Liposomal bupivacaine nerve block provides better pain control post-total shoulder arthroplasty than continuous indwelling catheter.

BACKGROUND: Pain control is essential to successful total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This non-blinded, randomized clinical trial compared shoulder pain, narcotic use, interscalene (IS) block application time, and costs in 76 subjects who were randomly assigned to receive either a single injection IS nerve block of 10 cc (133 mg) liposomal bupivacaine mixed with 10 cc of 0.5% bupivacaine (Group 1), or 20 cc of 0.5% ropivacaine direct injection combined with an indwelling IS nerve block catheter delivering 0.2% ropivacaine at a continual 4 cc/h infusion for the initial 3 post-operative days (Group 2). Surgical time, local anesthesia duration, hospital stay length, morphine milligram equivalents (MME) consumed, worst shoulder pain at 24, 48 and 72 h, and complications were recorded. Patient reported function, pain and activity level surveys were completed before, and 6-week post-TSA (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Group 1 had less pain 24-h (0.72 ± 0.8 vs. 3.4 ± 2.9, p < 0.0001) and 48-h (2.5 ± 2.2 vs. 4.8 ± 2.6, p = 0.005) post-TSA. At 24-h post-TSA, MME consumption was similar (Group 1 = 4.5 ± 6.4 vs. Group 2 = 3.7 ± 3.8, p = 0.54), but was lower for Group 1 at 48 h (0.0 ± 0.0 vs. 0.64 ± 0.99, p = 0.001). Group 2 had longer IS block application time (10.00 ± 4.6 min vs. 4.84 ± 2.7 min, p < 0.0001). Only group 2 had a strong relationship between MME consumption over the first 24-h post-TSA and pain 24-h post-TSA (r = 0.76, p < 0.0001), a moderate relationship with pain 48-h post-TSA (r = 0.59, P = 0.001), and a weak relationship with pain 72-h post-TSA (r = 0.44, P = 0.02). Significant relationships for these variables were not observed for Group 1 (r ≤ 0.30, p ≥ 0.23). Group 1 IS block costs were less/patient than Group 2 ($190.17 vs. $357.12 USD). CONCLUSION: A single shot, liposomal bupivacaine interscalene nerve block provided better post-TSA pain control with less narcotic consumption, less time for administration and less healthcare system cost compared to interscalene nerve block using a continuous indwelling catheter. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, Prospective, Randomized.

The Scoli-RISK 1 results of lower extremity motor function 5 years after complex adult spinal deformity surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Neurologic complications after complex adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery are important, yet outcomes are heterogeneously reported, and long-term follow-up of actual lower extremity motor function is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate lower extremity motor function scores (LEMS) before and at 5 years after surgical correction of complex ASD. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospective, multicenter, international observational study. METHODS: The Scoli-RISK-1 study enrolled 272 ASD patients undergoing surgery from 15 centers around the world. Inclusion criteria were Cobb angle of > 80°, corrective osteotomy for congenital or revision deformity and/or 3-column osteotomy. Among patients with 5-year follow-up, comparisons of LEMS to baseline and within each follow-up period were made via documented neurologic exams on each patient. RESULTS: Seventy-seven (28.3%) patients had 5-year follow-up. Among these 77 patients with 5-year follow-up, rates of postoperative LEMS deterioration were: 14.3% hospital discharge, 10.7% at 6 weeks, 6.5% at 6 months, 9.5% at 2 years and 9.3% at 5 years postoperative. During the 2-5 year window, while mean LEMS did not change significantly (-0.5, p = 0.442), eight (11.1%) patients deteriorated (of which 3 were ≥ 4 motor points), and six (8.3%) patients improved (of which 2 were ≥ 4 points). Of the 14 neurologic complications, four (28.6%) were surgery-related, three of which required reoperation. While mean LEMS were not impacted in patients with a major surgery-related complication, mean LEMS were significantly lower in patients with neurologic surgery-related complications at discharge (p = 0.041) and 6 months (p = 0.008) between the two groups as well as the change from baseline to 5 years (p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: In 77 patients undergoing complex ASD surgery with 5-year follow-up, while mean LEMS did not change from 2 to 5 years, subtle neurologic changes occurred in approximately 1 in 5 patients (11.1% deteriorated; 8.3% improved). Major surgery-related complication did not result in decreased LEMS; however, those with neurologic surgery-related complications continued to have decreased lower extremity motor function at 5 years postoperative. These results underscore the importance of long-term follow-up to 5 years, using individual motor scores rather than group averages, and comparing outcomes to both baseline and last follow-up.

Are Higher Global Alignment and Proportion Scores Associated With Increased Risks of Mechanical Complications After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery? An External Validation.

BACKGROUND: The Global Alignment and Proportion (GAP) score, based on pelvic incidence-based proportional parameters, was recently developed to predict mechanical complications after surgery for spinal deformities in adults. However, this score has not been validated in an independent external dataset. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: After adult spinal deformity surgery, is a higher GAP score associated with (1) an increased risk of mechanical complications, defined as rod fractures, implant-related complications, proximal or distal junctional kyphosis or failure; (2) a higher likelihood of undergoing revision surgery to treat a mechanical complication; and (3) is a lower (more proportioned) GAP score category associated with better validated outcomes scores using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) and the Short Form-36 questionnaires? METHODS: A total of 272 patients who had undergone corrective surgeries for complex spinal deformities were enrolled in the Scoli-RISK-1 prospective trial. Patients were included in this secondary analysis if they fulfilled the original inclusion criteria by Yilgor et al. From the original 272 patients, 14% (39) did not satisfy the radiographic inclusion criteria, the GAP score could not be calculated in 14% (37), and 24% (64) did not have radiographic assessment at postoperative 2 years, leaving 59% (159) for analysis in this review of data from the original trial. A total of 159 patients were included in this study,with a mean age of 58 ± 14 years at the time of surgery. Most patients were female (72%, 115 of 159), the mean number of levels involved in surgery was 12 ± 4, and three-column osteotomy was performed in 76% (120 of 159) of patients. The GAP score was calculated using parameters from early postoperative radiographs (between 3 and 12 weeks) including pelvic incidence, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, lower arc lordosis and global tilt, which were independently obtained from a computer software based on centralized patient radiographs. The GAP score was categorized as proportional (scores of 0 to 2), moderately disproportional (scores of 3 to 6), or severely disproportional (scores higher than 7 to 13). Receiver operating characteristic area under curve (AUC) was used to assess associations between GAP score and risk of mechanical complications and risk of revision surgery. An AUC of 0.5 to 0.7 was classified as "no or low associative power", 0.7 to 0.9 as "moderate" and greater than 0.9 as "high". We analyzed differences in validated outcome scores between the GAP categories using Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS: At a minimum of 2 years' follow-up, a higher GAP score was not associated with increased risks of mechanical complications (AUC = 0.60 [95% CI 0.50 to 0.70]). A higher GAP score was not associated with a higher likelihood of undergoing a revision surgery to treat a mechanical complication (AUC = 0.66 [95% 0.53 to 0.78]). However, a moderately disproportioned GAP score category was associated with better SF-36 physical component summary score (36 ± 10 versus 40 ± 11; p = 0.047), better SF-36 mental component summary score (46 ± 13 versus 51 ± 12; p = 0.01), better SRS-22 total score (3.4 ± 0.8 versus 3.7 ± 0.7, p = 0.02) and better ODI score (35 ± 21 versus 25 ± 20; p = 0.003) than severely disproportioned GAP score category. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this external validation study, we found that alignment targets based on the GAP score alone were not associated with increased risks of mechanical complications and mechanical revisions in patients with complex adult spinal disorders. Parameters not included in the original GAP score needed to be considered to reduce the likelihood of mechanical complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

Non-neurologic adverse events after complex adult spinal deformity surgery: results from the prospective, multicenter Scoli-RISK-1 study.

PURPOSE: Accurate information regarding the expected complications of complex adult spinal deformity (ASD) is important for shared decision making and informed consent. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the rate and types of non-neurologic adverse events after complex ASD surgeries, and to identify risk factors that affect their occurrence. METHODS: The details and occurrence of all non-neurologic adverse events were reviewed in a prospective cohort of 272 patients after complex ASD surgical correction in a mulitcentre database of the Scoli-RISK-1 study with a planned follow-up of 2 years. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify potential risk factors for non-neurologic adverse events. RESULTS: Of the 272 patients, 184 experienced a total of 515 non-neurologic adverse events for an incidence of 67.6%. 121 (44.5%) patients suffered from more than one adverse event. The most frequent non-neurologic adverse events were surgically related (27.6%), of which implant failure and dural tear were most common. In the unadjusted analyses, significant factors for non-neurologic adverse events were age, previous spine surgery performed, number of documented non-neurologic comorbidities and ASA grade. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, previous spine surgery was the only independent risk factor for non-neurologic adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of non-neurologic adverse events for patients undergoing corrective surgeries for ASD was 67.6%. Previous spinal surgery was the only independent risk factor predicting the occurrence of non-neurologic adverse events. These findings complement the earlier report of neurologic complications after ASD surgeries from the Scoli-RISK-1 study. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Shared decision making when patients consider surgery for lumbar herniated disc: development and test of a patient decision aid.

BACKGROUND: Shared decision making (SDM) is a systematic approach aimed at improving patient involvement in preference-sensitive health care decisions. Choosing between surgical or non-surgical treatment for lumbar disc herniation, can be difficult as the evidence of a superior treatment is unclear, which makes it a preference-sensitive decision. The objectives of this study was therefore to assess the degree of SDM and afterwards to develop and test a patient decision aid (PtDA) to support SDM during the clinical encounter between surgeon and patient, when patients choose between surgical and non-surgical treatment for Lumbar disc herniation (LDH). METHODS: The study was conducted in four steps. 1) Assessment of the extent to which SDM was practiced in the spine clinic. 2) Development of a PtDA to support SDM. 3) Testing its usability and acceptability amongst potential users (patients). 4) Pilot-test of its usability in the clinical setting. RESULTS: Results from our small baseline study (n = 40) showed that between a third and two-thirds of the patients reported not being fully engaged in a shared decision. A pre-designed template (BESLUTNINGSHJÆLPER™) was adapted to support the decision about whether or not to have surgery for LDH. Testing the prototype with patients led to minor refinements. A subsequent pilot test of its usability in a clinical setting achieved positive responses from both patients and clinicians. CONCLUSION: Our baseline study demonstrated that SDM was not universally practiced in the clinic. The PtDA we have developed was rated as acceptable and usable by both patients and clinicians for helping those with LDH choose between surgical or non- surgical treatment. This tool now requires further testing to assess its effectiveness.

Differences in lumbar and pelvic parameters among African American, Caucasian and Asian populations.

PURPOSE: Ethnic differences in spino-pelvic parameters among a healthy population are poorly defined in the literature. The purpose of this study was to document sagittal spino-pelvic parameters in a sample of African Americans and to compare them with previously reported data for Caucasians and Asians. METHODS: African American individuals without spine pathology who had standing lateral radiographs were identified. Radiographs were measured to determine the following parameters: lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS). Data of adult subjects were compared with those previously published for Caucasians (n = 709) and Asians (n = 312). RESULTS: These measurements (LL, PI, PT, and SS) obtained for the 36 African American subjects aged 18 years or older [15 men and 21 women; mean age 26.6 ± 8.7 range (18-53)] The mean LL, PI, PT and SS values were 57.2°, 57.7°, 15.9° and 41.4°, respectively. A comparative analysis showed the means values for PI was greater in the African American than in Caucasian (57.7° vs. 52.6°, p = 0.007), and than in Asian (57.7° vs. 48.7°, p < 0.001). The linear regression model for the LL as a function of PI were "predict LL = 0.41 × PI + 33.7" in African American, "predict LL = 0.58 × PI + 24.3" in Caucasian, and "predict LL = 0.54 × PI + 22.0" in Asian, respectively. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in sagittal spino-pelvic parameters among races were seen. These differences should be considered when planning surgical reconstruction for spinal surgery. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

External validation of the adult spinal deformity (ASD) frailty index (ASD-FI).

PURPOSE: To assess the ability of the recently developed adult spinal deformity frailty index (ASD-FI) to predict odds of perioperative complications, odds of reoperation, and length of hospital stay after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery using a database other than the one used to create the index. METHODS: We used the ASD-FI to calculate frailty scores for 266 ASD patients who had minimum postoperative follow-up of 2 years in the European Spine Study Group (ESSG) database. Patients were enrolled from 2012 through 2013. Using ASD-FI scores, we categorized patients as not frail (NF) (< 0.3 points), frail (0.3-0.5 points), or severely frail (SF) (> 0.5 points). Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for preoperative and surgical factors such as operative time and blood loss, was performed to determine the relationship between ASD-FI category and odds of major complications, odds of reoperation, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: We categorized 135 patients (51%) as NF, 90 patients (34%) as frail, and 41 patients (15%) as SF. Overall mean ASD-FI score was 0.29 (range 0-0.8). The adjusted odds of experiencing a major intraoperative or postoperative complication (OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.0-10) or having a reoperation (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.7-8.9) were higher for SF patients compared with NF patients. Mean hospital stay was 2.1 times longer (95% CI 1.8-2.4) for SF patients compared with NF patients. CONCLUSIONS: Greater patient frailty, as measured by the ASD-FI, is associated with longer hospital stays and greater odds of major complications and reoperation. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Which Malpositioned Pedicle Screws Should Be Revised?

BACKGROUND: Up to 10% of free-hand pedicle screws are malpositioned, and 1 in 300 patients may undergo return to surgery for revision of malpositioned screws. The indications for revision of asymptomatic malpositioned screws have not been carefully examined in the literature. We sought to evaluate the threshold among spinal deformity surgeons for revision of malpositioned screws. METHODS: Twelve experienced spine surgeons reviewed x-ray and computed tomographic images of 32 malpositioned pedicle screws with variable degrees of anterior, medial, and lateral breeches. The surgeons were asked whether based on the image they would revise the screw: (1) intraoperatively before rod placement; (2) intraoperatively after rod placement; (3) in clinic with an asymptomatic patient. For each scenario, we assumed stable neuromonitoring and no neurological changes. Agreement and multirater κ was calculated. RESULTS: There was good agreement as to which screws were malpositioned (80% agreement, κ=0.703). After the rod was placed or postoperatively (scenarios 2 and 3), surgeons less frequently recommended screw revision, and there was greater variability among the surgeons' recommendations. For return to surgery from clinic for asymptomatic screw revision, % agreement was only 65% (κ=0.477). The majority recommended revision surgery for screws which approached the dura (10/12) or the aorta (7/12 surgeons). Half of the surgeons recommended revision surgery for an asymptomatic screw if the entire screw diameter was in the canal. Revision surgery was not recommended for asymptomatic patients with screws partially violating the canal (<½ the screw diameter), malpositioned laterally in the rib head, or with small anterior cortical violations remote from a vascular structure. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variability of opinion among surgeons regarding which malpositioned screws can be safely observed in an asymptomatic patient. Given the frequency of malpositioned screws and morbidity of surgical return to surgery, more long-term data are needed to develop practice guidelines for determining which screws require revision surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Age variation in the minimum clinically important difference in SRS-22r after surgical treatment for adult spinal deformity - A single institution analysis in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r) has been shown to be reliable, valid and responsive to change in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) undergoing surgery. The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) quantifies a threshold value of improvement that is clinically relevant to the patient. Health-related quality of life scores depend on age. The purpose of this study was to assess MCID threshold values stratified by age for SRS-22r domains in patients with ASD undergoing surgical correction. METHODS: We identified a consecutive series of 184 Japanese ASD patients who completed the SRS-22r and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Effectiveness as measured on the JOABPEQ was used as the anchor to determine MCID for the Function, Pain, and Mental health domains using receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. We performed MCID analysis stratified by age (<70 or ≥70). RESULTS: Mean preoperative SRS-22r Function score was 2.69 improving to 3.23 at postoperatively (p < 0.001). Mean preoperative SRS-22r Pain score was 3.04 improving to 3.78 at postoperatively (p < 0.001). Mean preoperative SRS-22r Mental health score was 2.72 improving to 3.25 at postoperatively (p < 0.001). There was a statistically difference in change in domain score between "not effective" and "effective" (p < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis methods yielded MCID values of 0.58 for Function, 0.55 for Pain, and 0.70 for Mental health domains. There was difference of MCID value for Function and Mental health domain between aged <70 and ≥70; 0.78 and 0.55 for Function; 0.70 and 0.48 for Mental health. CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed that MCID threshold values for SRS-22 Function and Mental health domains in older than 70 was lower than in younger than 70, potentially implying that older patients have lower expectation.

Management of a 3-year-old with an unstable C6-C7 diastasis without quadriplegia.

BACKGROUND: Caring for pediatric spine trauma patients places spine surgeons in situations that require unique solutions for complex problems. Recent case reports have highlighted a specific injury pattern to the lower cervical spine in very young children that is frequently associated with complete spinal cord injury. METHODS: This report describes the presentation and treatment of a C6-C7 dislocation in a 3-year-old patient with an incomplete spinal cord injury. The highly unstable cervical injury and the need to prevent neurologic decline added complexity to the case. RESULTS: A multi-surgeon team allowed for ample manpower to position the patient; with individuals with the requisite training and experience to safely move a patient with a highly unstable cervical spine. Initial closed reduction under close neurophysiologic monitoring, posterior fusion and immediate anterior stabilization lead to a successful patient outcome with preserved neurologic function. A traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leak, while a concern early on during the procedure, resolved without direct dural repair and did not complicate the patient's fusion healing. Additional anterior stabilization and fusion allowed long-term stability with bone healing that may not be achievable with posterior fixation and/or soft tissue healing alone. CONCLUSIONS: Familiarity with the challenges and solutions presented in the case may be useful to surgeons who could face a similar challenge in the future.

Communicating hydrocephalus, a long-term complication of dural tear during lumbar spine surgery.

PURPOSE: Iatrogenic dural tears during lumbar spine surgery are not uncommon and may have multiple long-term sequelae if not managed promptly and definitively. Sequelae include pseudomeningocoeles due to a persistent cerebrospinal fluid leak, which may result in a subarachnoid hemorrhage or subdural hematoma. These, in turn, can lead to adult communicating hydrocephalus. The purpose of this study is to describe a case of an intraoperative iatrogenic dural tear leading to the formation of a pseudomeningocoele and progressing to hydrocephalus. METHODS: We present a case of a 62-year-old female who had an iatrogenic dural tear during a lumbar decompression and instrumented fusion. Attempts at closure were unsuccessful, which led to the formation of a pseudomeningocoele and an ascending subdural hygroma, progressing into a communicating hydrocephalus which was treated with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. RESULTS: Imaging studies and clinical follow up after the incidental durotomy demonstrate complications arising from the persistent cerebrospinal fluid leak, beginning with the formation of the pseudomeningocoele and progression to hydrocephalus. Based on these imaging studies, it was possible to illustrate the development of each of the complications. CONCLUSION: The need for prompt recognition and proper management of iatrogenic dural tears are emphasized in order to avoid future complications that may arise from inadequate or proper treatment.

Incidence of cancer in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients treated 25 years previously.

PURPOSE: To report the incidence of cancer in a cohort of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients treated 25 years previously. METHODS: 215 consecutive AIS patients treated between 1983 and 1990 were identified and requested to return for clinical and radiographic examination. The incidence of cancer was determined through chart review and follow-up interviews. Using the original radiographic log file that included patient position, mAs, kV and the total number of X-rays taken, a radiation physicist calculated the total radiation dose during treatment and follow-up adjusted for BMI and sex. RESULTS: From the original cohort of 215 consecutive AIS patients, radiation information was available in 211 of the patients, and medical charts were available in 209 AIS patients. 170 (83 %) of the 205 AIS patients participated in the follow-up study with questionnaires. The calculated mean total radiation exposure was 0.8-1.4 mSV per examination and 2.4-5.6 mSv/year. An average of 16 radiographs were taken during the treatment period. Nine AIS patients developed cancer, mostly breast (3) and endometrial (4). The AIS patients had a relative risk of 4.8 (CI 2.3-5.8, p < 0.000) for developing cancer compared to the normal Danish population. CONCLUSIONS: The overall cancer rate in this AIS cohort was 4.3 % which is five times higher than compared to the age-matched Danish population, and endometrial and breast cancer was most frequent. The radiation dose applied to the patients in this study, is comparable to modern equipment. This is to our knowledge the first study to report increased rates of endometrial cancers in a cohort of AIS patients, and future attention is needed to reduce the radiation dose distributed to the AIS patients both pre-operatively and during surgery.

Periarticular Injection After Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Liposomal Bupivacaine vs a Modified Ranawat Suspension: A Prospective, Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to compare liposomal bupivacaine to a modified (Ranawat) local injection for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized study of 105 consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA. Group A patients received a periarticular injection with liposomal bupivacaine and group B with a mixture of ropivacaine, epinephrine, ketorolac, and clonidine. There were 54 patients in the group A (liposomal bupivacaine) and 51 in group B. RESULTS: There were no differences in the groups with respect to age, sex, and preoperative knee scores. There were no differences with respect to postoperative narcotic usage and knee range of motion. CONCLUSION: Liposomal bupivacaine as a periarticular injection after TKA demonstrated similar pain levels, narcotic usage, and range of motion compared to a modified Ranawat suspension but improved walking distance.

Evaluation of complications and neurological deficits with three-column spine reconstructions for complex spinal deformity: a retrospective Scoli-RISK-1 study.

OBJECT: The goal in this study was to evaluate the risk factors for complications, including new neurological deficits, in the largest cohort of patients with adult spinal deformity to date. METHODS: The Scoli-RISK-1 inclusion criteria were used to identify eligible patients from 5 centers who were treated between June 1, 2009, and June 1, 2011. Records were reviewed for patient demographic information, surgical data, and reports of perioperative complications. Neurological deficits were recorded as preexisting or as new deficits. Patients who underwent 3-column osteotomies (3COs) were compared with those who did not (posterior spinal fusion [PSF]). Between-group comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests and chi-square analyses. RESULTS: Two hundred seven patients were identified-75 who underwent PSF and 132 treated with 3CO. In the latter group, patients were older (58.9 vs 49.4 years, p < 0.001), had a higher body mass index (29.0 vs 25.8, p = 0.029), smaller preoperative coronal Cobb measurements (33.8° vs 56.4°, p < 0.001), more preoperative sagittal malalignment (11.7 cm vs 5.4 cm, p < 0.001), and similar sagittal Cobb measurements (45.8° vs 57.7°, p = 0.113). Operating times were similar (393 vs 423 minutes, p = 0.130), although patients in the 3CO group sustained higher estimated blood loss (2120 vs 1700 ml, p = 0.066). Rates of new neurological deficits were similar (PSF: 6.7% vs 3CO: 9.9%, p = 0.389), and rates of any perioperative medical complication were similar (PSF: 46.7% vs 3CO: 50.8%, p = 0.571). Patients who underwent vertebral column resection (VCR) were more likely to sustain medical complications than those treated with pedicle subtraction osteotomy (73.7% vs 46.9%, p = 0.031), although new neurological deficits were similar (15.8% vs 8.8%, p = 0.348). Regression analysis did not reveal significant predictors of neurological injury or complication from collected data. CONCLUSIONS: Despite higher estimated blood loss, rates of all complications (49.3%) and new neurological deficits (8.7%) did not vary for patients who underwent complex reconstruction, whether or not a 3CO was performed. Patients who underwent VCR sustained more medical complications without an increase in new neurological deficits. Prospective studies of patient factors, provider factors, and refined surgical data are needed to define and optimize risk factors for complication and neurological deficits.

Relative benefit of TLIF versus PSF stratified by diagnostic indication.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-matched retrospective. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to compare 2-year health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes of patients who underwent 1-level or 2-level posterolateral spine fusion (PSF) versus transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF) for degenerative spondylolisthesis, disk pathology, and postdecompression instability. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The optimal surgical technique for patients with spondylolisthesis or other degenerative conditions has not been defined. Historically, PSF was the most common procedure, whereas in recent years TLIF has gained popularity. Although theoretical advantages for TLIF have been outlined, evidence for improved outcomes with the addition of interbody support is limited. METHODS: Patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis, with disk pathology and or postdecompression instability who underwent 1-level or 2-level TLIF and completed 2 years postoperative HRQOL measures were identified from a prospective database. These patients were then propensity-matched to a cohort of PSF patients based on age, number of surgical levels, body mass index, sex, smoking status, workers' compensation status, and preoperative outcome measures including the Oswestry Disability Index, SF-36 Physical Component Summary score, SF-36 Mental Composite Summary score, and back and leg pain scores. This produced 63 matched pairs with degenerative spondylolisthesis, 46 with disk pathology and 32 with postdecompression instability. RESULTS: All patients in both groups for each cohort reported statistically significant improvement in HRQOL scores at 2 years postoperatively compared with baseline. Improvements in the Oswestry Disability Index, SF-36 Physical Component Summary score, and back and leg pain scores within the spondylolisthesis and disk pathology subgroups were similar between patients who had a TLIF compared with those who had a PSF. The postdecompression instability subgroup was the only subgroup in which TLIF outperformed PSF for every outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical outcome was not significantly altered with TLIF as compared with PSF in patients with spondylolisthesis or disk pathology. However, TLIF resulted in better outcomes at 2 years postoperatively in patients with postdecompression instability.

The Oswestry Disability Index is reflective of pain interference and mobility in children.

PURPOSE: The 9-item Oswestry Disability Index version 2.1a (ODI-9) has never been formally validated in children. Our primary purpose was to evaluate the ODI-9 using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Pain Interference (PI) and Mobility Computer Adapted Test (CAT) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale for Children (PCS-C) as anchors to determine concurrent validity in children. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cross-sectional patient-reported outcomes data using a convenience sample of children referred to a tertiary pediatric orthopedic institution for any spine condition from April 2021 to April 2022. The ODI-9, PI, and Mobility were completed at clinic intake in 2,097 children (1453 girls, 644 boys) aged 14.2 ± 2.6 years (range 5-18 years) during the same visit. The ODI-9 was administered when children or caregivers responded "yes" to the presence of back pain. The PCS-C was administered only when pain intensity was rated as "very severe" or "the worst imaginable" on Item 1 of the ODI-9 (n = 51). RESULTS: Average ODI-9 scores were 18.3% ± 14.8%, indicating minimal disability (ODI-9 ≤ 20%). Moderate, statistically and clinically significant associations were seen between the ODI-9 and PI (r = 0.68, p < 0.001), the ODI-9 and Mobility (r = - 0.68, p < 0.001), and the ODI-9 and PCS-C (r = 0.59, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Worse ODI-9 scores correlate with worse PROMIS PI scores, worse PROMIS Mobility scores, and worse PCS-C scores. The associations were moderate (PROMIS PI [r = 0.68], PROMIS Mobility [r = - 0.68], PCS-C [r = 0.59]).

Performance of the streamlined quality outcomes database web-based calculator: internal and external validation.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: With an increasing number of web-based calculators designed to provide the probabilities of an individual achieving improvement after lumbar spine surgery, there is a need to determine the accuracy of these models. PURPOSE: To perform an internal and external validation study of the reduced Quality Outcomes Database web-based Calculator (QOD-Calc). STUDY DESIGN: Observational longitudinal cohort. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients enrolled study-wide in Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) and patients enrolled in DaneSpine at a single institution who had elective lumbar spine surgery with baseline data to complete QOD-Calc and 12-month postoperative data. OUTCOME MEASURES: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Numeric Rating Scales (NRS) for back and leg pain, EuroQOL-5D (EQ-5D). METHODS: Baseline data elements were entered into QOD-Calc to determine the probability for each patient having Any Improvement and 30% Improvement in NRS leg pain, back pain, EQ-5D and ODI. These probabilities were compared with the actual 12-month postop data for each of the QOD and DaneSpine cases. Receiver-operating characteristics analyses were performed and calibration plots created to assess model performance. RESULTS: 24,755 QOD cases and 8,105 DaneSpine lumbar cases were included in the analysis. QOD-Calc had acceptable to outstanding ability (AUC: 0.694-0.874) to predict Any Improvement in the QOD cohort and moderate to acceptable ability (AUC: 0.658-0.747) to predict 30% Improvement. QOD-Calc had acceptable to exceptional ability (AUC: 0.669-0.734) to predict Any improvement and moderate to exceptional ability (AUC: 0.619-0.862) to predict 30% Improvement in the DaneSpine cohort. AUCs for the DaneSpine cohort was consistently lower that the AUCs for the QOD validation cohort. CONCLUSION: QOD-Calc performs well in predicting outcomes in a patient population that is similar to the patients that was used to develop it. Although still acceptable, model performance was slightly worse in a distinct population, despite the fact that the sample was more homogenous. Model performance may also be attributed to the low discrimination threshold, with close to 90% of cases reporting Any Improvement in outcome. Prediction models may need to be developed that are highly specific to the characteristics of the population.

Patient expectations impact patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction after lumbar fusion.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Prior studies suggest that patient expectations impact postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROMs). However, no consensus exists on an appropriate expectations tool. PURPOSE: To examine the impact of patient expectations using a modified version of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction 1 year after lumbar fusion for degenerative pathologies. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal cohort. PATIENT SAMPLE: Adults undergoing 1 to 2 level lumbar fusion were identified from four tertiaty spine centers. OUTCOME MEASURES: ODI, EuroQol-5D, Numeric rating scales for back and leg pain. METHODS: Preoperatively, patients completed the ODI, as well as a modified ODI reflecting their expected improvement across the 10 ODI items. For example, item 1 in the ODI asks about Pain Intensity at the moment whereas the Expectations ODI asks "One year after surgery, I expect to have…" The difference between this modified ODI score and the baseline ODI score (Baseine ODI minus Expectations ODI) was defined as the Patient Expectation Score. Patients were stratified into tertiles based on their Expectations score into High (HE), Moderate (ME), and Low (LE) Expectations and compared. RESULTS: There were 30 patients in the HE, 35 in the ME, and 26 in the LE Group, with similar demographics and surgical parameters. Patients in the HE group had worse ODI scores preoperatively (54.96 vs 41.42, p<.001) and were expecting a greater improvement in ODI (43.8 vs 13.5, p<.001). There were fewer patients in the HE group (13, 43%) who reported that they were satisfied with the results compared to either the ME (20, 71%) or LE group (22, 85%, p=.041) despite having similar ODI scores and change in ODI scores 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSION: An expectations tool, linked to a disease-specific measure may provide the clinician with a practical method of assessing a patient's expectation of results after treatment and aid in the shared decision-making during the preoperative surgical process.

Assessment of the External Validity of Dialogue Support for Predicting Lumbar Spine Surgery Outcomes in a US Cohort.

STUDY DESIGN: External validation using prospectively collected data. OBJECTIVES: To determine the model performance of "Dialogue Support" (DS) in predicting outcomes after lumbar spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To help clinicians discuss risk versus benefit with patients considering lumbar fusion surgery, DS has been made available online. As DS was created using a Swedish sample, there is a need to study how well DS performs in alternative populations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Preoperative data from patients enrolled in the Quality Outcomes Database were entered into DS. The probability for each patient to report satisfaction, achieve success (leg pain improvement ≥3), or have no leg pain 12 months after surgery was extracted and compared with their actual 12-month postoperative data. The ability of DS to identify patients in the Quality Outcomes Database who report satisfaction, achieve success, or have no leg pain 12 months after surgery was determined using Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, goodness-of-fit tests, and calibration plots. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in all outcomes in 23,928 cases included in the analysis from baseline to 12 months postoperative. Most (84%) reported satisfaction, 67% achieved success, and 44% were pain-free 12 months postoperative. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that DS had a low ability to predict satisfaction [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.606], success (AUC = 0.546), and being pain-free (AUC = 0.578) at 12 months postoperative; poor fit for satisfaction (<0.001) and being pain-free ( P = 0.004), but acceptable fit for success ( P = 0.052). Calibration plots showed underestimation for satisfaction and success, but acceptable estimates for being pain-free. CONCLUSION: DS is not directly transferable to predict satisfaction and success after lumbar surgery in a US population. This may be due to differences in patient characteristics, weights of the variables included, or the exclusion of unknown variables associated with outcomes. Future studies to better understand and improve the transferability of these models are needed.

Risk Factors for Medial Breach During Robotic-Assisted Cortical Bone Trajectory Screw Insertion.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the incidence of, and identify the risk factors for, a medial breach of the pedicle wall during robotic-assisted cortical bone trajectory (RA-CBT) screw insertion. METHODS: We analyzed a consecutive series of adult patients who underwent RA-CBT screw placement from January 2019 to July 2022. To assess the pedicle wall medial breach, postoperative computed tomography (CT) images were analyzed. Patient demographic data and screw data were compared between patients with and without a medial breach. The Hounsfield units (HUs) on the L1 midvertebral axial CT scan was used to evaluate bone quality. RESULTS: Of 784 CBT screws in 145 patients, 30 (3.8%) had a medial breach in 23 patients (15.9%). One screw was grade 2, and the others were grade 1. Patients with a medial breach had a lower HU value compared with the patients without a medial breach (123.3 vs. 150.5; P = 0.027). A medial breach was more common in the right than left side (5.5% vs. 2.0%; P = 0.014). More than one half of the screws with a medial breach were found in the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) compared with the middle construct or lowest instrumented vertebra (6.7% vs. 1.3% vs. 2.7%; P = 0.003). Binary logistic regression showed that low HU values, right-sided screw placement, and UIV were associated with a medial breach. No patients returned to the operating room for screw malposition. No differences were found in the clinical outcomes between patients with and without a medial breach. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of pedicle wall medial breach was 3.8% of RA-CBT screws in the postoperative CT images. A low HU value measured in the L1 axial image, right-sided screw placement, and UIV were associated with an increased risk of medial breach for RA-CBT screw placement.