The attainment of a patient acceptable symptom state in patients undergoing revision spine fusion.

INTRODUCTION: Revision lumbar fusion is most commonly due to nonunion, adjacent segment disease (ASD), or recurrent stenosis, but it is unclear if diagnosis affects patient outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether patients achieved the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) or minimal clinically important difference (MCID) after revision lumbar fusion and assess whether this was influenced by the indication for revision. METHODS: We retrospectively identified all 1-3 level revision lumbar fusions at a single institution. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was collected at preoperative, three-month postoperative, and one-year postoperative time points. The MCID was calculated using a distribution-based method at each postoperative time point. PASS was set at the threshold of ≤ 22. RESULTS: We identified 197 patients: 56% with ASD, 28% with recurrent stenosis, and 15% with pseudarthrosis. The MCID for ODI was 10.05 and 10.23 at three months and one year, respectively. In total, 61% of patients with ASD, 52% of patients with nonunion, and 65% of patients with recurrent stenosis achieved our cohort-specific MCID at one year postoperatively with ASD (p = 0.78). At one year postoperatively, 33.8% of ASD patients, 47.8% of nonunion patients, and 37% of patients with recurrent stenosis achieved PASS without any difference between indication (p = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients undergoing revision spine fusion experience significant postoperative improvements regardless of the indication for revision. However, a large proportion of these patients do not achieve the patient acceptable symptom state. While revision spine surgery may offer substantial benefits, these results underscore the need to manage patient expectations.

Patients Who Have a Prior History of Pulmonary Embolism Require Increased Postoperative Care Following Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the effect of prior pulmonary embolism (PE) on total joint arthroplasty (TJA) outcomes. METHODS: We reviewed patients who had a prior PE undergoing TJA at a single tertiary medical center between January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2021. There were 177 TJA patients who had a prior PE who underwent 1:3 propensity-matching to patients without a history of prior PE. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed. Changes over time were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty who had a prior PE had more complications (25.3% versus 2.0%, P < .001), and postoperative PE (17.3% versus 0.0%, P < .001).and longer hospitalizations (3.15 versus 2.32 days, P = .006). Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty who had a prior PE demonstrated more complications (14.7% versus 1.77%, P < .001) more postoperative PE (17.3% versus 0.0%, P < .001), and longer hospitalizations (3.30 versus 2.11 days, P < .001). Over the study, complication rates and hospitalizations lengths remained elevated in patients who had a prior PE. On multivariate analyses, prior PE was associated with longer hospitalizations (ß: 0.67, P = .015) and increased complications (odds ratio [OR]: 9.44, P < .001) among total hip arthroplasty patients. Total knee arthroplasty patients had increased readmission (OR: 4.89, P = .003) and complication rates (OR: 21.4, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing TJA who had a prior PE are at higher risk of requiring postoperative care. Therefore, thorough preoperative evaluation must be implemented, especially in clinical environments lacking resources for acute care escalation.

Patients Who Have Pre-Existing Atrial Fibrillation Require Increased Postoperative Care Following Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 9% of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients have pre-existing atrial fibrillation (AF). This study examined the effect of pre-existing AF on TJA outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a 1:3 propensity match of 545 TJA patients who have pre-existing AF to TJA patients who do not have AF at a tertiary care center between January 1st, 2012, and January 1st, 2021. Bivariate and multivariate regressions were performed. Changes over time were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) who have pre-existing AF, experienced more post-operative AFs (P < .001), acute kidney injuries (P = .026), post-operative complications (POC) (P < .001), and 30-day readmissions (P = .036). Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) who have pre-existing AF experienced more post-operative AFs (P < .001), pulmonary embolisms (P < .001), increased estimated blood losses (P = .007), more blood transfusions (P = .002), more POCs (P < .001), and longer lengths of stay (LOS) (P < .002). Over time, POC and LOS decreased in both groups, but remained increased in TJA patients who have pre-existing AF. Multivariate analyses of TKA patients showed an increased odds ratio (OR) of any POCs (P < .001), while THA patients had an increased OR of any POCs (P = .01), and LOS (P = .002). CONCLUSION: Patients who have pre-existing AF undergoing TJA have more POCs. TKA patients have more readmissions. THA patients have longer LOS. These findings demonstrate the importance of enhanced peri-operative medical management in patients who have pre-existing AF undergoing TJA.

Values derived from patient reported outcomes in spine surgery: a systematic review of the minimal clinically important difference, substantial clinical benefit, and patient acceptable symptom state.

PURPOSE: While patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) define value in spine surgery, several values such as minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) help guide the interpretation of PROMs and identify thresholds of clinical significance. Significant variation exists in reported values and their calculation, so the primary objective of this study was to systematically review the spine surgery literature for metrics of clinical significance derived from PROMs. METHODS: We conducted a query of PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases from inception to January 1, 2023, for studies that derived quantitative metrics (e.g., SCB, MCID, PASS) from PROMs in the setting of spine surgery with minimum 1-year follow-up. Details regarding the specific PROMs were collected including which PROM was measured, whether anchor- or distribution-based methods were utilized, the specific calculations, and the recommended value for a given PROM based on all evaluated calculations. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies of 21,780 patients were included. The most commonly evaluated PROM-derived value was the MCID (n = 28), followed by PASS (n = 6) and SCB (n = 4). Twenty-one studies only utilized anchor-based calculations, 15 utilized both anchor-based and distribution-based methods, and one only utilized distribution-based calculations. The most commonly evaluated legacy PROMs were the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (N = 11, MCID range 4-20) and visual analog scale back pain (N = 5, MCID range 0.5-4.6). All 10 studies that derived SCB or PASS utilized the receiver operating characteristic methods. Among the six studies deriving a PASS value, four only evaluated ODI, identifying PASS ranging from 5 to 22. CONCLUSION: While calculated measures of clinical significance such as MCID, PASS, and SCB exist, significant heterogeneity exists in the current literature. Current shortcomings include a wide variability of reported value thresholds across the literature, and limited applicability to more heterogenous patient populations than the targeted cohorts included in published investigations. Continued investigations that apply these methods to heterogenous, large-scale populations can help increase generalizability and validity of these measures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The severity of preoperative anemia escalates risk of poor short-term outcomes after lumbar spine fusion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how preoperative anemia severity affects 90-day outcomes of spinal fusion surgery. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on adult lumbar fusion patients at a tertiary medical center. Patients were classified by World Health Organization anemia severity definitions for comparisons. Multivariate regression models were created to control for confounding variables, for all primary outcomes of transfusion requirements, non-home discharge, readmissions, complications, and length of stay. RESULTS: A total of 2582 patients were included: 2.7% with moderate-severe anemia, 11.0% with mild anemia, and 86.3% without anemia. Moderate-severe patients had the longest hospital stay (5.03 days vs 4.14 and 3.59 days, p < 0.001) and highest risk of transfusion (52.2% vs 13.0% vs 2.69%, p < 0.001), non-home discharge (39.1% vs 27.8% vs 15.4%, p < 0.001), readmission (7.25% vs 5.99% vs 3.36%, p = 0.023), and complications (13.0% vs 9.51% vs 6.20%, p = 0.012). On multivariable logistic regression, both patients with mild and moderate-severe anemia had an increased risk of transfusion (OR: 37.3, p < 0.001; OR: 5.25, p < 0.001, respectively) and non-home discharge (OR: 2.00, p = 0.021; OR: 1.71, p = 0.001, respectively) compared to patients without anemia. Anemia severity was not independently associated with complications or 90-day readmission. On multivariable linear regression, mild anemia (ß: 0.37, p = 0.001) and moderate-severe anemia (ß: 1.07, p < 0.001) were independently associated with length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Patients with moderate-severe preoperative anemia are at increased risk for longer length of stay, transfusions, and non-home discharge. Improved optimization of preoperative anemia may significantly reduce healthcare utilization, and surgeons should consider these risks in preoperative planning. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Preoperative epidural steroid injections do not increase the risk of postoperative infection in patients undergoing lumbar decompression or fusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Epidural corticosteroid injections (ESI) are a mainstay of nonoperative treatment for patients with lumbar spine pathology. Recent literature evaluating infection risk following ESI after elective orthopedic surgery has produced conflicting evidence. Our primary objective was to review the literature and provide a larger meta-analysis analyzing the temporal effects of steroid injections on the risk of infection following lumbar spine surgery. METHODS: We conducted a query of the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases from inception until April 1, 2022 for studies evaluating the risk of infection in the setting of prior spinal steroid injections in patients undergoing lumbar spine decompression or fusion. Three meta-analyses were conducted, (1) comparing ESI within 30-days of surgery to control, (2) comparing ESI within 30-days to ESI between 1 and 3 months preoperatively, and (3) comparing any history of ESI prior to surgery to control. Tests of proportions were utilized for all comparisons between groups. Study heterogeneity was assessed via forest plots, and publication bias was assessed quantiatively via funnel plots and qualitatively with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Nine total studies were included, five of which demonstrated an association between ESI and postoperative infection, while four found no association. Comparison of weighted means demonstrated no significant difference in infection rates between the 30-days ESI group and control group (2.67% vs. 1.69%, p = 0.144), 30-days ESI group and the > 30-days ESI group (2.34% vs. 1.66%, p = 0.1655), or total ESI group and the control group (1.99% vs. 1.70%, p = 0.544). Heterogeneity was low for all comparisons following sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: Current evidence does not implicate preoperative ESI in postoperative infection rates following lumbar fusion or decompression. Operative treatment should not be delayed due to preoperative steroid injections based on current evidence. There remains a paucity of high-quality data in the literature evaluating the impact of preoperative ESI on postoperative infection rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Utility of fluoroscopy alone for monitoring of intrathoracic bleeding complications during transvenous lead extraction.

BACKGROUND: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) carries a significant risk of major complications, namely bleeding into the pericardial sac or thoracic cavity. While echocardiographic imaging has been recommended for intraprocedural monitoring for those complications, no studies had examined the potential benefits of fluoroscopy alone as an alternative to echocardiography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of fluoroscopy for monitoring intrathoracic bleeding complications during TLE. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent TLE of a pacemaker or ICD lead with fluoroscopy-only monitoring. At the beginning of each TLE procedure, baseline fluoroscopic images were obtained for both lung fields and the cardiac silhouette. Similar images were acquired again when hypotension develops during the procedure. RESULTS: Fluoroscopy alone (without echocardiographic imaging) was used in 783 consecutive patients (54% women; average age, 71.5 ± 12.9 years) who underwent TLE. There were 93 patients (11.9%) who experienced significant hypotension. Fluoroscopy showed no obvious cause for hypotension in 63 patients. Right ventricular inversion was implied by fluoroscopy in 27 patients. Fluoroscopy detected new pericardial effusion in two patients and new right pleural effusion in one patient, which prompted halting the extraction procedure and therapeutic intervention. Additionally, routine fluoroscopic images revealed the development of an unsuspected new small left pleural effusion in one patient and a pericardial effusion in another. In-hospital mortality rate was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients undergoing TLE, fluoroscopy can provide valuable information for identifying or excluding cardiovascular causes during periods of intraprocedural hemodynamic instability.

Prevalence and predictors of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy in young adult patients (<60 years) with pacemakers.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical trials and observational studies of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) have largely included elderly patients with mean age >70 years. The prevalence and predictors of PICM in younger patients (age < 60 years) after pacemaker implantation are not known. METHODS: Adults (18-59 years) who received single-chamber ventricular or dual-chamber pacemakers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center from 1986 to 2015 were included. Patients without documented ventricular pacing burden and patients with baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35% were excluded. PICM was defined as LVEF decrease of ≥ 10% and LVEF < 50% during follow-up with right ventricular pacing ≥20%, and without alternative explanations for cardiomyopathy. RESULTS: A total of 325 patients were included in the study. During a median follow-up duration of 11.5 (Interquartile range 7-17) years, 38 patients (11.7%) developed PICM (1.3 per 100 patient-year). Older age (HR 2.5 for age ≥50 years, p = .013), reduced baseline LVEF (HR 2.4, p = .022), and preimplant AVB (HR 2.7, p = .007) were associated with an increased risk of PICM in the multivariate analysis. Furthermore, baseline AF conferred an increased risk of PICM only in patients without preimplant AVB but not patients with pre-implant AVB. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PICM in young patients was low, but PICM could occur more than a decade after pacemaker implantation. Older age, baseline reduced LVEF, and preimplant AVB were associated with an increased risk of PICM in the young patient cohort.

Dynamic Panel Data Modeling and Surveillance of COVID-19 in Metropolitan Areas in the United States: Longitudinal Trend Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound and differential impacts on metropolitan areas across the United States and around the world. Within the United States, metropolitan areas that were hit earliest with the pandemic and reacted with scientifically based health policy were able to contain the virus by late spring. For other areas that kept businesses open, the first wave in the United States hit in mid-summer. As the weather turns colder, universities resume classes, and people tire of lockdowns, a second wave is ascending in both metropolitan and rural areas. It becomes more obvious that additional SARS-CoV-2 surveillance is needed at the local level to track recent shifts in the pandemic, rates of increase, and persistence. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to provide advanced surveillance metrics for COVID-19 transmission that account for speed, acceleration, jerk and persistence, and weekly shifts, to better understand and manage risk in metropolitan areas. Existing surveillance measures coupled with our dynamic metrics of transmission will inform health policy to control the COVID-19 pandemic until, and after, an effective vaccine is developed. Here, we provide values for novel indicators to measure COVID-19 transmission at the metropolitan area level. METHODS: Using a longitudinal trend analysis study design, we extracted 260 days of COVID-19 data from public health registries. We used an empirical difference equation to measure the daily number of cases in the 25 largest US metropolitan areas as a function of the prior number of cases and weekly shift variables based on a dynamic panel data model that was estimated using the generalized method of moments approach by implementing the Arellano-Bond estimator in R. RESULTS: Minneapolis and Chicago have the greatest average number of daily new positive results per standardized 100,000 population (which we refer to as speed). Extreme behavior in Minneapolis showed an increase in speed from 17 to 30 (67%) in 1 week. The jerk and acceleration calculated for these areas also showed extreme behavior. The dynamic panel data model shows that Minneapolis, Chicago, and Detroit have the largest persistence effects, meaning that new cases pertaining to a specific week are statistically attributable to new cases from the prior week. CONCLUSIONS: Three of the metropolitan areas with historically early and harsh winters have the highest persistence effects out of the top 25 most populous metropolitan areas in the United States at the beginning of their cold weather season. With these persistence effects, and with indoor activities becoming more popular as the weather gets colder, stringent COVID-19 regulations will be more important than ever to flatten the second wave of the pandemic. As colder weather grips more of the nation, southern metropolitan areas may also see large spikes in the number of cases.

A Randomized, Single-Blind, Crossover Study Evaluating the Impact of OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment on Mood and Appearance During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of COVID-19 led rapidly to one of the most severe disease outbreaks in modern history. This caused many aesthetic practices to close temporarily, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of neurotoxin use in the setting of an ongoing pandemic. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine whether administration of onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX Cosmetic, Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland) to regular users synergistically amplifies the elevation in mood/happiness, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall satisfaction in the context of the ongoing pandemic. METHODS: A randomized, single-blind, crossover study was designed to evaluate the impact of neurotoxin treatment in the upper third of the face on mood, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall satisfaction. The placebo group crossed over to treatment after 1 month. Surveys evaluating patient happiness, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall efficacy were completed by both groups, and again by the placebo group following crossover to treatment. RESULTS: Forty-five subjects were enrolled: 30 in the treatment group and 15 in the control/crossover group. The placebo group demonstrated no change in happiness or self-satisfaction in appearance until crossover to the treatment group. Both groups, once receiving onabotulinumtoxinA, reported increased happiness, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall treatment satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment to the upper face in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was found to increase patient happiness, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall treatment satisfaction.

Evidence and Controversies in Geriatric Odontoid Fracture Management.

Geriatric odontoid fractures are some of the most common spine injuries in our aging population, and their prevalence is only continuing to increase. Despite several investigational studies, treatment remains controversial and there is limited conclusive evidence regarding the management of odontoid fractures. These injuries typically occur in medically complex and frail geriatric patients with poor bone quality, making their treatment particularly challenging. In this article, we review the evidence for conservative management as well as surgical intervention and discuss various treatment strategies. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with odontoid fractures in the elderly, thoughtful consideration and an emphasis on patient-centered goals of treatment are critical to maximize function in this vulnerable population.

Basivertebral Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation (Intracept): Procedural Technique.

Intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation is indicated for the treatment of chronic vertebrogenic low back pain with failure of at least 6 months of conservative treatment. This article details patient positioning and setup, step-by-step instructions for the procedure, and postoperative management. Pearls and pitfalls are also discussed. In addition, an instructional procedure video accompanies this paper and can be found online (at https://vimeo.com/791578426/de0e90cfbe).

Subfascial Lumbar Spine Drain Output Does Not Affect Outcomes After Incidental Durotomies in Elective Spine Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative drains have long been regarded as a preventive measure to mitigate the risks of complications such as neurological impairment by reducing fluid accumulation following spine surgery. Our study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by examining the effects of postoperative drain output on the 90-day postoperative outcomes for patients who experienced an incidental durotomy after lumbar decompression procedures, with or without fusion. METHODS: All patients aged ≥18 years with an incidental durotomy from spinal decompression with or without fusion surgery between 2017 and 2021 were retrospectively identified. The patient demographics, surgical characteristics, method of dural tear repair (DuraSeal, suture, and/or DuraGen), surgical outcomes, and drain data were collected via medical record review. Patients were grouped by readmission status and final 8-hour drain output. Those with a final 8-hour drain output of ≥40 mL were included in the high drain output (HDO) group and those with <40 mL were in the low drain output (LDO) group. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative patient demographics, surgical characteristics, method of dural tear repair, length of stay (HDO, 4.02 ± 1.90 days; vs. LDO, 4.26 ± 2.10 days; P = 0.269), hospital readmissions (HDO, 10.6%; vs. LDO, 7.96%; P = 0.744), or occurrence of reoperation during readmission (HDO, 6.06%; vs. LDO, 2.65%; P = 0.5944) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing primary lumbar decompression with or without fusion and experiencing an incidental durotomy, no significant association was found between the drain output and 90-day patient outcomes. Adequate fascial closure and the absence of symptoms may be satisfactory criteria for standard patient discharge regardless of drain output.

Implementation of a Private Payer Bundled Payment Model While Maintaining High-Value Lumbar Spinal Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective single-institution cohort. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implementation of a commercial bundled payment model in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: BPCI-A caused significant losses for many physician practices, prompting private payers to establish their own bundled payment models. The feasibility of these private bundles has yet to be evaluated in spine fusion. METHODS: Patients undergoing lumbar fusion from October to December 2018 in BPCI-A before our institution's departure were included for BPCI-A analysis. Private bundle data was collected from 2018 to 2020. Analysis of the transition was conducted among Medicare-aged beneficiaries. Private bundles were grouped by calendar year (Y1, Y2, Y3). Stepwise multivariate linear regression was performed to measure independent predictors of net deficit. RESULTS: The net surplus was the lowest in Y1 ($2,395, P =0.03) but did not differ between our final year in BPCI-A and subsequent years in private bundles (all, P >0.05). AIR and SNF patient discharges decreased significantly in all private bundle years compared with BPCI. Readmissions fell from 10.7% (N=37) in BPCI-A to 4.4% (N=6) in Y2 and 4.5% (N=3) Y3 of private bundles ( P <0.001). Being in Y2 or Y3 was independently associated with a net surplus in comparison to the Y1 (ß: $11,728, P =0.001; ß: $11,643, P =0.002). Postoperatively, length of stay in days (ß: $-2,982, P <0.001), any readmission (ß: -$18,825, P =0.001), and discharge to AIR (ß: $-61,256, P <0.001) or SNF (ß: $-10,497, P =0.058) were all associated with a net deficit. CONCLUSIONS: Nongovernmental bundled payment models can be successfully implemented in lumbar spinal fusion patients. Constant price adjustment is necessary so bundled payments remain financially beneficial to both parties and systems overcome early losses. Private insurers who have more competition than the government may be more willing to provide mutually beneficial situations where cost is reduced for payers and health systems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Cellular Bone Matrix in Spine Surgery - Are They Worth the Risk: A Systematic Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic Review. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature for complications and outcomes after the implantation of cellular bone matrix (CBM) during spine fusion. METHODS: The PubMed database was queried from inception to January 31, 2023 for any articles that discussed the role of and identified a specific CBM in spinal fusion procedures. Adverse events, reoperations, methods, and fusion rates were collected from all studies and reported. RESULTS: Six hundred articles were identified, of which 19 were included that reported outcomes of 7 different CBM products. Seven studies evaluated lumbar fusion, 11 evaluated cervical fusion, and 1 study reported adverse events of a single CBM product. Only 4 studies were comparative studies while others were limited to case series. Fusion rates ranged from 68% to 98.7% in the lumbar spine and 87% to 100% in the cervical spine, although criteria for radiographic fusion was variable. While 7 studies reported no adverse events, there was no strict consensus on what constituted a complication. One study reported catastrophic disseminated tuberculosis from donor contaminated CBM. The authors of 14 studies had conflicts of interest with either the manufacturer or distributor for their analyzed CBM. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence regarding the use of cellular bone matrix as an osteobiologic during spine surgery is weak and limited to low-grade non-comparative studies subject to industry funding. While reported fusion rates are high, the risk of severe complications should not be overlooked. Further large clinical trials are required to elucidate whether the CBMs offer any benefits that outweigh the risks.

Evaluation of perioperative care and drivers of cost in geriatric thoracolumbar trauma.

Introduction: As the population of elderly patients continues to rise, the number of these individuals presenting with thoracolumbar trauma is expected to increase. Research question: To investigate thoracolumbar fusion outcomes for patients with vertebral fractures as stratified by decade. Secondarily, we examined the variability of cost across age groups by identifying drivers of cost of care. Materials and methods: We queried the United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample(NIS) for adult patients undergoing spinal fusion for thoracolumbar fractures between 2012 and 2017. Patients were stratified by decade 60-69(sexagenarians), 70-79(septuagenarians) and 80-89(octogenarians). Bivariable analysis followed by multivariable regression was performed to assess independent predictors of length of stay(LOS), hospital cost, and discharge disposition. Results: A total of 2767 patients were included, of which 46%(N = 1268) were sexagenarians, 36% septuagenarians and 18%(N = 502) octogenarians. Septuagenarians and octogenarians had shorter LOS compared to sexagenarians(ß = -0.88 days; p = 0.012) and(ß = -1.78; p < 0.001), respectively. LOS was reduced with posterior approach(-2.46 days[95% CI: 3.73-1.19]; p < 0.001), while Hispanic patients had longer LOS(+1.97 [95% CI: 0.81-3.13]; p < 0.001). Septuagenarians had lower total charges $12,185.70(p = 0.040), while the decrease in charges in octogenarians was more significant, with a decrease of $26,016.30(p < 0.001) as compared to sexagenarians. Posterior approach was associated with a decrease of $24,337.90 in total charges(p = 0.026). Septuagenarians and octogenarians had 1.72 higher odds(p < 0.001) and 4.16 higher odds(p < 0.001), respectively, of discharge to a skilled nursing facility. Discussion and conclusions: Healthcare utilization in geriatric thoracolumbar trauma is complex. Cost reductions in the acute hospital setting may be offset by unaccounted costs after discharge. Further research into this phenomenon and observed racial/ethnic disparities must be pursued.

The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on the Presence of Advance Care Planning Documents in Patients With Acute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

INTRODUCTION: Patients presenting with spinal cord injury (SCI) often times have notable deficits or polytrauma and may require urgent decision making for early management. However, their presentation may affect decision-making ability. Although advance care planning (ACP) may help guide spine surgeons as to patient preferences, the rate at which they are available and disparities in ACP completion are still not understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate disparities in the completion of ACP among patients with acute SCI. METHODS: All patients presenting with cervical SCI to the emergency department at an urban, tertiary level I trauma center from 2010 to 2021 were identified from a prospective database of all consults evaluated by the spine service. Each patient's medical record was reviewed to assess for the presence of ACP documents such as living will, power of attorney, or advance directive. Community-level socioeconomic status was assessed using the Distressed Communities Index. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: We identified 424 patients: 104 (24.5%) of whom had ACP. Patients with ACP were older (64.8 versus 56.5 years, P = 0.001), more likely White (78.8% versus 71.9%, P = 0.057), and present with ASIA Impairment Scale grade A SCI (21.2% versus 12.8%, P = 0.054), although the latter two did not reach statistical significance. On multivariable logistic regression, patients residing in at-risk communities were significantly less likely to have ACP documents compared with those in prosperous communities (odds ratio [OR]: 0.29, P = 0.03). Although patients living in distressed communities were less likely to complete ACP compared with those in prosperous communities (OR 0.50, P = 0.066), this did not meet statistical significance. Female patients were also less likely to have ACP (OR: 0.43, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Female patients and those from at-risk communities are markedly less likely to complete ACP. Attention to possible disparities during admission and ACP discussions may help ensure that patients of all backgrounds have treatment goals documented.

Does Operative Level Impact Dysphagia Severity After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?: A Multicenter Prospective Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective multicenter cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between operative level and postoperative dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is common after ACDF and has several risk factors, including soft tissue edema. The degree of prevertebral soft tissue edema varies based on the operative cervical level. However, the operative level has not been evaluated as a source of postoperative dysphagia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adult patients undergoing elective ACDF were prospectively enrolled at 3 academic centers. Dysphagia was assessed using the Bazaz Questionnaire, Dysphagia Short Questionnaire, and Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) preoperatively and at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. Patients were grouped based on the inclusion of specific surgical levels in the fusion construct. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to evaluate the independent effects of the number of surgical levels and the inclusion of each particular level on dysphagia symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were included. Overall, 24 (18.5%) patients had persistent postoperative dysphagia at 24 weeks and these patients were older, female, and less likely to drink alcohol. There was no difference in operative duration or dexamethasone administration. Patients with persistent dysphagia were significantly more likely to have C4-C5 included in the fusion construct (62.5% vs . 34.9%, P = 0.024) but there were no differences based on the inclusion of other levels. On multivariable regression, the inclusion of C3-C4 or C6-C7 was associated with more severe EAT-10 (ß: 9.56, P = 0.016 and ß: 8.15, P = 0.040) and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (ß: 4.44, P = 0.023 and (ß: 4.27, P = 0.030) at 6 weeks. At 12 weeks, C3-C4 fusion was also independently associated with more severe dysphagia (EAT-10 ß: 4.74, P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: The location of prevertebral soft tissue swelling may impact the duration and severity of patient-reported dysphagia outcomes at up to 24 weeks postoperatively. In particular, the inclusion of C3-C4 and C4-C5 into the fusion may be associated with dysphagia severity.

Preoperative Oswestry Disability Index Should not be Utilized to Determine Surgical Eligibility for Patients Requiring Lumbar Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disease.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how preoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) thresholds might affect minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement following lumbar fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: As payers invest in alternative payment models, some are suggesting threshold cutoffs of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) in reimbursement approvals for orthopedic procedures. The feasibility of this has not been investigated in spine surgery. MATERIALS/METHODS: We included all adult patients undergoing one to three-level primary lumbar fusion at a single urban tertiary academic center from 2014 to 2020. ODI was collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively. We implemented theoretical threshold cutoffs at increments of 10. MCID was set at 14.3. The percent of patients meeting MCID were determined among patients "approved" or "denied" at each threshold. At each threshold, the positive predictive value (PPV) for MCID attainment was calculated. RESULTS: A total 1368 patients were included and 62.4% (N=364) achieved MCID. As the ODI thresholds increased, a greater percent of patients in each group reached the MCID. At the lowest ODI threshold, 6.58% (N=90) of patients would be denied, rising to 20.2%, 39.5%, 58.4%, 79.9%, and 91.4% at ODI thresholds of 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70, respectively. The PPV increased from 0.072 among patients with ODI>20 to 0.919 at ODI>70. The number of patients denied a clinical improvement in the denied category per patient achieving the MCID increased at each threshold (ODI>20: 1.96; ODI>30: 2.40; ODI>40: 2.75; ODI>50: 3.03; ODI>60: 3.54; ODI>70: 3.75). CONCLUSION: Patients with poorer preoperative ODI are significantly more likely to achieve MCID following lumbar spine fusion at all ODI thresholds. Setting a preoperative ODI threshold for surgical eligibility will restrict access to patients who may benefit from spine fusion despite ODI>20 demonstrating the lowest predictive value for MCID achievement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Impact of Preoperative Intervertebral Disc Degeneration on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures After Lumbar Fusion.

OBJECTIVE: The Pfirrmann scoring system classifies lumbosacral disc degeneration based on MRI signal intensity. The relationship between pre-existing disc degeneration and PROMs after one-level lumbar fusion is not well documented. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the severity of preoperative intervertebral disc degeneration and pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients undergoing one-level lumbar fusion. METHODS: All adult patients underwent posterior lumbar decompression and fusion (PLDF) or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) between 2014-2022 were included. Patient demographics, and comorbidities were extracted from medical records. Lumbar intervertebral discs on sagittal MRI T2-weighted images were assessed by two independent graders utilizing Pfirrmann criteria. Grades I-III were categorized as low-grade disc degeneration, while IV-V were considered high-grade. Multivariable linear regression assessed the impact of disc degeneration on PROMS. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were included, of which, 69 (46%) had low grade disc degeneration, while 81 (54%) had high grade degeneration. Patients with high-grade degeneration had increased preoperative VAS-Leg scores (6.10 vs. 4.54, p=0.005) and displayed greater one-year postoperative improvements in VAS-Back scores (-2.11 vs -0.66, p=0.002). Multivariable regression demonstrated Pfirrmann scores as independent predictors for both preoperative VAS-Leg scores (p=0.004) and postoperative VAS-Back improvement (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing one-level lumbar fusion, higher Pfirmann scores were associated with increased preoperative leg pain and greater one-year postoperative improvement in back pain. Further studies into the relationship of pre-operative disc degeneration and their impact on postoperative outcomes may help guide clinical decision making and patient expectations.