30- and 90-Day Unplanned Readmission Rates, Causes, and Risk Factors After Cervical Fusion: A Single-Institution Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study OBJECTIVE.: To study 30- and 90-day readmission rates, causes, and risk factors after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior cervical fusion (PCF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Existing data on readmission after cervical fusion is majorly derived from national databases. Given their inherent limitations in accuracy, follow-up available, and missing data, we intend to add to literature from our institutional analysis. METHODS: Patients who underwent ACDF and PCF for degenerative cervical pathology in 2013 and 2014 were identified for the study. Comprehensive chart review was performed to record demographics and clinical patient profile. Hospital readmission within 30 and 90 days was identified, and the causes and management were recorded. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to study risk factors for readmission. ACDF and PCF were studied separately. RESULTS: Our analysis included a total of 549 patients, stratified as 389 ACDFs and 160 PCFs. The 30- and 90-day unplanned readmission rate was 5.1% and 7.7% after ACDF. These rates were 11.2% and 16.9% after PCF. The most common cause of readmission was systemic infection and sepsis after ACDF and PCF (31.4% and 25.8% of readmitted, respectively), followed by pulmonary complications after ACDF (14.3% of readmitted) and wound complications after PCF (19.4% of readmitted). Predictors of readmission after ACDF included heart failure, history of malignancy, history of deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, and any intraoperative complication. In the PCF cohort, history of ischemic heart disease, increasing number of fusion levels and longer length of stay were independently predictive. CONCLUSION: The rates, causes, and risk factors of readmission after ACDF and PCF have been identified. There is variation in published data regarding the incidence and risk factors for readmission after cervical fusion; however, majority of readmissions occur due to medical complications and systemic infection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Validation of a Russian Language Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire.

Study Design Retrospective reliability and validity study. Objective To validate a recently translated Russian language version of the Oswestry Disability Index (R-ODI) using standardized methods detailed from previous validations in other languages. Methods We included all subjects who were seen in our spine surgery clinic, over the age of 18, and fluent in the Russian language. R-ODI was translated by six bilingual people and combined into a consensus version. R-ODI and visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires for leg and back pain were distributed to subjects during both their initial and follow-up visits. Test validity, stability, and internal consistency were measured using standardized psychometric methods. Results Ninety-seven subjects participated in the study. No change in the meaning of the questions on R-ODI was noted with translation from English to Russian. There was a significant positive correlation between R-ODI and VAS scores for both the leg and back during both the initial and follow-up visits (p < 0.01 for all). The instrument was shown to have high internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.82) and moderate test-retest stability (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.70). Conclusions The R-ODI is both valid and reliable for use among the Russian-speaking population in the United States.

Outcomes of slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated with in situ pinning.

BACKGROUND: Previous long-term studies have shown good outcomes for most patients after in situ pinning of slipped capital femoral epiphyses (SCFE). However, concern is growing about the effects of leaving the epiphysis in a nonanatomic position. We undertook a retrospective study to carefully document patient-reported outcomes and need for additional surgery after in situ pinning of SCFE. Further, we sought to determine the risk factors for persistent pain and dysfunction after in situ pinning. METHODS: Between 1965 and 2005, 146 patients (176 hips) with SCFE underwent in situ pinning at a tertiary referral center. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed for slip characteristics and need for subsequent surgery. Patient-reported outcome measures were collected by mailed survey. Mean follow-up was 16 years (range, 2 to 43 y). RESULTS: Twenty-one hips (12%) underwent reconstructive surgery for persistent symptoms, including femoral osteotomy (11), surgical hip dislocation (2), and total hip arthroplasty (8). Mild slips, as well as moderate and severe slips, were treated with reconstructive surgery, including total hip arthroplasty. Of the remaining hips, 33% were painful with a mean overall visual analog score of 2.4 (range, 0 to 10). Mean outcome scores were as follows: Harris Hip Score 90 (max. 100); Hip Dysfunction Osteoarthritis Outcome score 411 (max. 500); UCLA Activity Score 8 (max. 10); and Marx Activity Score 5 (max. 16). CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive surgery was performed in 12% of hips. Patients with mild, moderate, and severe slips underwent arthroplasty for degenerative changes. Persistent mild pain was common in one third of patients treated with in situ pinning. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study, case series.

Incidence of slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a population-based study.

The incidence of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) remains controversial. A population-based database was used to identify all residents of a Midwestern American county treated for a new diagnosis of SCFE. Between 1965 and 2005, 49 patients (aged 9-16 years) underwent treatment of SCFE. This represents an annual incidence of 8.3 unilateral cases and 0.5 bilateral cases per 100,000 children. In patients with unilateral disease, mild slips developed in nine contralateral hips (19%) at a mean of 166 days (range: 6-432 days). As all contralateral slips were mild, we recommend careful follow-up rather than prophylactic pinning of the contralateral hip.