Proximal junctional kyphosis after adult spinal deformity operated patients with long fusion to the pelvis. Does the type of proximal anchor matter?

PURPOSE: To assess, in a large population of Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) patients, the true interest of varying the upper anchors as a protective measure against Proximal Junctional Kyphosis (PJK), by analyzing and comparing 2 groups of patients defined according to their proximal construct. Another objective of the study is to look for any other factors, radiological or clinical, that would affect the occurrence of the proximal failure. METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospective ASD database collected from 5 centers. Inclusion criteria were age of at least 18 years, presence of a spinal deformity with instrumentation from T12 or above to the pelvis, with minimum 2 years of follow-up. Demographic data, spinopelvic parameters, functional outcomes and complications were collected. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors that would affect the occurrence of PJK. RESULTS: 254 patients were included. 166 in the group "screws proximally" (SP) and 88 in the group "hooks proximally" (HP). There was no difference between both groups for PJK (p = 0.967). The occurrence of PJK was rather associated with greater age and BMI, higher preoperative kyphosis, worst preoperative SRS22 and SF36 scores, greater postoperative Sagittal Vertical Axis (SVA), coronal malalignment and kyphosis. CONCLUSION: The use of proximal hooks was not effective to prevent PJK after ASD surgery, when compared to proximal screws. Worse preoperative functional outcomes and worse postoperative sagittal and also coronal malalignment were the main drivers for the occurrence of PJK regardless the type of proximal implant.

Calculation of the minimal clinically important difference in operated patients with adult spine deformity: advantages of the ROC method and significance of prevalence in threshold selection.

PURPOSE: The Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) is crucial to evaluate management outcomes, but different thresholds have been obtained in different works. Part of this variability is due to measurement error and influence of the database, both essential for calculating the MCID. The aim of this study was to introduce the association of the ROC method in the anchor-based MCID calculation for ODI, SRS-22r, and SF-36, to objectively set the threshold for the anchor-based MCID in an adult spine deformity (ASD) population. METHODS: Multicentric study based on a prospective database of consecutively operated ASD patients. An anchor question was used to assess patients' quality of life after surgery. Different approaches were used to calculate the MCID and then compared: SEM (Standard Error of Measurement), MDC (Minimal Detectable Change), and anchor-based MCID with ROC method. RESULTS: 516 patients were included. Those who responded with 6 and 7 to the anchor question were considered improved. The MCID ranges obtained with the ROC method exhibited the lowest variability. Prediction error rates ranged from 31% (SRS-22r) to 41% (SF-36 MCS). The MCID ranges spanned between 12 and 15 for ODI, 0.6 and 0.73 for SRS-22r, 6.62 and 7.41 for SF-36 PCS, and between 2.69 and 5.63 for SF-36 MCS. CONCLUSION: The ROC method proposes an MCID range with error rate, and can objectively determine the threshold for distinguishing improved and non-improved patients. As the MCID correlates with the utilized database and error of measurement, each study should compute its own MCID for each PROM to allow comparison among different publications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Prospective same day discharge instrumented lumbar spine surgery - a forty patient consecutive series.

PURPOSE: Outpatient lumbar decompression surgeries have been successfully performed in France for over twenty years, earning acceptance. However, outpatient instrumented lumbar spine procedures and arthroplasties are less documented. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficiency, and safety of outpatient lumbar instrumented surgery. METHODS: A prospective single-center study involving three experienced surgeons was conducted from September 2020 to September 2021, with a minimum six-month postoperative follow-up. Inclusion criteria comprised patients aged 18 to 75 eligible for same-day discharge, undergoing single-level lumbar spinal fusion or arthroplasty via anterior or posterior Wiltse approach. The primary endpoint was assessing the percentage of successful outpatient discharges (within twelve hours), with secondary endpoints including perioperative/postoperative complications and discharge pain prescriptions in terms of frequency and severity. RESULTS: Forty patients (mean age: 44 years; 16/24 male/female ratio) underwent surgery, including 18 lumbar arthroplasties, twelve ALIF, and ten TLIF procedures. The majority of surgeries were performed at L4-L5 (18 procedures) and L5-S1 levels (22 procedures). 95% (38/40) of patients were successfully discharged within twelve hours, with only two patients discharged the following day. No postoperative hematomas, serious adverse events, or revision surgeries were noted. CONCLUSION: 95% of patients were discharged successfully within twelve hours following outpatient lumbar fusion surgery, with a 100% patient satisfaction rate. Specific technical solutions were not necessary, and oral pain relief sufficed. Patient selection and education, including early pain management, played crucial roles in complication avoidance. This study underscores the safety of outpatient instrumented lumbar spine procedures, leading to cost reduction and expedited recovery.

Primary Pelvic Anteversion: Definition, Relevance And History After Surgery for Adult Spine Deformity.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. OBJECTIVE: To identify the best definition of primary anteverted pelvis in the setting of adult spine deformity (ASD), and to investigate whether this is a pathologic setting that requires surgical correction. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: While pelvic retroversion has been thoroughly investigated, pelvic anteversion (AP) is a far lesser discussed topic. Four different AP definitions have been proposed, and AP has been described as a normal or pathologic entity by different authors. METHODS: All patients consulting for ASD at the five participating sites were included. Firstly, the four definitions of AP were compared with descriptive statistics (anatomic method - Pelvic Tilt <0°; Relative Pelvic Version method - RPV >5°; Roussouly method - Pelvic Incidence (PI)<50° and Sacral Slope (SS)>35°); low PT method - PT/PI <25th percentile). Secondly a subgroup analysis among operated AP patients with a two-year follow-up was performed. Complication rate, radiographic parameters and clinical scores (ODI, SF-36) were compared in a multivariate analysis between patients who did and did not maintain an AP at the 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: 1163 patients were available for the first analysis. The RPV method appeared to be the most appropriate to define AP in ASD patient. For the second analysis, data on 410 subjects were available, and most of them were young adults with idiopathic scoliosis that did not require pelvic fixation. AP patients who maintained an AP after ASD surgery presented comparable radiographic and clinical outcomes to the patients who presented a normo/retroverted pelvis after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the presented study, the RPV method is the most appropriate to define primary AP, which is not a pathologic condition and is most often observed in young adults with idiopathic scoliosis. Anteverted pelvis does not require direct surgical correction in this patient group.

Sagittal alignment of diverse mechanical complications following adult spinal deformity surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the sagittal alignment of patients with diverse mechanical complications (MCs) following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery with that of patients without MCs. METHODS: A total of 371 patients who underwent ASD surgery were enrolled. The sagittal spinopelvic parameters were measured preoperatively and at the 6-month and last follow-up, and the global alignment and proportion (GAP) score was calculated. The subjects were divided into non-MC and MCs groups, and the MCs group was further divided into rod fracture (RF), screw breakage (SB), screw dislodgement (SD) and proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) subgroups. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the RF group had greater thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) and relative upper lumbar lordosis (RULL); the SB group had the largest pelvic incidence (PI) and lumbar lordosis (LL); the SD group had the least global sagittal imbalance; and the PJK group had the highest thoracic kyphosis (TK), TLK and RULL. At the last follow-up, the RF and SB groups featured a large PI minus LL (PI-LL), while the PJK group featured a prominent TK; all the MCs subgroups had sagittal malalignment and a higher GAP score, and the SB group had the most severe cases. Logistic regressions showed that the relative spinopelvic alignment (RSA) score was correlated with RF, SB and SD, while the RSA and age scores were associated with PJK. CONCLUSION: Each patient with MCs had individual characteristics in the sagittal plane following ASD surgery, which may be helpful to understand the pathophysiology of poor sagittal alignment with its subsequent MCs and guide an eventual revision strategy.

Fixed coronal malalignment (CM) in the lumbar spine independently impacts disability in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients when considering the obeid-CM (O-CM) classification.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative flatback has been described in detail for sagittal plane considerations over the past 2 decades, and its correlations with disability are now accepted. Fixed Coronal Malalignment (CM) has been less described, and some authors report no significant association with the clinical outcome. The O-CM classification analyses CM and incorporates specific modifiers for each curve type. PURPOSE: This study evaluates the O-CM classification modifiers according to age, sagittal alignment, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Our hypothesis is that fixed CM correlates with PROMs independently from sagittal alignment and age. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a large adult spinal deformity (ASD) database prospectively collected. PATIENT SAMPLE: We included 747 patients from the database with long lumbar fusion (more than 3 levels), with at least two years of follow-up. Three categories of patients met the inclusion criteria (prior surgery at baseline and no revision surgery afterward, prior surgery at baseline and revision afterward, no prior surgery at baseline but fusion>3 levels and 2 years follow-up). OUTCOME MEASURES: All patients completed the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short Form 36 (SF36), and Scoliosis Research Society 22 scores. METHODS: The patients were classified according to the six modifiers of the O-CM classification. Central Sacral Vertical Line (CSVL) above 2, 3, and 4 cm's impact on PROMs was analyzed. Multivariate analysis was performed on the relationship between PROMS and age, global tilt (GT), and CM modifiers. RESULTS: After multivariate analysis using age and GT as confounding factors, we found that CM independently affects PROMs starting at 2 cm offset. Disability increases linearly with CSVL. Patients classified with 2B modifiers have the worst SRS-22 total score, social life, and self-image. CONCLUSION: In a fused spine, CM independently affects disability in ASD patients. Disability increases linearly with CSVL. Despite previous reports that failed to find correlations of CM with PROMs, our study showed that fixed postoperative CM, according to O-CM classification, correlates independently from sagittal malalignment with worse PROMs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Adherence to the Obeid coronal malalignment classification and a residual malalignment below 20 mm can improve surgical outcomes in adult spine deformity surgery.

PURPOSE: Coronal balance is a major factor impacting the surgical outcomes in adult spinal deformity (ASD). The Obeid coronal malalignment (O-CM) classification has been proposed to improve the coronal alignment in ASD surgery. Aim of this study was to investigate whether a postoperative CM < 20 mm and adherence to the O-CM classification could improve surgical outcomes and decrease the rate of mechanical failure in a cohort of ASD patients. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on all ASD patients who underwent surgical management and had a preoperative CM > 20 mm and a 2-year follow-up. Patients were divided in two groups according to whether or not surgery had been performed in adherence to the guidelines of the O-CM classification and according to whether or not the residual CM was < 20 mm. The outcomes of interest were radiographic data, rate of mechanical complications and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures. RESULTS: At 2 years, adherence to the O-CM classification led to a lower rate of mechanical complications (40 vs. 60%). A coronal correction of the CM < 20 mm allowed for a significant improvement in SRS-22 and SF-36 scores and was associated with a 3.5 times greater odd of achieving the minimal clinical important difference for the SRS-22. CONCLUSION: Adherence to the O-CM classification could reduce the risk of mechanic complications 2 years after ASD surgery. Patients with a residual CM < 20 mm showed better functional outcomes and a 3.5 times greater odd of achieving the MCID for the SRS-22 score.

Rod angulation does not reflect sagittal curvature in adult spinal deformity surgery: comparison of lumbar lordosis and rod contouring.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: Relationship between rod and spinal shape in the sagittal plane in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. BACKGROUND: Corrective surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) involves the use of contoured rods to correct and modify the spinal curvatures. Adequate rod bending is crucial for achieving optimal correction. The correlation between rods and spinal shape in long constructs has not been reported previously. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective, multicenter database of patients who underwent surgery for ASD. The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent pelvic fixation and had an upper instrumented vertebra at or above T12. Pre- and post-operative standing radiographs were used to assess lumbar lordosis at the L4S1 and L1S1 levels. The angle between the tangents to the rod at the L1, L4, and S1 pedicles was calculated to determine the L4S1 and L1S1 rod lordosis. The difference between the lumbar lordosis (LL) and the rod lordosis (RL) was calculated as ΔL = LL-RL. The correlation between this difference (ΔL) and various characteristics was analyzed using descriptive and statistical methods. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were included in the study, resulting in 166 analyzed differences (ΔL) between the rod and spinal lordosis. The values for rod lordosis were found to be both greater and lesser than those of the spine but were mostly lower. The range for total ΔL was -24 °-30.9 °, with a mean absolute ΔL of 7.8 ° for L1S1 (standard deviation (SD) = 6.0) and 9.1 ° for L4S1 (SD = 6.8). In 46% of patients, both rods had a ΔL of over 5 °, and over 60% had at least one rod with a ΔL difference of over 5 °. Factors found to be related to a higher ΔL included postoperative higher lumbar lordosis, presence of osteotomies, higher corrected degrees, older age, and thinner rods. Multivariate analysis correlated only higher postoperative L1S1 lordosis with higher ΔL. No correlation was found between a higher ΔL and sagittal imbalance. CONCLUSIONS: Variations between spinal and rod curvatures were observed despite the linear regression correlation. The shape of the rod does not seem to be predictive of the shape of the spine in the sagittal plane in ASD long-construct surgeries. Several factors, other than rod contouring, are involved in explaining the postoperative shape of the spine. The observed variation calls into question the fundamentals of the ideal rod concept.

Rod Angulation Relationship with Thoracic Kyphosis after Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Posterior Instrumentation.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery to correct spinal deformities in scoliosis involves the use of contoured rods to reshape the spine and correct its curvatures. It is crucial to bend these rods appropriately to achieve the best possible correction. However, there is limited research on how the rod bending process relates to spinal shape in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using a prospective multicenter scoliosis database. This study included adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients from the database who underwent surgery with posterior instrumentation covering the T4 to T12 segments. Standing global spine X-rays were used in the analysis. The sagittal Cobb angles between T5 and T11 were measured on the spine. Additionally, the curvature of the rods between T5 and T11 was measured using the tangent method. To assess the relationship between these measurements, the difference between the dorsal kyphosis (TK) and the rod kyphosis (RK) was calculated (ΔK = TK - RK). This study aimed to analyze the correlation between ΔK and various patient characteristics. Both descriptive and statistical analyses were performed to achieve this goal. RESULTS: This study encompassed a cohort of 99 patients, resulting in a total of 198 ΔK measurements for analysis. A linear regression analysis was conducted, revealing a statistically significant positive correlation between the kyphosis of the rods and that of the spine (r = 0.77, p = 0.0001). On average, the disparity between spinal and rod kyphosis averaged 5.5°. However, it is noteworthy that despite this modest mean difference, there was considerable variability among the patients. In particular, in 84% of cases, the concave rod exhibited less kyphosis than the spine, whereas the convex rod displayed greater kyphosis than the spine in 64% of cases. It was determined that the primary factor contributing to the flattening of the left rod was the magnitude of the coronal Cobb angle, both before and after the surgical procedure. These findings emphasize the importance of considering individual patient characteristics when performing rod bending procedures, aiming to achieve the most favorable outcomes in corrective surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is a notable and consistent correlation between the curvature of the spine and the curvature of the rods, it is important to acknowledge the substantial heterogeneity observed in this study. This heterogeneity suggests that individual patient factors play a significant role in shaping the outcome of spinal corrective surgery. Furthermore, this study highlights that more severe spinal curvatures in the frontal plane have an adverse impact on the shape of the rods in the sagittal plane. In other words, when the scoliosis curve is more pronounced in the frontal plane, it tends to influence the way the rods are shaped in the sagittal plane. This underscores the complexity of spinal deformities and the need for a tailored approach in surgical interventions to account for these variations among patients.

Surgical site infection is a major risk factor of pseudarthrosis in adult spinal deformity surgery.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Despite the evidence in appendicular skeletal surgery, the effect of infection on spinal fusion remains unclear, particularly after Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) surgery. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of surgical site infection (SSI) in ASD surgery fusion rates and its association with other risks factors of pseudarthrosis. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted an international multicenter retrospective study on a prospective cohort of patients operated for spinal deformity. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 956 patients were included (762 females and 194 males). OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient's preoperative characteristics, pre and postoperative spinopelvic parameters, surgical variables, postoperative complications and were recorded. Surgical site infections were asserted in case of clinical signs associated with positive surgical samples. Each case was treated with surgical reintervention for debridement and irrigation. Presence of pseudarthrosis was defined by the association of clinical symptoms and radiological signs of nonfusion (either direct evidence on CT-scan or indirect radiographic clues such as screw loosening, rod breakage, screw pull out or loss of correction). Each iterative surgical intervention was collected. METHODS: Univariate and multivariate analysis with logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the role of risk factors of pseudarthrosis. RESULTS: Nine hundred fifty-six surgical ASD patients with more than two years of follow-up were included in the study. 65 of these patients were treated for SSI (6.8%), 138 for pseudarthrosis (14.4%), and 28 patients for both SSI and pseudarthrosis. On multivariate analysis, SSI was found to be a major risk factor of pseudarthrosis (OR=4.4; 95% CI=2.4,7.9) as well as other known risks factors: BMI (OR=1.1; 95% CI=1.0,1.1), smoking (OR=1.6; 95% CI=1.1,2.9), performance of Smith-Petersen osteotomy (OR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.0,2.6), number of vertebrae instrumented (OR=1.1; 95% CI=1.1,1.2) and the caudal level of fusion, with a distal exponential increment of the risk (OR max for S1=6, 95% CI=1.9,18.6). CONCLUSION: SSI significantly increases the risk of pseudarthrosis with an OR of 4.4.

An age and sex matched study on the effect of obesity on the functional outcomes and complication rates in patients with adult spinal deformity undergoing primary multi-level thoracolumbar spinal fusion.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of obesity on the functional outcomes and complication rates of patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) undergoing multi-level thoracolumbar fusion. Methods: An age and sex matched comparison of functional outcomes [Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) back and leg scores, Core Outcome Measurement Index (COMI) back scores, Scoliosis Research Society 22 (SRS22) satisfaction and total scores, Short Form 36 (SF36) general health scores, Physical Component Score (PCS), Mental Component Score (MCS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (including all domains)] at 6 months, 1, 2, 3 and 4 years and the complication rates at final follow-up between obese [body mass index (BMI) >30] and normal BMI (18.5-24.9) patients undergoing more than 3 levels of thoracolumbar fusion with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients who had undergone any previous spinal surgery were excluded. Results: Thirty patients were included in each arm of the study. Baseline demographics, including the number of levels fused, were similar between the groups. Estimated blood loss (EBL) was higher in obese patients (1,916 vs. 1,099 mL, P=0.001), but operative time was similar (282 vs. 320 min, P=0.351). The functional outcomes and satisfaction scores were consistently poorer in the obese group at all time-points, but their satisfaction scores were similar. Obese patients had a higher complication rate (OR 3.05, P=0.038) predominantly due to dural tears and nerve root injuries, but a similar reoperation rate. Conclusions: In patients with ASD undergoing multi-level thoracolumbar fusion, obesity results in a higher blood loss, poorer sagittal correction, poorer post-operative functional scores and higher complication rates than patients with a normal BMI. However, obesity does not affect operative times, length of hospital stay or reoperation rates. Furthermore, patients with obesity have similar post-operative satisfaction scores to patients with normal BMIs.

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.

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.

Clinical Performance and Concurrent Validity of the Adult Spinal Deformity Surgical Decision-making Score.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the performance and concurrent validity of the adult spinal deformity surgical decision-making (ASD-SDM) score compared to decision-making factors in the ASD population. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The ASD-SDM score, which has been recently proposed, is a scoring system to guide the selection of treatment modality for the ASD population. To secure the justification for its clinical use, it is necessary to verify its clinical performance and concurrent validity. METHODS: A multicenter prospective ASD database was retrospectively reviewed. The data were analyzed separately in younger (≤40 years) and older (≥41 years) age groups. The discriminating capacity of the ASD-SDM score in cases who selected surgical and nonsurgical management was compared using area under the receiver operator characteristic curves (AUROC). Concurrent validity was examined using Spearman correlation coefficients, comparing factors that are reported to be associated with the decision-making process for ASD, including baseline symptomatology, health-related quality of life measures, and the severity of radiographic spinal deformity. RESULTS: There were 338 patients (mean age: 26.6 years; 80.8% female; 129 surgical and 209 nonsurgical) in the younger age group and 750 patients (mean age: 63.5 years; 84.3% female; 410 surgical and 340 nonsurgical) in the older age group. In both younger and older patients, the ASD-SDM score showed a significantly higher performance for discriminating the surgical and nonsurgical cases (AUROC: 0.767, standard error [SE]: 0.026, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.712-0.813; AUROC: 0.781, SE: 0.017, P < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.747-0.812, respectively) compared to the decision-making factors analyzed. In addition, the ASD-SDM showed significant correlations with multiple decision-making factors. CONCLUSION: The ASD-SDM score alone can effectively grade the indication for surgical management whilst considering multiple decision-making factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Factors influencing patient satisfaction after adult scoliosis and spinal deformity surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Achieving high patient satisfaction with management is often one of the goals after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. However, literature on associated factors and their correlations with patient satisfaction is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and radiographic factors independently correlated with patient satisfaction in terms of management at 2 years after surgery. METHODS: A multicenter prospective database of ASD surgery was retrospectively reviewed. The demographics, complications, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) subdomains, and radiographic parameters were examined to determine their correlation coefficients with the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire (SRS-22R) satisfaction scores at 2 years (Sat-2y score). Subsequently, factors determined to be independently associated with low satisfaction (Sat-2y score ≤ 4.0) were used to construct 2 types of multivariate models: one with 2-year data and the other with improvement (score at 2 years - score at baseline) data. RESULTS: A total of 422 patients who underwent ASD surgery (mean age 53.1 years) were enrolled. All HRQOL subdomains and several coronal and sagittal radiographic parameters had significantly improved 2 years after surgery. The Sat-2y score was strongly correlated with the SRS-22R self-image (SI)/appearance subdomain (r = 0.64), followed by moderate correlation with subdomains related to standing (r = 0.53), body pain (r = 0.49-0.55), and function (r = 0.41-0.55) at 2 years. Conversely, the correlation between radiographic or demographic parameters with Sat-2y score was weak (r < 0.4). Multivariate analysis to eliminate confounding factors revealed that a worse Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score for standing (≥ 2 points; OR 4.48) and pain intensity (≥ 2 points; OR 2.07), SRS-22R SI/appearance subdomain (< 3 points; OR 2.70) at 2 years, and a greater sagittal vertical axis (SVA) (> 5 cm; OR 2.68) at 2 years were independent related factors for low satisfaction. According to the other model, a lower improvement in ODI for standing (< 30%; OR 2.68), SRS-22R pain (< 50%; OR 3.25) and SI/appearance (< 50%; OR 2.18) subdomains, and an inadequate restoration of the SVA from baseline (< 2 cm; OR 3.16) were associated with low satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Self-image, pain, standing difficulty, and sagittal alignment restoration may be useful goals in improving patient satisfaction with management at 2 years after ASD surgery. Surgeons and other medical providers have to take care of these factors to prevent low satisfaction.

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.