Patient-level patterns in daily prescribed opioid dosage in single level lumbar fusion are associated with postoperative opioid dosage and adverse events: a retrospective analysis of claims data.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery have high rates of preoperative opioid use, which is associated with inferior outcomes and higher risks for opioid dependency postoperatively. PURPOSE: Determine whether there are identifiable subgroups of patients that follow distinct patterns in pre- and postoperative opioid dosing. Examine how preoperative patterns in opioid dosing relate to postoperative opioid patterns, opioid cessation, and the risk for adverse events. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective analysis of an administrative claims database (MeritiveTM Marketscan® Research Databases 2007-2015). PATIENT SAMPLE: The 9,768 patients undergoing primary single level lumbar fusion. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary: daily morphine milligram equivalent (MME) opioid dosing calculated from prescriptions dispensed for 1 year before and after surgery; secondary: 90-day all-cause readmission and complications, 90-day acute postoperative pain, 90-day and 1-year reoperation, surgical costs, length of stay, and discharge disposition. METHODS: Distinct patient subgroups defined by patterns of daily MME pre- and postoperatively were identified via group-based trajectory modeling. Associations between these groups and outcomes were assessed with multivariable logistic regression with risk adjustment for patient and surgical factors. RESULTS: Among primary single level lumbar fusion patients, 59.5% filled an opioid prescription in the 3 months preceding surgery, whereas 40.5% were opioid naïve (Naïve). Five distinct subgroups of daily MME were identified among those filling opioids preoperatively: (1) Naïve to 3m (21.2% of patients): no opioids until 3 months preoperatively, escalating to 15 MME/day; (2) Low to 3m (11.4%): very low or as needed dose until 3 months preoperatively, escalating to 15 MME/day; (3) 6m Rise (6.9%): no opioids until 6 months preoperatively, escalating to >30 MME/day; (4) Medium (9.8%): increased linearly from 10 to 25 MME/day across the year before surgery; (5) High (10.0%): increased linearly from 60 to >80 MME/day across the year before surgery. These five preoperative opioid groups were related to postoperative opioids filled in a dose-response manner. The two preoperative patient groups with chronic Medium to High-dose opioid dosing were associated with increased adverse events, including all-cause readmission, reoperation, and pneumonia, whereas a low baseline group with a large, earlier preoperative rise in opioid dosing (6m Rise) had increased encounters for acute postoperative pain. Postoperatively, only 9.5% of patients did not fill an opioid prescription. Five distinct postoperative subgroups were identified based on their patterns in daily MME: Two groups ceased filling opioids within the year following surgery (33.6% of patients), and three groups declined in opioid dosage following surgery but plateaued at low (0-5 MME/day, 29.1%), medium (10-15 MME/day, 12.0%), or high (70-75 MME/day), 13.1%) doses by 1 year. Patients within the higher preoperative opioid groups were more likely to belong to the postoperative groups that were unable to cease filling opioids. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of a patient's pre-operative time trend in daily opioid use may provide significant prognostic value and help guide pain management and risk reduction efforts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Reliability of semi-automated spinal measurement software.

PURPOSE: In the treatment of patients with adult spinal deformity, analysis of spinopelvic balance is essential in clinical assessment and surgical planning. There is currently no gold standard for measurement, whether done by hand or with digital software. New semi-automated software exists that purports to increase efficiency, but its reliability is unknown in the literature. METHODS: Full spine X-rays were retrospectively reviewed from 25 adult patients seen between 2014 and 2017. Patients were included if they had > 5 cm of sagittal imbalance and radiographs of sufficient quality to perform balance measurements, without prior surgical spinal fusion and/or instrumentation. Spinopelvic parameters were measured in two radiographic programs: one with basic, non-spine-specific measurement tools (eUnity, Client Outlook, Waterloo, Canada); and a second with spine-specific semi-automated measurement tools (Sectra, Sectra AB, Linköping, Sweden). Balance parameters included SVA, PI, PT, and LL. Data were compared by examining inter-rater and inter-program reliability using interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The subjects' mean age was 67.9 ± 13.8 years old, and 32% were male. The inter-program reliability was strong, with ICC values greater than 0.91 for each parameter. Similarly, there was strong inter-observer reliability with ICC values greater than 0.88. These results persisted on delayed repeat measurement (p < 0.001 for all measurements). CONCLUSION: There is excellent inter-observer and inter-program reliability between the basic PACS and semi-automated programs. These data demonstrate that the purported efficiency of semi-automated measurement programs does not come at the cost of measurement reliability.

Polymethyl methacrylate augmentation and proximal junctional kyphosis in adult spinal deformity patients.

BACKGROUND: Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a complication following surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) possibly ameliorated by polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) vertebroplasty of the upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV). This study quantifies PJK following surgical correction bridging the thoracolumbar junction ± PMMA vertebroplasty. METHODS: ASD patients from 2013 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed and included with immediate postoperative radiographs and at least one follow-up radiograph. PMMA vertebroplasty at the UIV and UIV + 1 was performed at the surgeons' discretion. RESULTS: Of 102 patients, 56% received PMMA. PMMA patients were older (70 ± 8 vs. 66 ± 10, p = 0.021), more often female (89.3% vs. 68.2%, p = 0.005), and had more osteoporosis (26.8% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.013). 55.4% of PMMA patients developed PJK compared to 38.6% of controls (p = 0.097), and the rate of PJK development was not different between groups in univariate survival models. There was no difference in PJF (p > 0.084). Reoperation rates were 7.1% in PMMA versus 11.4% in controls (p = 0.501). In multivariable models, PJK development was not associated with the use of PMMA vertebroplasty (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.38-1.60, p = 0.470), either when considered overall in the cohort or specifically in those with poor bone quality. PJK was significantly predicted by poor bone quality irrespective of PMMA use (HR 3.81, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In thoracolumbar fusions for adult spinal deformity, PMMA vertebroplasty was not associated with reduced PJK development, which was most highly associated with poor bone quality. Preoperative screening and management for osteoporosis is critical in achieving an optimal outcome for these complex operations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4, retrospective non-randomized case review.

Catastrophic acute failure of pelvic fixation in adult spinal deformity requiring revision surgery: a multicenter review of incidence, failure mechanisms, and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: There are few prior reports of acute pelvic instrumentation failure in spinal deformity surgery. The objective of this study was to determine if a previously identified mechanism and rate of pelvic fixation failure were present across multiple institutions, and to determine risk factors for these types of failures. METHODS: Thirteen academic medical centers performed a retrospective review of 18 months of consecutive adult spinal fusions extending 3 or more levels, which included new pelvic screws at the time of surgery. Acute pelvic fixation failure was defined as occurring within 6 months of the index surgery and requiring surgical revision. RESULTS: Failure occurred in 37 (5%) of 779 cases and consisted of either slippage of the rods or displacement of the set screws from the screw tulip head (17 cases), screw shaft fracture (9 cases), screw loosening (9 cases), and/or resultant kyphotic fracture of the sacrum (6 cases). Revision strategies involved new pelvic fixation and/or multiple rod constructs. Six patients (16%) who underwent revision with fewer than 4 rods to the pelvis sustained a second acute failure, but no secondary failures occurred when at least 4 rods were used. In the univariate analysis, the magnitude of surgical correction was higher in the failure cohort (higher preoperative T1-pelvic angle [T1PA], presence of a 3-column osteotomy; p < 0.05). Uncorrected postoperative deformity increased failure risk (pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch > 10°, higher postoperative T1PA; p < 0.05). Use of pelvic screws less than 8.5 mm in diameter also increased the likelihood of failure (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, a larger preoperative global deformity as measured by T1PA was associated with failure, male patients were more likely to experience failure than female patients, and there was a strong association with implant manufacturer (p < 0.05). Anterior column support with an L5-S1 interbody fusion was protective against failure (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acute catastrophic failures involved large-magnitude surgical corrections and likely resulted from high mechanical strain on the pelvic instrumentation. Patients with large corrections may benefit from anterior structural support placed at the most caudal motion segment and multiple rods connecting to more than 2 pelvic fixation points. If failure occurs, salvage with a minimum of 4 rods and 4 pelvic fixation points can be successful.

Patient-level payment patterns prior to single level lumbar decompression are associated with resource utilization, postoperative payments, and adverse events.

BACKGROUND: Understanding patient-specific trends in costs and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) surrounding lumbar spine surgery is critically needed to better inform surgical decision making and the development of targeted interventions. PURPOSE: 1) Identify subgroups of patients following distinct patterns in direct healthcare payments pre- and postoperatively, 2) determine whether these patterns are associated with patient and surgical factors, and 3) examine whether preoperative payment patterns are related to postoperative payments, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and adverse events. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective analysis of an administrative claims database (IBM Marketscan Research Databases 2007-2015). PATIENT SAMPLE: Adults undergoing primary single-level decompression surgery for lumbar stenosis (n=12,394). OUTCOME MEASURES: Direct healthcare payments, HCRU payments (15 categories), 90-day complications and all-cause readmission, 2-year reoperation METHODS: Group-based trajectory modeling is an application of finite mixture modeling that is able to identify meaningful subgroups within a population that follow distinct developmental trajectories over time. We used this technique to identify subgroups of patients following distinct profiles in preoperative direct healthcare payments. A separate analysis was performed to identify distinct profiles in payments postoperatively. Patient and surgical factors associated with these payment profiles were assessed with multinomial logistic regression, and associations with adverse events were assessed with risk-adjusted multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: We identified 4 preoperative patient payment subgroups following distinct profiles in payments: Pre-Low (5.8% of patients), Pre-Early-Rising (4.8%), Pre-Medium (26.1%), and Pre-High (63.3%). Postoperatively, 3 patient subgroups were identified: Post-Low (8.9%), Post-Medium (29.6%), and Post-High (61.4%). Patients following the higher-cost pre- and postoperative payment profiles were older, more likely female, and had a greater physical and mental comorbidity burden. With each successively higher preoperative payment profile, patients were increasingly likely to have high postoperative payments, use more HCRU (particularly high-cost services such as inpatient admissions, ER, and SNF/IRF care), and experience postoperative adverse events. Following risk adjustment for patient and surgical factors, patients following the Pre-High payment profile had 209.5 (95% CI: 144.2, 309.7; p<.001) fold greater odds for following the Post-High payment profile, 1.8 (1.3, 2.5; p=.003) fold greater odds for 90-day complications, and 1.7 (1.2, 2.6; p=.035) fold greater odds for 2-year reoperation relative to patients following the Pre-Low payment profile. CONCLUSIONS: There are identifiable subgroups of patients who follow distinct profiles in direct healthcare payments surrounding lumbar decompression surgery. These payment profiles are related to patient age, sex, and physical and mental comorbidities. Notably, preoperative payment profiles may provide prognostic value, as they are associated with postoperative costs, HCRU, and adverse events. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Healthcare resource utilization and costs 2 years pre- and post-lumbar spine surgery for stenosis: a national claims cohort study of 22,182 cases.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Improved understanding of the pre- and postoperative trends in costs and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) is needed to better inform patient expectations and aid in the development of strategies to minimize the significant healthcare burden associated with lumbar spine surgery. PURPOSE: Examine the time course of costs and HCRU in the 2 years preceding and following elective lumbar spine surgery for stenosis in a large national claims cohort. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective analysis of an administrative claims database (IBM® Marketscan® Research Databases 2007-2015). PATIENT SAMPLE: Adult patients undergoing elective primary single-level lumbar surgery for stenosis with at least 2 years of continuous health plan enrollment pre- and postoperatively. OUTCOME MEASURES: Functional measures, including monthly rates of HCRU (15 categories), monthly gross covered payments (including payments made by the health plan and deductibles and coinsurance paid by the patient) overall, by HCRU category, and by spine versus non-spine-related. METHODS: All available patients were utilized for analysis of HCRU. For analysis of payments, only patients on noncapitated health plans providing accurate financial information were analyzed. Payments were converted to 2015 United States dollars using the medical care component of the consumer price index. Trends in payments and HCRU were plotted on a monthly basis pre- and post-surgery and assessed with regression models. Relationships with demographics, surgical factors, and comorbidities were assessed with multivariable repeated measures generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: Median monthly healthcare payments 2 years prior to surgery were $275 ($22, $868). Baseline HCRU at 2 years preoperatively was stable or only gradually rising (office visits, prescription drug use), but began an increasingly steep rise in many categories 6 to 12 months prior to surgery. Monthly payments began an increasingly steep rise 6 months prior to surgery, reaching a peak of $1,402 ($634, $2,827) in the month prior to surgery. This was driven by an increase in radiology, office visits, PT, injections, prescription medications, ER encounters, and inpatient admissions. Payments dropped dramatically immediately following surgery. Over the remainder of the 2 years, the median total payments declined only slightly, as a continued decline in spine-related payments was offset by gradually increased non-spine related payments as patients aged. By 2 years postoperatively, the percentage of patients using PT and injections returned to within 1% of the baseline levels observed 2 years preoperatively; however, spine-related prescription medication use remained elevated, as did other categories of HCRU (radiology, office visits, lab/diagnostic services, and also rare events such as inpatient admissions, ER encounters, and SNF/IRF). Patients with a fusion component to their surgeries had higher payments and HCRU preoperatively, and this did not resolve postoperatively. Variations in payments and HCRU were also evident among plan types, with patients on comprehensive medical plans-predominantly employer-sponsored supplemental Medicare coverage-utilizing more inpatient, ER, and inpatient rehabilitation & skilled nursing facilities. Patients on high-deductible plans had fewer payments and HCRU across all categories; however, we are unable to distinguish whether this is because they used fewer of these services or if they were paying for these services out of pocket without submitting to the payer. By 2 years postoperatively, 51% of patients had no spine-related monthly payments, while 33% had higher and 16% had lower monthly payments relative to 2 years preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to characterize time trends in direct healthcare payments and HCRU over an extended period preceding and following spine surgery. Differences among plan types potentially highlight disparities in access to care and plan-related financial mediators of patients' healthcare resource utilization.

Bacteria in Surgical Smoke: A Self-controlled Laboratory Study Using Porcine Spinal Tissues.

STUDY DESIGN: A laboratory study performed in a self-controlled fashion. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether "surgical smoke" generated by using the electrocautery on porcine spinal tissues could contain viable bacteria. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The year 2020 has seen a surge in legislation regarding surgical smoke evacuation in the operating room across the United States. Surgical smoke contains numerous toxic and carcinogenic substances, which spine surgeons and operating room staff are regularly exposed to. Although the smoke's chemical toxicity has been extensively studied, little is known about its biohazard level. METHODS: The electrocautery was used to "operate on" 20 segments of porcine spinal tissues on a clean bench. In each operation, the generated smoke was captured with a swab, which was positioned above the surgical site and within the smoke, to obtain bacteria cultures. Two other swabs-a tissue swab (swabbing the porcine tissue itself) and a blank swab (swabbing an empty sterile bowl)-were collected as controls. The culture results were compared among the three groups. An additional experiment was conducted to see whether using a mask can reduce the "infection rate" of the swab. RESULTS: Although all blank swabs tested negative, 95% (19/20) of the smoke swabs tested positive, with a total of nine bacteria species identified. The most prevalent species observed in the smoke swabs included Serratia liquefaciens, Lactococcus garvieae, and Hafnia alvei, and so on. Among the positive smoke swabs, 84% (16/19) had one or more bacteria species that were consistent with the cultures of their corresponding tissue swabs. Using a surgical or N95 mask reduced the "infection rate" of the swab. CONCLUSION: "Surgical smoke" generated by electrocauterization of porcine spinal tissues contains viable bacteria. Further research in actual spine surgery is needed next.Level of Evidence: N/A.

Rod-Screw Constructs Composed of Dissimilar Metals Do Not Affect Complication Rates in Posterior Fusion Surgery Performed for Adult Spinal Deformity.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare implant-related complications between mixed-metal and same-metal rod-screw constructs in patients who underwent posterior fusion for adult spinal deformity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Contact between dissimilar metals is discouraged due to potential for galvanic corrosion, increasing the risk for metal toxicity, infection, and implant failure. In spine surgery, titanium (Ti) screws are most commonly used, but Ti rods are notch sensitive and likely more susceptible to fracture after contouring for deformity constructs. Cobalt chrome (CC) and stainless steel (SS) rods may be suitable alternatives. No studies have yet evaluated implant-related complications among mixed-metal constructs (SS or CC rods with Ti screws). METHODS: Adults with spinal deformity who underwent at least 5-level thoracic and/or lumbar posterior fusion or 3-column osteotomy between January 2013 and May 2015 were reviewed, excluding neuromuscular deformity, tumor, acute trauma or infection. Implant-related complications included pseudarthrosis, proximal junctional kyphosis, hardware failure (rod fracture, screw pullout or haloing), symptomatic hardware, and infection. RESULTS: A total of 61 cases met inclusion criteria: 24 patients received Ti rods with Ti screws (Ti-Ti, 39%), 31 SS rods (SS-Ti, 51%), and 6 CC rods (CC-Ti, 9.8%). Median follow-up was 37-42 months for all groups. Because of the limited number of cases, the CC-Ti group was not included in statistical analyses. There were no differences between Ti-Ti and SS-Ti groups with regard to age, body mass index, or smokers. Implant-related complications did not differ between the Ti-Ti and SS-Ti groups (P=0.080). Among the Ti-Ti group, there were 15 implant-related complications (63%). In the SS-Ti group, there were 12 implant-related complications (39%). There were 3 implant-related complications in the CC-Ti group (50%). CONCLUSION: We found no evidence that combining Ti screws with SS rods increases the risk for implant-related complications.

Preoperative epidural steroid injections are not associated with increased rates of infection and dural tear in lumbar spine surgery.

PURPOSE: The study objectives were to use a large national claims data resource to examine rates of preoperative epidural steroid injections (ESI) in lumbar spine surgery and determine whether preoperative ESI or the timing of preoperative ESI is associated with rates of postoperative complications and reoperations. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal analysis of patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery for disc herniation and/or spinal stenosis was undertaken using the MarketScan® databases from 2007-2015. Propensity-score matched cohorts were constructed to compare rates of complications and reoperations in patients with and without preoperative ESI. RESULTS: Within the year prior to surgery, 120,898 (46.4%) patients had a lumber ESI. The median time between ESI and surgery was 10 weeks. 23.1% of patients having preoperative ESI had more than one level injected, and 66.5% had more than one preoperative ESI treatment. Patients with chronic pain were considerably more likely to have an ESI prior to their surgery [OR 1.62 (1.54, 1.69), p < 0.001]. Patients having preoperative ESI within in close proximity to surgery did not have increased rates of infection, dural tear, neurological complications, or surgical complications; however, they did experience higher rates of reoperations and readmissions than those with no preoperative ESI (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Half of patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery for stenosis and/or herniation had a preoperative ESI. These were not associated with an increased risk for postoperative complications, even when the ESI was given in close proximity to surgery. Patients with preoperative ESI were more likely to have readmissions and reoperations following surgery.

Cervical epidural steroid injections: incidence and determinants of subsequent surgery.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Cervical epidural steroid injections (CESIs) are sometimes used in the management of cervical radicular pain in order to delay or avoid surgery. However, the rate and determinants of surgery following CESIs remain uncertain. PURPOSE: This study sought to determine: (1) the proportion of patients having surgery following CESI, and (2) the timing of and factors associated with subsequent surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a large, national administrative claims database. PATIENT SAMPLE: The study included 192,777 CESI patients (age 50.9±11.3 years, 55.2% female) who underwent CESI for imaging-based diagnoses of cervical disc herniation or stenosis, a clinical diagnosis of radiculopathy, or a combination thereof. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the time from index CESI to surgery. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were CESI for cervical disc herniation, stenosis, or radiculopathy, age ≥18, and active enrollment for 1 year before CESI to screen for exclusions. Patients were followed until they underwent cervical surgery, or their enrollment lapsed. Rates of surgery were assessed with Kaplan-Meier survival curves and 99% confidence intervals. Factors associated with subsequent surgery were assessed with multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: Within 6 months of CESI, 11.2% of patients underwent surgery, increasing to 14.5% by 1 year and 22.3% by 5 years. Male patients and those aged 35 to 54 had an increased likelihood of subsequent surgery. Patients with radiculopathy were less likely to undergo surgery following CESI than those with stenosis or herniation, while patients with multiple diagnoses were more likely. Patients with comorbidities including CHF, other cardiac comorbidities or chronic pain were less likely to undergo surgery, as were patients in the northeast US region. Some 33.5% of patients underwent >1 CESI, with 84.6% of these occurring within 1 year. Additional injections were associated with reduced rates of subsequent surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Following CESI, over one in five patients underwent surgery within 5 years. Multiple patient-specific risk factors for subsequent surgery were identified, and patients undergoing repeated injections were at lower risk. Determining which patients may progress to surgery can be used to improve resource utilization and to inform shared decision-making.

Knee or Spine Surgery First? A Survey of Treatment Order for Patients With Concurrent Degenerative Knee and Lumbar Spinal Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and lumbar spine surgery have been reported to affect the outcomes of each other. There is insufficient evidence to guide the choice of treatment order for patients with both disorders that are equally symptomatic. METHODS: Five clinical scenarios of concurrent, advanced, degenerative knee and lumbar spinal disorders were designed to survey surgeons' choices of treatment order and rationale. The spinal disorder was consistently degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, but the knee conditions varied to include (1) osteoarthritis (OA) with varus deformity, (2) OA with valgus deformity, (3) rheumatoid arthritis with a severe flexion contracture, (4) OA without deformity, and (5) bilateral OA with windswept deformities. The survey was distributed to selected clinical members of the Knee Society and Scoliosis Research Society in North America. The surgeons' choices were compared among the 5 scenarios, and their comments were analyzed using text-mining. RESULTS: Responses were received from 42 of 74 (57%) knee arthroplasty surgeons and 55 of 100 (55%) spine surgeons. The percentages of knee arthroplasty surgeons recommending "TKA first" differed significantly among scenarios: 29%, 79%, 55%, 7%, and 81% for scenarios 1 through 5, respectively (P < .001). A similar pattern was noted for the spine surgeons. CONCLUSION: For patients with concurrent degenerative knee and lumbar spinal disorders, the severity and type of knee deformity influenced the preference of treatment order in both specialties. Severe valgus deformity and windswept deformities of the knee would drive the decision toward "TKA first."

The utility of local smoke evacuation in reducing surgical smoke exposure in spine surgery: a prospective self-controlled study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Exposure to surgical smoke remains a potential occupational health concern to spine operating room personnel. Using a smoke evacuator (local exhaust ventilation) is currently regarded as a primary means of protection, yet few studies have evaluated its utility in actual surgeries. OBJECTIVE: To examine the utility of two common types of local smoke evacuators, a para incisional evacuator and a smoke evacuation pencil, in reducing surgical smoke exposure in spine surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective self-controlled study. PATIENT SAMPLE: After the pre-estimation of sample size, 51 consecutive spine surgeries (25 and 26 patients using the para incisional smoke evacuator and the smoke evacuation pencil, respectively) were enrolled between February 2018 and March 2019. OUTCOME MEASURES: Two outcome measures were used to evaluate the level of surgical smoke exposure, which was defined as the concentration of ultrafine smoke particles in the air (number of particles per cm3, ppc) around the operating table: (a) the average smoke level was the arithmetic mean of all measurements recorded during the surgery; and (b) the peak smoke level was the highest measurement recorded. METHODS: Consecutive surgeries that involved bilateral symmetrical surgical exposure of the spine via a posterior midline incision were evaluated. Cauterized smoke was evacuated by two smoke evacuators: a "para incisional evacuator," which used a flat broad suction pad positioned immediately adjacent to the incision (25 patients), and a "surgical smoke evacuation pencil" which is an incorporated part of the electrocautery (26 patients). The level of smoke exposure was measured separately when surgically exposing the two sides of the spine: starting with one side (determined randomly) with the smoke evacuator being turned on and, then, the other side with the smoke evacuator off. The results were compared between the two sides. RESULTS: The para incisional smoke evacuator significantly reduced the average smoke level by an average of 59.7% (287 [interquartile range {IQR}: 126, 526] vs. 1,177 [IQR: 395, 2,702], p<.001). The surgical smoke evacuation pencil also reduced the average smoke level by an average of 44.1% (917 [IQR: 448, 1936] vs. 1,605 [IQR: 775, 4,280], p<.001). Both evacuators significantly reduced peak smoke levels as well. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence supporting the utility of local smoke evacuation in reducing surgical smoke exposure in spine surgery. Such technology may help to improve the occupational health protection for spine operating room workers.

Timing of Lumbar Spinal Fusion Affects Total Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes.

Many patients are affected by concurrent disease of the hip and spine, undergoing both total hip arthroplasty (THA) and lumbar spinal fusion (LSF). Recent literature demonstrates increased prosthetic dislocation rates in patients with THA done after LSF. Evidence is lacking on which surgery to do first to minimize complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of timing between the two procedures on postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We queried the Medicare standard analytics files between 2005 and 2014. Four groups were identified and matched by age and sex: THA with previous LSF, LSF with previous THA, THA with spine pathology without fusion, and THA without spine pathology. Revision THA or LSF and bilateral THA were excluded. Comorbidities and Charlson Comorbidity Index were identified. Postoperative complications at 90 days and 2 years were calculated after the most recent surgery. Four-way chi-squared and standard descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: Thirteen thousand one hundred two patients had THA after LSF, 10,482 patients had LSF after THA, 104,820 had THA with spine pathology, and 492,654 had THA without spine pathology. There was no difference in the Charlson Comorbidity Index score between the THA after LSF and LSF after THA groups. There was a statistically significant difference in THA dislocation rate, with LSF after THA at 1.7%, THA without spine pathology at 2.3%, THA with spine pathology at 3.3%, and THA after LSF at 4.6%. There was a statistically significant difference in THA revision rate, with THA without spine pathology at 3.3%, LSF after THA at 3.7%, THA with spine pathology at 4.2%, and THA after LSF at 5.7%. CONCLUSION: LSF after THA is associated with a reduced dislocation rate compared with THA after LSF. Reasons may include decreasing pelvic mobility in a stable, well-healed THA or early postoperative spine precautions after LSF restricting positions of dislocation.

Short-Term Outcomes of Staged Versus Same-Day Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity Correction.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: Assess differences between staged (≤3 days) and same-day surgery in perioperative factors, radiographic measures, and complications. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgical adult spinal deformity correction may require combined anterior and posterior approaches. To modulate risk, some surgeons perform surgery that is expected to be longer and/or more complex in two stages. Prior studies comparing staged (≥7 days) and same-day surgery demonstrated mixed results and none have examined results with shorter staging intervals. METHODS: Retrospective review of adults undergoing combined anterior/posterior approaches for spinal deformity over a 3-year period at a single institution (n=92). Univariate differences between staged and same-day surgery were assessed with chi-squared, Fisher exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Generalized estimating equations assessed whether differences in perioperative outcomes between groups remained after adjusting for differences in demographic and surgical characteristics. RESULTS: In univariate analyses, staged surgery was associated with a length of stay (LOS) 3 days longer than same-day surgery (9.2 vs. 6.3 days, p < .001), and greater operative time, blood loss, transfusion requirement, and days in intensive care unit (p < .001 for each). Staged surgery had a higher rate of thrombotic events (p = .011) but did not differ in readmission rates or other complications. Radiographically, improvements in Cobb angle (average 13° vs. 17°, p = .028), lumbar lordosis (average 14° vs. 23°, p = .019), and PI-LL mismatch (average 10° vs. 2° p = .018) were greater for staged surgery, likely related to more extensive use of osteotomies in the staged group. After risk adjustment, taking into account the procedural specifics including longer fusion constructs and greater number of osteotomies, LOS no longer differed between staged and same-day surgery; however, the total operative time was 98 minutes longer for staged surgery (p < .001). Differences in blood loss between groups was accounted for by differences in operative time and patient and surgical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Although univariate analysis of our results were in accordance with previously published works, multivariate analysis allowing individual case risk adjustment revealed that LOS was not significantly increased in the staged group as reported in previous studies. There was no difference in infection rates as previously described but an increase in thrombotic events was observed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Abnormally high dislocation rate following constrained condylar knee arthroplasty for valgus knee: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: With the use of constrained condylar knee (CCK) prostheses, dislocation of the knee following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with valgus deformity is rare. In our practice with such patients, however, an abnormally high dislocation rate was noted. It appeared to be associated with the extent of soft-tissue release which varied among surgeons following different sequences of release. We asked in CCK TKA with valgus deformity is releasing both the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and popliteus tendon (PT) associated with the occurrence of dislocation. METHODS: This is a case-control study of consecutive patients with valgus deformity who underwent primary CCK TKA between July 2008 and October 2015. The cases and controls were patients with and without postoperative dislocation of the knee, respectively. The extent of the release of lateral soft-tissue structures was compared between the two groups. Other patient characteristics including age, body mass index, pre- and post-operative valgus deformity, preoperative flexion-contracture, and height of the polyethylene insert were compared as well to reduce confounding. RESULTS: Forty-three consecutive patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up were enrolled. 9.3% (4/43) of the patients had postoperative dislocation of the knee. While the dislocated patients did not significantly differ from the controls on most characteristics, they were more likely to have both the LCL and PT released together during the surgery [100% (4/4) vs. 2.6% (1/39), P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Releasing both LCL and PT in CCK TKA with valgus deformity may increase the risk of dislocation, and need to be performed with some caution.

Reliability of radiological measurements of type 2 odontoid fracture.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: It is recognized that radiological parameters of type 2 dens fractures, including displacement and angulation, are predictive of treatment outcomes and are used to guide surgical decision-making. The reproducibility of such measurements, therefore, is of critical importance. Past literature has shown poor interobserver reliability for both displacement and angulation measurements of type 2 dens fractures. Since such studies however, various advancements of radiological review systems and measurement tools have evolved to potentially improve such measurements. PURPOSE: To re-examine the inter-rater reliability of measuring displacement and angulation of type 2 dens fractures using modern radiological review systems. Besides quantitative measurements, the reliability of raters in identifying diagnostic classifications based on translational and angulational displacement was also examined. STUDY DESIGN: Radiographic measurement reliability and agreement study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Thirty-seven patients seen at a single institution between 2002 and 2017 with primary diagnosis of acute type 2 dens fracture with complete computed tomography (CT) imaging. OUTCOME MEASURES: Radiological measurements included displacement and angulation. Diagnostic classifications based on consensus-based clinical cutoff points were also recorded. METHODS: Measurements were performed by five surgeons with varying years of experience in spine surgery using the hospital's electronic medical record radiological measuring tools. The radiological measurements included displacement and angulation. Diagnostic classifications based on consensus-based clinical cutoff points were also recorded. Each rater received a graphic demonstration of the measurement methods, but had the autonomy to select a best cut from the sagittal CT to measure. All raters were blinded to patient information. RESULTS: Measurements for displacement and angulation among the five raters demonstrated "excellent" reliability. Intra-rater reliability was also "excellent" in measuring displacement and angulation. The reliability of diagnostic classification of displacement (above vs. below 5 mm), was found to be "very good" among the raters. The reliability of diagnostic classification of angulation (above vs. below 11°) demonstrated "good" reliability. CONCLUSIONS: Advancement of radiological review systems, including review tools and embedded image processing software, has facilitated more reliable measurements for type 2 odontoid fractures.

The Association of Financial Distress With Disability in Orthopaedic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Increased out-of-pocket costs have led to patients bearing more of the financial burden for their care. Previous work has shown that financial burden and distress can affect outcomes, symptoms, satisfaction, and adherence to treatment. We asked the following questions: (1) Does patients' financial distress correlate with disability in patients with nonacute orthopaedic conditions? (2) Do patient demographic factors affect this correlation? METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, observational study of new patients presenting to a multispecialty orthopaedic clinic with a nonacute orthopaedic complication. Patients completed a demographics questionnaire, the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index. Statistical analysis was done using Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: The mean score for financial distress was 4.10 (SD, 2.09; scale 1 [low distress] to 10 [high distress]; range, 1.13 to 10.0), and the mean disability score was 0.54 (SD, 0.65; scale 0 to 3; range, 0 to 2.75). A moderate positive correlation exists between financial distress and disability (r = 0.43; P < 0.01). Financial distress and disability were highest for poor, uneducated, Medicare patients. CONCLUSIONS: A moderate correlation exists between financial distress and disability in patients with nonacute orthopaedic conditions, particularly in patients with low socioeconomic status. Orthopaedic surgeons may benefit from identifying patients in financial distress and discussing the cost of treatment because of its association with disability and potentially inferior outcomes. Further investigation is needed to test whether decreasing financial distress decreases disability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III prospective cohort.

Lateral femoral sliding osteotomy in total knee arthroplasty with valgus deformity greater than twenty degrees.

PURPOSE: Lateral femoral sliding osteotomy has been reported as an effective technique for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with significant valgus deformity. This study aims to investigate its utility in TKA with valgus deformity greater than 20°, for which few studies have examined. METHODS: Consecutive TKA patients with valgus deformity treated with the sliding osteotomy at our institution were retrospectively studied. Constraint implants were not used. Radiological and clinical parameters at follow-ups were compared with those pre-operatively. Radiological parameters included the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), the anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA), the anatomical lateral plateau ankle angle (aLPTA), and the angle between the femoral mechanical axis and transepicondylar line (femoral transepicondylar angle, FTEA) which was used to reflect concurrent extra-articular valgus and corresponding local alignment. Clinical outcome measures included the Knee Society Score and Functional Score. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients operated on between July 2011 and February 2017 were enrolled. The average follow-up time was 3.3 (1.5~7.9) years. The pre-operative HKA of 202.7 ± 2.3° (equivalent to valgus of 22.7 ± 2.3°) was reduced to 180.4 ± 2.3° at final follow-ups (P < 0.001). The aLFDA, aLPTA, and FTEA were all significantly improved, with the last one increased from 84.2 ± 1.8° to 89.6 ± 1.6° (t = - 11.35, P < 0.001). All clinical scores were significantly improved without major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral femoral sliding osteotomy can be effective and safe for TKA with severe valgus deformity greater than 20°.

The Relationship Between Lumbar Lateral Listhesis and Radiculopathy in Adult Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review and prospective validation study. OBJECTIVE: To develop a classification system of lumbar lateral listhesis that suggests different likelihoods of having radiculopathy in adult scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The association of lumbar lateral listhesis with radiculopathy remains uncertain. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of patients with adult scoliosis enrolled from 2011 to 2015 was studied to develop a classification system of lateral listhesis that can stratify the likelihood of having radiculopathy. Four radiological aspects of lateral listhesis, including Nash and Moe vertebral rotation, L4-L5 lateral listhesis, the number of consecutive listheses, and the presence of a contralateral lateral listhesis at the thoracolumbar junction above a caudal listhesis, were evaluated on radiographs. Their associations with the presence of radicular leg pain were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. The classification system of lateral listhesis was thus developed using the most influential radiological factors and then validated in a prospective cohort from 2016 to 2017. RESULTS: The retrospective cohort included 189 patients. Vertebral rotation is more than or equal to grade 2 (odds ratio [OR] = 9.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.07-25.14) and L4-5 listhesis (OR = 4.56, 95%CI: 1.85-12.35) were the two most influential listhesis factors associated with radiculopathy. The classification system of lateral listhesis was thus built based on the combinations of their respective presence: Type 0, 1, 2, 3 were defined as not having listhesis at all, none of the two factors present, one of the two presents, and both present, respectively. This classification significantly stratified the probability of radiculopathy, in both the retrospective cohort (0%, 6.4%, 33.8%, and 68.4% in Type 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively; P < 0.001) and a prospective cohort of 105 patients (0%, 16.7%, 46.9%, and 72.7%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Lumbar lateral listhesis is associated with the presence of radiculopathy in adult scoliosis. Types 2 and 3 lateral listhesis on radiographs may alert surgeons treating patients with spinal deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

A Structured Review Instrument Improves the Quality of Orthopaedic Journal Club.

OBJECTIVE: We asked the following questions: 1. Does the use of an structured review instrument (SRI) at journal club increase presentation quality, as measured objectively by a standardized evaluation rubric? 2. Does SRI use increase the time required to prepare for journal club? 3. Does SRI use positively impact presenter perceptions about confidence while presenting, satisfaction, and journal club effectiveness, as measured by postparticipation surveys? DESIGN: A prospective study was designed in which a grading rubric was developed to evaluate journal club presentations. The rubric was applied to 24 presentations at journal clubs prior to introduction of the SRI. An SRI was developed and distributed to journal club participants, who were instructed to use it to prepare for journal club. The grading rubric was then used to assess 25 post-SRI presentations and scores were compared between the pre- and post-SRI groups. Presentations occurred at either trauma, pediatrics, or spine subspecialty journal clubs. Participants were also surveyed regarding time requirements for preparation, perceptions of confidence while presenting, satisfaction, and perceptions of overall club effectiveness. SETTING: A single academic center with an orthopaedic surgery residency program. PARTICIPANTS: Resident physicians in the department of orthopaedic surgery. RESULTS: Mean presentation scores increased from 14.0 ± 5.9 (mean ± standard deviation) to 24.4 ± 5.2 after introduction of the SRI (p < 0.001). Preparation time decreased from a mean of 47 minutes to 40 minutes after SRI introduction (p = 0.22). Perceptions of confidence, satisfaction, and club effectiveness among trainees trended toward more positive responses after SRI introduction (confidence: 63% positive responses pre-SRI vs 72% post-SRI, p = 0.73; satisfaction: 64% vs 91%, p = 0.18; effectiveness: 64% vs 91%, p = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a structured review instrument to guide presentations at orthopaedic journal club increased presentation quality, and there was no difference in preparation time. There were trends toward improved presenter confidence, satisfaction, and perception of journal club effectiveness. SRI utilization at orthopaedic journal club may be an effective method for increasing the quality of journal club presentations. Future work should examine the relationship between presentation quality and overall club effectiveness.