopelvic alignment (RSA, OR: 0.95). SF-36 MCS (OR: 1.07) at baseline as well as sagittal vertical axis (SVA, OR: 0.99) at 2 years, and complications (OR: 0.44) were independent predictive factors for SI at 2 years. The patients who transitioned from the preoperative low-SI group to the postoperative high-SI group achieved larger global sagittal alignment restoration and had lesser complications than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Mental status and sagittal spinopelvic alignment are key determinants of SI. The results indicate that considering mental status, preventing complications, and global sagittal alignment, restoration is crucial for achieving substantial SI scores after ASD surgery. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Cerebral ischaemia following anterior upper thoracic spinal surgery utilizing a partial manubrial resection.

PURPOSE: Firstly, to describe two cases of cerebral ischaemia complicating anterior upper thoracic spinal surgery and define the likely cause of this complication. Secondly, to describe preventative measures and the effect these have had in reducing this complication within our institution. METHODS: Firstly, a review of two cases of cerebral ischaemia complicating anterior upper thoracic spinal surgery utilizing a partial manubrial resection. Secondly, cadaveric dissections of the carotid arteries to determine the effect of neck positioning and aortic arch retraction during a simulated procedure. Thirdly, a retrospective review of 65 consecutive cases undergoing this procedure and assessment of the rate of this complication before and after the adoption of preventative measures. RESULTS: Two cases of carotid artery territory cerebral ischaemia, without radiographic evidence of carotid or cardiac pathology were identified in 50 consecutive cases prior to the implementation of preventative measures. These patients revealed fluctuating hemodynamic instability after placement of the inferior retractor. Cadaveric dissection reveals significant carotid artery traction particularly with neck extension. Since the adoption of preventative measures, no cases of cerebral ischaemia have been encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral ischaemia is a potential complication of anterior upper thoracic spinal surgery requiring retraction of the aortic arch. This most likely occurs from carotid stenosis due to aortic retraction and therefore, may be reduced by positioning the patient with neck flexion. Continuous non-invasive monitoring of cerebral saturation, as well as actively monitoring for hemodynamic instability and reduced carotid pulsation after retractor placement, allows for early detection of this complication. If detected, perfusion can be easily restored by reducing the retraction of aortic arch.

Adult spinal deformity surgical decision-making score : Part 1: development and validation of a scoring system to guide the selection of treatment modalities for patients below 40 years with adult spinal deformity.

PURPOSE: We aimed to develop and internally validate a simple scoring system: the adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgical decision-making (ASD-SDM) score, which is specific to the decision-making process for ASD patients aged below 40 years. METHODS: A multicentre prospective ASD database was retrospectively reviewed. The scoring system was developed using data from a derivation cohort and was internally validated in a validation cohort. The accuracy of the ASD-SDM score was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: A total of 316 patients were randomly divided into derivation (253 patients, 80%) and validation (63 patients, 20%) cohorts. A 10-point scoring system was created from four variables: self-image score in the Scoliosis Research Society-22 score, coronal Cobb angle, pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis mismatch, and relative spinopelvic alignment, and the surgical indication was graded into low (score 0-4), moderate (score 5-7), and high (score 8-10) surgical indication groups. In the validation cohort, the AUC for selecting surgical management according to the ASD-SDM score was 0.789 (SE 0.057, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.655-0.880). The percentage of patients treated surgically were 21.1%, 55.0%, and 80.0% in the low, moderate, and high surgical indication groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The ASD-SDM score, to the best of our knowledge, is the first algorithm to guide the decision-making process for the ASD population and could be one of the indices for aiding the selection of treatment for ASD. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Management of a high thoracic chance fracture.

PURPOSE: Chance fracture of the high thoracic spine is rare, and its impact on the adjacent cervical spine can be important. METHODS: We present the case of a 16-year-old male, who fell down from a 2 m height, in an unknown context as he has a mental retardation, and no witness saw the accident. Initial CT scan revealed a comminuted depressed fracture of the right parietal bone, associated with a chance fracture at the level of T3 with a kyphosis and bilateral lung contusion. RESULTS: The patient underwent neurosurgical treatment for elevation and reconstruction of the parietal fracture; he also underwent, 2 days later, a posterior spinal correction and fusion with T1-to-T5 instrumentation. The patient returned to normal walking on day 7 with a satisfactory clinical and radiological result at 1 year. CONCLUSION: Literature is sparse on the treatment of high thoracic chance fractures. The current case shows that early surgical management should prevent a secondary kyphotic deformity that may need a more aggressive treatment at a later stage.

Management of a posterior gunshot injury with a floating pedicle and cerebrospinal fluid leak.

PURPOSE: Gunshot injury to the spine can be devastating, and it has increased in the civilian population during the last decade. METHODS: We present the case of a 30-year-old male, who received a bullet in his back after exchange of fire with the police. Initial assessment revealed paraparesis with cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) from the bullet entry hole, CT scan showed metal debris with two bullet fragments in the L5/S1 right foramen and lateral recess, and another fragment in the central canal posteriorly, and also it revealed two fracture lines creating a right L5 "floating pedicle". RESULTS: The patient was taken to the operating room and underwent L5/S1 posterior approach with right L5 pedicle stabilization with a pedicle screw, removal of the bullet fragments, dural repair with a patch, L5/S1 posterolateral fusion, and insertion of a lumbar CSF drain. The patient could walk with a walking frame on day 7 with a satisfactory radiological result at 1 year but with a remaining partial motor deficit of both ankles, mainly on the right side. CONCLUSION: Literature contains a lot of controversies regarding the management of spinal gunshot injuries. The current case shows that early surgical management, when partial neurological deficit with a CSF leak is noted, could improve the clinical outcome and prevent related complications.

L5 pedicle subtraction osteotomy: indication, surgical technique and specificities.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiographic, functional outcomes, complications and surgical specificities of L5 pedicle subtraction osteotomy for fixed sagittal and coronal malalignment. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of consecutive patients with prospectively collected data. Ten patients who underwent PSO at L5 were eligible for a 2-year minimum follow-up (average, 4.0 years). Patients were evaluated by standardized upright radiographs. Preoperative and postoperative radiographies, surgical data and complications were collected. RESULTS: All surgeries were revision surgeries. The mean lumbar lordosis before surgery was - 22.5° (range, 8° to - 33°) and improved to - 58.5° (range, - 40° to - 79°). The sagittal vertical axis demonstrated a preoperative mean sagittal malalignment of 13.7 cm (range 3.5 to 20 cm), with correction to 4.6 cm postoperatively. Three patients required additional surgery at the latest follow-up for rod breakage. CONCLUSIONS: PSO of L5 can be a safe and effective technique to treat and correct fixed sagittal imbalance and provide biomechanical stability. The high complication rate mandates a careful assessment of the risk/benefit ratio of such a major surgery. Most patients are satisfied, particularly when sagittal balance is achieved.

102 lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomies: one surgeon's learning curve.

PURPOSE: Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy (PSO) is an effective surgical technique for the correction of fixed sagittal malalignment of the spine. It is a demanding technique that requires a long learning curve. The aim of this study is to analyze a surgeon's learning curve for lumbar PSO in relation to the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative management, with assessment of the global outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 102 patients operated over an 8-year period were included, distributed in 3 groups over the time, and retrospectively analyzed. The following data were collected: demographic characteristics, preoperative and postoperative radiological parameters, operative technical details, and complications. Multiple regression analysis was performed, and while the number of cases was the predictor, other variables such as demographic, radiographical, and surgical variables were considered as a covariate in the final model. RESULTS: When comparing the first group and the last group of patients, the mean surgical time had decreased by 50 min, the estimated blood loss was decreased by 655 ml, and a significant decrease in dural tear occurrence was noticed. In addition, we found a significant decrease in the hospital stay length. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that when the surgeon's experience doubles, the operative time decreases by 29 min, the blood loss by 281 ml, and the odds of hospital stay ≥ 21 days decrease by 0.66 times. CONCLUSION: PSO technique has a relatively long learning curve. This study showed that accumulating the experience over the years, while performing cases on a regular basis, is definitely the key in mastering this complex and risky technique, with significant improvements in the perioperative parameters that directly impact the recovery and global outcome. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Bisphosphonate therapy for spinal aneurysmal bone cysts.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of bisphosphonate therapy in the management of spinal aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs). METHODS: A prospective study of six consecutive patients aged between 7 and 22 years with spinal ABCs treated with pamidronate (1 mg/kg) or zoledronate (4 mg). A visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and radiological (contrast-enhanced MRI and CT scan at 3 and 6 months, then yearly X-rays) follow-up was continued for a minimum of 6 years. RESULTS: One patient with an unstable C2/3 failed to respond to a single dose of bisphosphonate and required surgical resection and stabilisation with autologous bone grafting. Another, with a thoraco-lumbar ABC, experienced progression of neurological dysfunction after one cycle of bisphosphonate and, therefore, required surgical resection and stabilisation. In all other patients pain progressively improved and was resolved after two to four cycles (VAS 7.3-0). These patients all showed reduction in peri-lesional oedema and increased ossification by 3 months. No patients have had a recurrence within the timeframe of this study. CONCLUSIONS: Bisphosphonate therapy can be used as the definitive treatment of spinal ABCs, except in patients with instability or progressive neurology, where surgical intervention is required. Clinicians should expect a patients symptoms to rapidly improve, their bone oedema to resolve by 3 months and their lesion to partially or completely ossify by 6-12 months.

Decision-making factors in the treatment of adult spinal deformity.

PURPOSE: We aimed to elucidate the factors for the decision-making process in the treatment of adult spinal deformity (ASD), including sagittal parameters, that impact health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: A multicenter prospective ASD database was retrospectively reviewed. The demographic data, HRQOL, and radiographic measures were analyzed using multivariate analyses in younger (≤ 50 years) and older (> 50 years) age groups. RESULTS: This study included 414 patients (134 surgical and 280 nonsurgical; mean age 30.7 years) in the younger age group and 575 patients (323 surgical and 252 nonsurgical; mean age 65.8 years) in the older age group. Worse HRQOL measures drove surgical treatment, both in younger and older patients. The SRS-22 self-image score was the most differentiating domain, both in the younger and older age groups, and an additional significant factor in the older age group was pain and disability. Coronal deformity drove surgical treatment for the younger age group; however, older surgical patients were less likely to have coronal malalignment. Sagittal parameters were associated with the decision-making process. Greater pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis mismatch in the younger age group and smaller lumbar lordosis index in the older age group were most correlated with the decision to undergo surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Aside from the HRQOL measures and coronal deformity, sagittal parameters were identified as significant factors for the decision-making process in the ASD population, and the lack of lumbar lordosis in relation to pelvic incidence was a strong driver to pursue surgical treatment. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Spondylolisthesis adjacent to a cervical disc arthroplasty does not increase the risk of adjacent level degeneration.

PURPOSE: To understand whether a spondylolisthesis in the sub-axial spine cranial to a cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) construes a risk of adjacent level disease (ALD). METHODS: A retrospective review of 164 patients with a minimum 5-year follow-up of a cervical disc arthroplasty was performed. Multi-level surgeries, including hybrid procedures, were included. Multiple implant types were included. The two inter-vertebral discs (IVD) cranial of the CDA were monitored for evidence of radiologic degeneration using the Kettler criteria. RESULTS: The rate of ALD in CDA found in this series was 17.8%, with most affecting the immediately adjacent IVD (27.4 and 7.6%, respectively p = 0.000). Pre-operative mild spondylolisthesis adjacent to a planned CDA was not found to be a risk factor for ALD within 5 years. Those with a degenerative spondylolisthesis are at higher risk of ALD (33%) than those with a non-degenerative cause for their spondylolisthesis (11%). Post-operative CDA alignment, ROM or induced spondylolisthesis do not affect the rate of ALD in those with an adjacent spondylolisthesis. Patients with ALD experience significantly worse 5-year pain and functional outcomes than those unaffected by ALD. CONCLUSIONS: A pre-operatively identified mild spondylolisthesis in the sub-axial spine cranially adjacent to a planned CDA is not a risk factor for ALD within 5 years. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Outcomes of the Bryan cervical disc replacement: fifteen year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The CTDR is a technique that treats cervical disc degenerative disease. Initial shorter-term studies showed good clinical and radiological results. PURPOSE: To assess the clinical and radiological results of Bryan cervical disc replacement (Medtronic Sofamor Danek Inc., Memphis, TN) at 15-year follow-up. RESULTS: This prospective study included 20 patients who underwent 22 CTDR, comprising a single-level procedure in 14 patients and two-level procedures in six patients. The mean follow-up period was 15.5 years. The mean age at the intervention was 46.2 years (range: 26-65 years). Two patients needed re-operation for recurrence of symptoms. According to Odom's criteria, 80.0% (16 of 20 patients) had excellent outcomes, VAS for neck pain was 2.6 (0-10), for shoulder/arm pain it was 1.8 (0-7), and NDI at the final follow up was 14.9. The SF-12 PCS was 46.1, and SF-12 MCS was 51.9. Mobility was maintained in 15 of the 22 (68.2%) operated segments, range of motion (ROM) of prostheses were 9° ± 3.9° (range 4-15°). The prostheses were positioned in kyphosis in 14 of 22 levels (63.6%). There was a positive correlation between the kyphosis of the prosthesis and the occurrence of heterotopic ossification (HO), and their grade (ρ = 0.36, CI 95%[-0.68; 0.07]). HO had developed at 12 of the 22 levels (54.5%) and upper adjacent segment degeneration in 11 of 18 of patients (64.7%). All these results were not significantly different to outcomes at 8 years follow-up. CONCLUSION: In a cohort of 20 patients with 15-year clinical and radiological follow-up, the Bryan CTDR has demonstrated a sustained clinical improvement and implant mobility over time, despite a moderate progression of degenerative processes at the prosthetic and adjacent levels.

A new classification system for degenerative spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine.

PURPOSE: There is no consensus for a comprehensive analysis of degenerative spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine (DSLS). A new classification system for DSLS based on sagittal alignment was proposed. Its clinical relevance was explored. METHODS: Health-related quality-of-life scales (HRQOLs) and clinical parameters were collected: SF-12, ODI, and low back and leg pain visual analog scales (BP-VAS, LP-VAS). Radiographic analysis included Meyerding grading and sagittal parameters: segmental lordosis (SL), L1-S1 lumbar lordosis (LL), T1-T12 thoracic kyphosis (TK), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA). Patients were classified according to three main types-1A: preserved LL and SL; 1B: preserved LL and reduced SL (≤5°); 2A: PI-LL ≥10° without pelvic compensation (PT < 25°); 2B: PI-LL ≥10° with pelvic compensation (PT ≥ 25°); type 3: global sagittal malalignment (SVA ≥40 mm). RESULTS: 166 patients (119 F: 47 M) suffering from DSLS were included. Mean age was 67.1 ± 11 years. DSLS demographics were, respectively: type 1A: 73 patients, type 1B: 3, type 2A: 8, type 2B: 22, and type 3: 60. Meyerding grading was: grade 1 (n = 124); grade 2 (n = 24). Affected levels were: L4-L5 (n = 121), L3-L4 (n = 34), L2-L3 (n = 6), and L5-S1 (n = 5). Mean sagittal parameter values were: PI: 59.3° ± 11.9°; PT: 24.3° ± 7.6°; SVA: 29.1 ± 42.2 mm; SL: 18.2° ± 8.1°. DSLS types were correlated with age, ODI and SF-12 PCS (ρ = 0.34, p < 0.05; ρ = 0.33, p < 0.05; ρ = -0.20, and p = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: This classification was consistent with age and HRQOLs and could be a preoperative assessment tool. Its therapeutic impact has yet to be validated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Lack of improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores 6 months after surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) predicts high revision rate in the second postoperative year.

PURPOSE: ASD is assessed radiologically with the spinopelvic parameters and clinically with HRQOL scores. The revision rate after ASD surgery is high and usually occurs during the first or second postoperative year. The aim of this study is to find clinical or radiological factors that could predict revision surgery in the second postoperative year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inclusion criterion: ASD patients operated on by instrumented posterior fusion with more than 2 years follow-up were enrolled prospectively. Additional criterion was no revision surgery during the first postoperative year. From a multicenter database of 560 operated ASD patients, 164 patients met these criteria. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the need of revision surgery during the second postoperative year. Preoperative, 6-month, 1-year and 2-year data were collected and compared for both groups. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients needed revision surgery and 142 did not. All revisions were for mechanical complications (non-fusion and implant related). Preoperatively, there was a significant difference between the groups (no revision vs. revision) for age (48 vs. 60 years), ODI (37 vs. 53), and SVA (29 vs. 76 mm), respectively. At 6 months, a significant difference in sagittal alignment was found, though HRQOL scores were similar. At 1 year, the no revision group scores improved, whereas the revision group scores remained stable or worsened. At 2 years, the no revision group scores remained stable. Comparing 6- and 12-month data, patients with improved, stable and worsened HRQOL scores had 8, 15 and 28% revision rates, respectively. CONCLUSION: The revision rate at the second-year post-surgery (13.4%) remains high and demonstrated that a 2-year follow-up is mandatory. In addition to usual risk factors for mechanical complications in ASD surgery, stabilization or worsening of the HRQOL scores between the 6th and 12th month postop was highly predictive of revision rate. This observation is beneficial for ASD patient follow-up as clinical symptoms clearly precede mechanical failure.

Are sagittal spinopelvic radiographic parameters significantly associated with quality of life of adult spinal deformity patients? Multivariate linear regression analyses for pre-operative and short-term post-operative health-related quality of life.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association in ASD patients between spinopelvic sagittal parameters and health-related quality of life (HRQL), adjusted for demographic and surgical variables. METHODS: We constructed multiple linear regression models to investigate pre-operative (PreOp) and 6-month post-operative (PostOp) HRQL as assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), with sagittal parameters as independent variables adjusted for potential confounders, such as age, sex, body mass index, past spine surgery, types of surgical treatment, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 204 patients (164 women, 40 men, mean age 53.1 years) were included in this study. In multivariate models for PreOp ODI, no significant association was observed between PreOp HRQL and sagittal parameters when adjusted for covariates. Interestingly, age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and body mass index were still significantly associated with PreOp HRQL. In contrast to PreOp analysis, there was a significant association between PostOp worse HRQL (higher ODI) and positive T1 sagittal tilt (T1ST: the angle between a line drawn from the center of the femoral head axis to the midpoint of the T1 vertebral body and a vertical line). Sagittal vertical axis had a weaker association with HRQL than T1ST. PostOp ASD patients lose flexibility in the fused spinal segment, and might be predisposed to symptoms related to spinal sagittal malalignment due to limited compensatory ability to maintain a balanced standing posture. Interestingly, in patients with sagittal imbalance, low pelvic tilt (PT) of <20 was significantly associated with PostOp worse HRQL; this suggests that lack of pelvic compensatory ability can cause significant disability after ASD surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operatively, the impact of sagittal parameters on HRQL was not as strong as reported in the previous studies that used univariate analysis. Not only sagittal parameters, but also the pre-operative patient's general condition should be carefully reviewed when considering indication for ASD surgery. In contrast, although this is a short-term follow-up study, PostOp HRQL was significantly associated with sagittal parameters. When ASD surgery has been indicated, restoration of spinal sagittal alignment is certainly important for PostOp HRQL.

Is it safe to perform lumbar spine surgery on patients over eighty five?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerance of lumbar spine surgery in patients over 85. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients over 85 years of age with LSS who underwent decompression surgery with or without fusion between February 2011 and July 2014 were included. Comorbidities, autonomy (Activities of Daily Life and Braden scales), surgical parameters and complications (Clavien-Dindo classification) were collected. A telephone survey was performed to assess survival and patients' satisfaction at last follow-up. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 27.4 ± 7.6 months (range, 18-65). Mean age was 87.5 ± 2.7 years (range, 85-97). Mean ADLs and Braden scores were, respectively, 4.3 ± 1.2 and 20.2 ± 1.4. Fifteen patients had associated spondylolisthesis. Nineteen minor complications (grade I and II, 38.7%), five moderate complications (grade III, 10.2%) and six major complications (grade IV and V, 12.2%) occurred. The perioperative mortality rate was 0.02%. At last follow-up, 41 patients were very satisfied (83.7%), five patients were satisfied (10.2%) and three patients were not satisfied (6.1%). Fusion did not affect the incidence of complications (p = 0.3) nor the average number of complications per patient (p = 0.2). CONCLUSION: Advanced age should not be a contraindication to lumbar spine surgery provided careful preoperative selection is performed. This study reported a high satisfaction rate and a low mortality rate at the price of a high number of complications, most of which being minor.