Intravenous Ketorolac Substantially Reduces Opioid Use and Length of Stay After Lumbar Fusion: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of intravenous ketorolac (IV-K) on hospital opioid use compared with IV-placebo (IV-P) and IV acetaminophen (IV-A). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Controlling postoperative pain while minimizing opioid use after lumbar spinal fusion is an important area of study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients aged 18 to 75 years undergoing 1 to 2 level lumbar fusions between April 2016 and December 2019 were included. Patients with chronic opioid use, smokers, and those on systemic glucocorticoids or contraindications to study medications were excluded. A block randomization scheme was used, and study personnel, hospital staff, and subjects were blinded to the assignment. Patients were randomized postoperatively. The IV-K group received 15 mg (age > 65) or 30 mg (age < 65) every six hours (q6h) for 48 hours, IV-A received 1000 mg q6h, and IV-P received normal saline q6h for 48 hours. Demographic and surgical details, opioid use in morphine milliequivalents, opioid-related adverse events, and length of stay (LOS) were recorded. The primary outcome was in-hospital opioid use up to 72 hours. RESULTS: A total of 171 patients were included (58 IV-K, 55 IV-A, and 58 IV-P) in the intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis, with a mean age of 57.1 years. The IV-K group had lower opioid use at 72 hours (173 ± 157 mg) versus IV-A (255 ± 179 mg) and IV-P (299 ± 179 mg; P = 0.000). In terms of opiate use, IV-K was superior to IV-A ( P = 0.025) and IV-P ( P = 0.000) on ITT analysis, although on per-protocol analysis, the difference with IV-A did not reach significance ( P = 0.063). When compared with IV-P, IV-K patients reported significantly lower worst ( P = 0.004), best ( P = 0.001), average ( P = 0.001), and current pain ( P = 0.002) on postoperative day 1, and significantly shorter LOS ( P = 0.009) on ITT analysis. There were no differences in opioid-related adverse events, drain output, clinical outcomes, transfusion rates, or fusion rates. CONCLUSIONS: By reducing opioid use, improving pain control on postoperative day 1, and decreasing LOS without increases in complications or pseudarthrosis, IV-K may be an important component of "enhanced recovery after surgery" protocols.

Predictors of Subsidence and its Clinical Impact After Expandable Cage Insertion in Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Interbody Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected multisurgeon data. OBJECTIVE: Examine the rate, clinical impact, and predictors of subsidence after expandable minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) cage. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Expandable cage technology has been adopted in MI-TLIF to reduce the risks and optimize outcomes. Although subsidence is of particular concern when using expandable technology as the force required to expand the cage can weaken the endplates, its rates, predictors, and outcomes lack evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent 1 or 2-level MI-TLIF using expandable cages for degenerative lumbar conditions and had a follow-up of >1 year were included. Preoperative and immediate, early, and late postoperative radiographs were reviewed. Subsidence was determined if the average anterior/posterior disc height decreased by >25% compared with the immediate postoperative value. Patient-reported outcomes were collected and analyzed for differences at the early (<6 mo) and late (>6 mo) time points. Fusion was assessed by 1-year postoperative computed tomography. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight patients were included (mean age, 61 yr, 86% 1-level, 14% 2-level). Twenty-two (14.9%) demonstrated subsidence. Although statistically not significant, patients with subsidence were older, had lower bone mineral density, and had higher body mass index and comorbidity burden. Operative time was significantly higher ( P = 0.02) and implant width was lower ( P < 0.01) for subsided patients. Visual analog scale-leg was significantly lower for subsided patients compared with nonsubsided patients at a >6 months time point. Long-term (>6 mo) patient-acceptable symptom state achievement rate was lower for subsided patients (53% vs . 77%), although statistically not significant ( P = 0.065). No differences existed in complication, reoperation, or fusion rates. CONCLUSIONS: Of the patients, 14.9% experienced subsidence predicted by narrower implants. Although subsidence did not have a significant impact on most patient-reported outcome measures and complication, reoperation, or fusion rates, patients had lower visual analog scale-leg and patient-acceptable symptom state achievement rates at the >6-month time point. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression Versus Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Treatment of Low-Grade Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort comparison study. OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative outcomes, radiographic parameters, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between minimally invasive unilateral laminotomy with bilateral decompression (MIS-ULBD) versus MIS transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for treatment of low-grade lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: While lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis is a common condition, optimal surgical treatment remains controversial. Newer MIS techniques, which preserve bone, paraspinal musculature, and posterior midline stabilizers, are thought to reduce the risk of iatrogenic instability and may obviate the need for fusion. However, few comparative studies of MIS techniques for low-grade lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis currently exist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with low-grade (Meyerding grade I or II) lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis treated with single-level MIS-ULBD or MIS-TLIF were identified retrospectively from a prospectively collected spine surgery registry from April 2017 to November 2021. Perioperative outcomes, radiographic data, and PROMs were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 188 patients underwent either MIS-ULBD or MIS-TLIF (79 MIS-ULBD and 109 MIS-TLIF). Patients who underwent MIS-ULBD tended to be older, had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, lower mean percentage back pain, higher percentage of L4/L5 pathology, shorter operative time, lower estimated blood loss, and lower postoperative pain ( P <0.05). In both groups, there were statistically significant improvements at one year for five of the six PROMs studied: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS)-back pain, VAS-leg pain, Short Form 12 Physical Component Score (SF12-PCS), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) ( P <0.05). On multivariate analysis controlling for confounders, there were no associations between procedure type and achieving minimal clinically important difference at one year in any of the PROMs studied. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests that both MIS-ULBD and MIS-TLIF result in significant improvements in pain and physical function for patients with low-grade lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCES: 3.

Classification system for cervical spine deformity morphology: a validation study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to initially validate a recent morphological classification of cervical spine deformity pathology. METHODS: The records of 10 patients for each of the 3 classification subgroups (flat neck, focal deformity, and cervicothoracic), as well as for 8 patients with coronal deformity only, were extracted from a prospective multicenter database of patients with cervical deformity (CD). A panel of 15 physicians of various training and professional levels (i.e., residents, fellows, and surgeons) categorized each patient into one of the 4 groups. The Fleiss kappa coefficient was utilized to evaluate intra- and interrater reliability. Accuracy, defined as properly selecting the main driver of deformity, was reported overall, by morphotype, and by reviewer experience. RESULTS: The overall classification demonstrated a moderate to substantial agreement (round 1: interrater Fleiss kappa = 0.563, 95% CI 0.559-0.568; round 2: interrater Fleiss kappa = 0.612, 95% CI 0.606-0.619). Stratification by level of training demonstrated similar mean interrater coefficients (residents 0.547, fellows 0.600, surgeons 0.524). The mean intrarater score was 0.686 (range 0.531-0.823). A substantial agreement between rounds 1 and 2 was demonstrated in 81.8% of the raters, with a kappa score > 0.61. Stratification by level of training demonstrated similar mean intrarater coefficients (residents 0.715, fellows 0.640, surgeons 0.682). Of 570 possible questions, reviewers provided 419 correct answers (73.5%). When considering the true answer as being selected by at least one of the two main drivers of deformity, the overall accuracy increased to 86.0%. CONCLUSIONS: This initial validation of a CD morphological classification system reiterates the importance of dynamic plain radiographs for the evaluation of patients with CD. The overall reliability of this CD morphological classification has been demonstrated. The overall accuracy of the classification system was not impacted by rater experience, demonstrating its simplicity.

Outcomes of cervical disc replacement in patients with neck pain greater than arm pain.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Although anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is believed to positively impact a patient's radicular symptoms as well as axial neck pain, the outcomes of cervical disc replacement (CDR) with regards to neck pain specifically have not been established. PURPOSE: Primary: to assess clinical improvement following CDR in patients with neck pain greater than arm pain. Secondary: to compare the clinical outcomes between patients undergoing CDR for predominant neck pain (pNP), predominant arm pain (pAP), and equal neck and arm pain (ENAP). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients who had undergone one- or two-level CDR for the treatment of degenerative cervical pathology and had a minimum of 6-month follow-up were included and stratified into three cohorts based on their predominant location of pain: pNP, pAP, and ENAP. OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient-reported outcomes: Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) neck and arm, Short Form 12-Item Physical Health Score (SF12-PHS), Short Form 12-Item Mental Health Score (SF12-MHS), minimal clinically important difference (MCID). METHODS: Changes in Patient-reported outcomes from preoperative values to early (<6 months) and late (≥6 months) postoperative timepoints were analyzed within each of the three groups. The percentage of patients achieving MCID was also evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-five patients (52 pNP, 30 pAP, 43 ENAP) were included. The pNP cohort demonstrated significant improvements in early and late NDI and VAS-Neck, early SF-12 MCS, and late SF-12 PCS. The pAP and ENAP cohorts demonstrated significant improvements in all PROMs, including NDI, VAS-Neck, VAS-Arm, SF-12 PCS, and SF-12 MCS, at both the early and late timepoints. No statistically significant differences were found in the MCID achievement rates for NDI, VAS-Neck, SF-12 PCS, and SF-12 MCS at the late timepoint amongst the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: CDR leads to comparable improvement in neck pain and disability in patients presenting with neck pain greater than arm pain and meeting specific clinical and radiographic criteria.

Postoperative Evolution of Sagittal Parameters Over Time Does Not Differ by Upper Instrumented Vertebra.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine sagittal alignment over time in adult spinal deformity (ASD) and to understand whether these changes vary by choice of upper instrumented vertebra (UIV). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Recent ASD literature has focused on specific alignment goals. Less is known about how sagittal parameters evolve over time after surgical correction and whether these changes differ by choice of UIV. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of ASD patients from a single institution. Routine 36″ sagittal x-rays were obtained preoperatively, before hospital discharge, and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years and sagittal parameters were measured. Patients with UIV T6 and above were classified as upper thoracic (UT) and T7 and below as lower thoracic (LT). RESULTS: A total of 102 patients with mean age 66.0 years (±7.7) were included in the analysis (49 UT, 53 LT). All sagittal and coronal alignment parameters demonstrated significant improvement from preoperatively to any postoperative time point. Although multiple parameters maintained correction over time, others (TK, TPA, and PT) demonstrated significant increase from discharge to 2 years postoperatively, with changes occurring relatively early after surgery, whereas overall global alignment was maintained. Both UT/LT groups demonstrated significantly greater TK from preoperatively to discharge to 6 months (P  < 0.05), stabilizing at that time point out to 2 years, whereas TLK preferentially increased in the LT group. There was significant improvement in sagittal vertical axis after surgery, which was maintained out to 2years of follow-up (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that although several key parameters are maintained over time out to 2years postopera- tively, TK tends to worsen over time for all patients, whereas TLK preferentially increases in the LT group. Nevertheless, despite these trends, compensatory changes are seen in PT such that global alignment is relatively maintained.Level of Evidence: 3.

The Impact of Corticosteroid Injection Timing on Infection Rates Following Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Systematic review/meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess how the risk of infection following lumbar spine surgery varies as a function of the timing of preoperative corticosteroid spinal injections (CSIs). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched and data was pooled for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Six studies were identified for inclusion. Two (33.3%) demonstrated a significant relationship between the timing of preoperative CSIs and the risk of postoperative infection, while 4 (66.7%) demonstrated no impact. A total of 2.5% (110/4,448) of patients who underwent CSI <1 month before surgery experienced a postoperative infection, as compared to 1.2% (1,466/120, 943) of controls, which was statistically significant (RR = 1.986 95% CI 1.202-3.282 P = 0.007). A total of 1.6% (25/1,600) of patients who underwent CSI 0-3 months before surgery experienced a postoperative infection, as compared to 1.6% (201/12, 845) of controls (RR = 0.887 95% CI 0.586-1.341, P = 0.569). A total of 1.1% (199/17 870) of patients who underwent CSI 3-6 months before surgery experienced a postoperative infection, as compared to 1.3% (1,382/102, 572) of controls (RR = 1.053 95% CI 0.704-1.575, P = 0.802). Differences in infection risk for 0-3 months and 3-6 months were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: CSIs <1 month prior to lumbar spine surgery are a significant risk factor for infection, while CSIs beyond that point showed no such association. Surgeons should consider avoiding CSIs <1 month of the use of CSIs of the spine.

Does loss of spondylolisthesis reduction impact clinical and radiographic outcomes after minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion?

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) is a common operative approach to address degenerative lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis which has failed nonoperative care. Compared to open TLIF, MI-TLIF relies to a greater extent on indirect decompression resulting in a heightened awareness of spondylolisthesis reduction among MI surgeons. To what extent intraoperative reduction is achieved as well as the rate and clinical impact of loss or reduction and slip recurrence remain unknown. PURPOSE: To determine the rate and clinical impact of slip recurrence after MI-TLIF with expandable cage technology STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective Cohort Study PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients undergoing MI-TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis using an articulating, expandable cage OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) for back/leg pain, Short Form-12 (SF-12), and PROMIS Physical Function (PF) METHODS: Patients undergoing MI-TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis using articulating, expandable cages from 2017 to 2019 were retrospectively studied. Lateral radiographs were reviewed and evaluated for the presence or absence of spondylolisthesis preoperatively, intraoperatively, and at follow-up times including 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Spondylolisthesis was measured from the posterior inferior corner of the cephalad vertebra to the posterior superior corner of the caudal vertebra, with any measurement >1 mm classified as spondylolisthesis, and Meyerding grade was noted. Intraoperative reduction was measured, and loss of reduction was defined as >1 mm increase in spondylolisthesis comparing follow-up imaging to intraoperative films. PROMs were recorded at the preoperative and follow-up time points. Fusion was assessed at 1 year postoperatively via CT. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients and 70 levels were included, with mean age 59.8 years (SD,13.8). 19 levels (27.1%) had complete reduction intraoperatively, 40 (57.1%) had partial reduction, and 11 (15.7%) had no reduction. Of the 30 levels with loss of reduction (50.8%), 20 (66.7%) occurred by 2 weeks postoperatively and 28 (93.3%) occurred by 12 weeks postoperatively. At 6 months, there were significant differences between those who had loss of reduction and those who did not in VAS back pain (3.0 vs. 0.9, p = .017) and SF-12 PCS (41.5 vs. 50.0, p = .035), but no differences were found between the groups for any instruments at any other time points. The overall fusion rate was 82.1% (32/39) at 1 year postoperatively. There was no significant difference in fusion rate between the loss of reduction (16/20) and no loss of reduction (20/23) groups. Patients with loss of reduction had no difference in reoperation rate (1/28) compared to those without loss of reduction (2/24). CONCLUSIONS: While a majority of patients demonstrated reduction intraoperatively, 51% had loss of reduction, most commonly in the acute postoperative period. There were few differences in PROMs between patients who had loss of reduction and those who did not, suggesting that radiographic loss of reduction after MI-TLIF in the setting of degenerative spondylolisthesis may not be clinically meaningful.

Preoperative ASES Scores Can Predict Substantial Clinical Benefit at 2 Years Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Preoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been shown to influence outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), although little is known about this relationship. An institutional shoulder arthroplasty registry was retrospectively queried for preoperative and 2-year postoperative 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores for patients who underwent anatomic TSA (aTSA) or reverse TSA (rTSA). Preoperative PROMs were evaluated for their effect on patient achievement of minimal clinically important improvement (MCII) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB). In total, 451 aTSA patients and 93 rTSA patients had preoperative and 2-year follow-up scores. A total of 91.7% and 70.4% of patients achieved MCII and SCB at 2 years, respectively (P<.001). Preoperative ASES scores were more predictive of achieving SCB than MCII (area under the curve [AUC], 0.83 vs 0.71). When accounting for mental and emotional health, the predictive ability of SF-12 physical component threshold values improved (AUC, 0.68). Preoperative threshold PROMs were found to accurately predict achievement of clinically significant outcomes at 2 years. Considering mental and emotional health improved the accuracy of these predictions. These data will assist surgeons and patients alike in setting expectations for outcomes after TSA. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(4):e509-e514.].

The Feasibility of Outpatient Shoulder Arthroplasty: Risk Stratification and Predictive Probability Modeling.

Whether shoulder arthroplasty can be performed on an outpatient basis depends on appropriate patient selection. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for adverse events (AEs) following shoulder arthroplasty and to generate predictive models to improve patient selection. This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data using a single institution shoulder arthroplasty registry as well as the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database, including subjects undergoing hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and reverse TSA. Predicted probability of suitability for same-day discharge was calculated from multivariable logistic models for different patient subgroups based on age, comorbidities, and Charlson/Deyo Index scores. A total of 2314 shoulders (2079 subjects) in the institutional registry met inclusion criteria for this study. Younger age, higher body mass index (BMI), male sex, and prior steroid injection were all significantly associated with suitability for discharge, whereas preoperative narcotic use, comorbidities (heart disease and anemia/other blood disease), and Charlson/Deyo Index score of 2 were associated with AEs that might prevent same-day discharge. Compared with TSA, reverse TSA was associated with less suitability for discharge (P=.01). On querying the ACS-NSQIP database, 15,254 patients were identified. Female sex, BMI less than 35 kg/m2, American Society of Anesthesiologists class III/IV, preoperative anemia, functional dependence, low pre-operative albumin, and hemiarthroplasty were associated with unsuitability for discharge. Males 55 to 59 years old with no comorbidities nor history of narcotic use formed the lowest risk subgroup. Transfusion is the primary driver of AEs. Strategies to avoid this complication should be explored. Risk stratification will improve the ability to identify patients who can safely undergo outpatient shoulder arthroplasty. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(2):e215-e222.].

Morphometric analysis of cervical interlaminar space for posterior surgical approach and decompression.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to provide a morphometric description of the bony margins of the interlaminar spaces by level in the cervical spine for guidance of safe posterior cervical surgical dissection and decompression. We also aim to describe the impact of increasing static cervical lordosis on the overlap between the lamina. METHODS: Morphometric measurements of the interlaminar space were performed on 100 consecutive cervical spine CT scans of patients ranging in age from 18 to 50 years were selected. Three raters performed measurements of the interlaminar height measured using two techniques (true interlaminar height and surgical interlaminar height), and interlaminar width from C2-C3 to C7-T1. RESULTS: In total, 100 patients were included. The true interlaminar height was greatest at C2-3, C3-4, C4-5 (5.2 ± 1.4-1.8 mm) and smallest at C6-7 (4.4 ± 1.3 mm). Surgical interlaminar height was greatest at C3-4 (4.2 ± 1.7) and smallest at C6-7 (3.0 ± 1.3 mm). The widest interlaminar space was observed at C3-4 (27.1 ± 2.1 mm) and most narrow at C7-T1 (20.9 ± 2.4 mm). Following multivariate regression, male gender was associated with greater interlaminar widths at each cervical level between C4 and T1 (Table 2). While greater patient height was associated with larger interlaminar height (true and surgical) and width at C2-3 and C4-5, weight was not independently associated with the interlaminar measurements. Increasing C2-C7 lordosis was significantly associated with decreasing true and surgical interlaminar heights at all levels except C7-T1, but was not associated with differences between interlaminar width. CONCLUSION: The study provides a morphometric analysis of interlaminar anatomy in the cervical spine. Surgeons can apply this information in their pre-operative plan to safely approach the posterior cervical spine.

Does interbody cage lordosis impact actual segmental lordosis achieved in minimally invasive lumbar spine fusion?

OBJECTIVE: In an effort to prevent loss of segmental lordosis (SL) with minimally invasive interbody fusions, manufacturers have increased the amount of lordosis that is built into interbody cages. However, the relationship between cage lordotic angle and actual SL achieved intraoperatively remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine if the lordotic angle manufactured into an interbody cage impacts the change in SL during minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) done for degenerative pathology. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective review of a single-surgeon database of adult patients who underwent primary LIF between April 2017 and December 2018. Procedures were performed for 1-2-level lumbar degenerative disease using contemporary MIS techniques, including transforaminal LIF (TLIF), lateral LIF (LLIF), and anterior LIF (ALIF). Surgical levels were classified on lateral radiographs based on the cage lordotic angle (6°-8°, 10°-12°, and 15°-20°) and the position of the cage in the disc space (anterior vs posterior). Change in SL was the primary outcome of interest. Subgroup analyses of the cage lordotic angle within each surgical approach were also conducted. RESULTS: A total of 116 surgical levels in 98 patients were included. Surgical approaches included TLIF (56.1%), LLIF (32.7%), and ALIF (11.2%). There were no differences in SL gained by cage lordotic angle (2.7° SL gain with 6°-8° cages, 1.6° with 10°-12° cages, and 3.4° with 15°-20° cages, p = 0.581). Subgroup analysis of LLIF showed increased SL with 15° cages only (p = 0.002). The change in SL was highest after ALIF (average increase 9.8° in SL vs 1.8° in TLIF vs 1.8° in LLIF, p < 0.001). Anterior position of the cage in the disc space was also associated with a significantly greater gain in SL (4.2° vs -0.3°, p = 0.001), and was the only factor independently correlated with SL gain (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with cage lordotic angle, cage position and approach play larger roles in the generation of SL in 1-2-level MIS for lumbar degenerative disease.

Outcomes of Revision Surgery for Pseudarthrosis After Anterior Cervical Fusion: Case Series and Systematic Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series/systematic review. OBJECTIVES: To report on patients undergoing posterior cervical fusion for symptomatic pseudarthrosis following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), and to assess outcomes reporting in the literature. METHODS: Patients undergoing posterior instrumented fusion for pseudarthrosis after primary ACDF from 2013 to 2018 by a single surgeon were reviewed consecutively. Neck Disability Index (NDI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) arm/neck were recorded at preoperative, 6-month, and 1-year time points. A systematic review of the literature was performed, and outcomes reporting was recorded. RESULTS: NDI scores were 54.4 (SD 19.1), 36.6 (SD 18.1), and 41.2 (SD 19.2) at preoperative, 6-month, and 1-year time points, respectively, with improvement from preoperatively to 6 months (P = .004). VAS neck scores were 8.1 (SD 1.3), 5.0 (SD 2.9), and 5.8 (SD 2.2) at preoperative, 6-month, and 1-year time points, respectively, with improvement from preoperatively to 6 months (P = .038). VAS arm scores were 5.1 (SD 4.1), 3.5 (SD 3.2), and 3.6 (SD 2.7) at preoperative, 6-month, and 1-year time points, respectively, with improvement although these did not reach statistical significance (P = .145). The most common subjective outcomes reported in the literature were general symptoms assessments (43%), ordinal scales (43%), and VAS neck (19%) scales, with the majority of studies (67%) documenting one measure. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported outcomes demonstrate clinically meaningful improvement within the first 6 months after posterior fusion for pseudarthrosis. Studies demonstrate substantial variability and no standardization in outcomes reporting, limiting the ability to compare results across interventions and pathologies. Standardized reporting will enable comparisons to inform patients and physicians on the optimal approach to treat this difficult problem.

Fusion rate for stand-alone lateral lumbar interbody fusion: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is used to treat multiple conditions, including spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disorders, adjacent segment disease, and degenerative scoliosis. Although many advocate for posterior fixation with LLIF, stand-alone LLIF is increasingly being performed. Yet the fusion rate for stand-alone LLIF is unknown. PURPOSE: Determine the fusion rate for stand-alone LLIF. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: We queried Cochrane, EMBASE, and MEDLINE for literature on stand-alone LLIF fusion rate with a publication cutoff of April 2020. LLIF surgery was considered stand-alone when not paired with supplemental posterior fixation. Cohort fusion rate differences were calculated and tested for significance (p<0.05). All reported means were pooled. RESULTS: A total of 2,735 publications were assessed. Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria, including 736 patients and 1,103 vertebral levels. Mean age was 61.7 years with BMI 26.5 kg/m2. Mean fusion rate was 85.6% (range, 53.0%-100.0%), which did not differ significantly by number of levels fused (1-level, 2-level, and ≥3-level). Use of rhBMP-2 was reported in 39.3% of subjects, with no difference in fusion rates between studies using rhBMP-2 (87.7%) and those in which rhBMP-2 was not used (83.9%, odds ratio=1.37, p=0.448). Fusion rate did not differ with the addition of a lateral plate, or by underlying diagnosis. All-complication rate was 42.2% and mean reoperation rate was 11.1%, with 2.3% reoperation due to pseudarthrosis. Of the studies comparing stand-alone to circumferential fusion, pooled fusion rate was found to be 80.4% versus 91.0% (p=0.637). CONCLUSIONS: Stand-alone LLIF yields high fusion rates overall. The wide range of reported fusion rates and lower fusion rates in studies involving subsequent surgical reoperation highlights the importance of proper training in this technique and employing a rigorous algorithm when indicating patients for stand-alone LLIF. Future research should focus on examining risk factors and patient-reported outcomes in stand-alone LLIF.

Body Mass Index Classification Is Independently Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Institutional Registry-Based Study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) before and after successful total knee arthroplasty (TKA) across World Health Organization (WHO) body mass index (BMI) classifications. Through an institutional registry, patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis who received elective primary unilateral TKA were identified and categorized based on WHO BMI classification. Age, gender, laterality, year of surgery, and Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index were recorded. The primary outcome was the EQ-5D-3L index and visual analog scale (VAS) at 2 years postoperatively. Inferential statistics and regression analyses were performed to determine associations between BMI classification and HRQoL. EQ-5D-3L index and VAS scores were significantly different across BMI classes, with higher scores in patients with lower BMI at baseline and at 2 years. There was no difference observed for the 2-year change in EQ-VAS scores between groups, but there was a statistically greater increase in index scores for more obese patients. In the regression analyses, there were statistically significant negative effect estimates for EQ-VAS and index scores associated with increasing BMI class, particularly for class III obesity. Higher BMI classification is independently associated with lower HRQoL scores 2 years after uncomplicated primary TKA, although obese patients experienced greater benefits in EQ-5D index scores following TKA. These results detail the relationship between BMI and HRQoL following TKA and suggest that preoperative weight loss may lead to improved outcomes following TKA, but also that obesity, alone, should not be a contraindication to TKA.

Tranexamic Acid Reduces Postoperative Blood Loss in Distal Femoral Osteotomy.

Blood loss remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality in orthopaedic surgery, with transfusions associated with an increased risk of infection, length of stay, delayed rehabilitation, and significantly increased hospitalization costs. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) is effective in reducing postoperative blood loss in patients undergoing distal femoral osteotomy (DFO). A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing DFO by a single surgeon from 2010 to 2017, with a change in protocol occurring in 2014, after which all patients received TXA. Patients in the TXA group (n = 24) received 1-g TXA immediately prior to incision followed by a second dose of 1-g TXA 4 hours after the administration of the first dose. Patients in the control group (n = 28) did not receive TXA. Drainage was recorded through a subfascial drain that remained for 24 hours postoperatively. Postoperative hemoglobin, hematocrit, and transfusions, as well as demographic factors, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), medical comorbidities, and ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class, were recorded. Multivariate regression analysis adjusting for potential confounding variables was performed. With the exception of gender, the two groups did not differ significantly in baseline characteristics, including age, BMI, and ASA class. There was a significant difference in postoperative blood loss, with those receiving TXA having a mean drain output of 184.2 versus 242.1 mL for the control group (p = 0.02), which persisted after regression analysis (p < 0.005). Blood loss differed between patients who received one (250 mL) dose and those who received two (162.2 mL) doses of TXA, although this difference was insignificant (p = 0.489). There were no differences in postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. One patient (control group) required blood transfusion postoperatively. There were no complications related to TXA. In conclusion, TXA results in less postoperative blood loss in DFO, with the most pronounced effect in those who receive two doses. Future research should involve a larger, prospective study to assess for differences in postoperative hemoglobin/hematocrit levels and transfusion rates.

Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Substantial Clinical Benefit Using PROMIS CAT in Cervical Spine Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to establish minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) thresholds for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) in cervical spine pathology. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: PROMIS enables improved psychometric properties with reduced questionnaire burden through computer adaptive testing. Despite studies showing good correlation with "legacy" outcome measures, literature on the clinical significance of changes in PROMIS scores is scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients undergoing cervical spine surgery at a single institution between 2016 and 2018 were prospectively enrolled. Patients completed questionnaires [Short Form-36 (SF-36), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analogue Scale Arm/Neck, and PROMIS Pain Interference (PI) and Physical Function (PF)] preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. MCID was calculated using distribution-based and SCB using anchor-based methods. The SF-36 Health Transition Item was utilized as an anchor with the cutoff values chosen using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: There were 139 patients meeting inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 56.4 years and diagnoses of myelopathy (n=36), radiculopathy (n=48) and myeloradiculopathy (n=49). There were significant improvements in PROMIS PF, PROMIS PI, NDI, and SF-36 preoperatively to postoperatively (P<0.001). The test-retest reliability of all tests was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients=0.87-0.94). PROMIS, SF-36, and NDI were all correlated with the anchor question (|r|=0.34-0.48, P<0.001). MCIDs were 8.5 (NDI), 11.1 (SF-36 Physical Component Score), 9.7 (SF-36 Mental Component Score), 4.9 (PROMIS PI), and 4.5 (PROMIS PF). SCB was 13.0 (NDI), 24.0 (SF-36 Physical Component Score), 11.8 (SF-36 Mental Component Score), 6.9 (PROMIS PI), and 6.8 (PROMIS PF). MCIDs were greater than standard error of measurement for all measures. CONCLUSIONS: We report MCID of 4.9 (PI) and 4.5 (PF) and SCB of 6.9 (PI) and 6.8 (PF). These data support the use of PROMIS computer adaptive tests in cervical spine patients and provide important reference as PROMIS reporting becomes more widespread in the literature.

Quality and Variability of Online Available Physical Therapy Protocols From Academic Orthopaedic Surgery Programs for Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Unlike the literature on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, studies on medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction lack evidence-based guidelines regarding postoperative rehabilitation. An effective postoperative protocol may contribute greatly to a successful outcome following MPFL reconstruction, yet the quality and variability of these published protocols remain unknown. PURPOSE: To assess the quality and variability of MPFL rehabilitation protocols publicly available on the internet and associated with US academic orthopaedic programs. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: All available isolated MPFL reconstruction rehabilitation protocols from US academic orthopaedic programs participating in the Electronic Residency Application Service were collected and included in this review. These protocols were evaluated for inclusion of various rehabilitation components, the timing of suggested initiation of these activities, and whether the protocol used evaluation-based guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 27 protocols were included. Of these, 25 (93%) recommended immediate postoperative bracing. Time to initiation of full weightbearing ranged from 2 to 8 weeks. The most common strengthening exercises endorsed were quadriceps sets (89%), straight-legged raise (85%), and leg press (81%). The most common proprioception exercises endorsed were balance board (41%), single-legged balance (41%), and TheraBand control (33%). The median time suggested to return to play was 17 weeks. No functional test appeared in the majority of the protocols. Of the 27 protocols, 20 (74%) used evaluation-based guidelines. CONCLUSION: There is substantial variability in content and timing across rehabilitation protocols following MPFL reconstruction. This lack of clear guidelines can cause confusion among patients, therapists, and surgeons, leading to suboptimal patient outcomes and making it difficult to compare outcomes across the literature.

Which NDI domains best predict change in physical function in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery?

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Physical function is a critical aspect of patient outcomes. NDI is a widely validated outcome measure in cervical spine disease, yet to what extent its individual domains predict changes in physical function remains unknown. PURPOSE: To examine the impact of individual NDI domains on changes in physical function in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Prospective Cohort Study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Adult patients undergoing cervical spine surgery, excluding those undergoing surgery for instability due to trauma. OUTCOME MEASURES: Absolute change in outcome measures (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] Physical Function [PF], Short Form 36 [SF-36] Physical Component Score [PCS], and Neck Disability Index [NDI]) from pre- to postoperatively, correlation of NDI individual domains with PROMIS PF and SF-36 PCS (preoperatively, postoperatively, and change from pre- to postoperatively). METHODS: Patients undergoing cervical spine surgery between 2016 and 2018 were prospectively enrolled. Patients completed questionnaires (NDI, SF-36 PCS, and PROMIS PF) preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Patient demographics, including age, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and underlying diagnoses were collected. Comparisons between NDI scores preoperatively versus postoperatively were conducted using Wilcoxon signed rank sum test. Correlations of NDI individual items and PROMIS/SF-36 were assessed using Pearson correlation. A stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to identify NDI items that are independently predictive of PROMIS PF and SF-36 PCS. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients were included in the study, with mean age 56.9 years (range 24.4-84.9). Each of the NDI domains as well as PROMIS PF and SF-36 PCS demonstrated significant improvement following cervical spine surgery (p<.001). Changes in all NDI domains demonstrated significant negative correlation with changes in PROMIS PF, with recreation (R=-0.537, p<.001), work (R=-0.514, p<.001), and pain intensity (R=-0.488, p<.001) having the greatest negative correlation. Changes in all NDI domains demonstrated significant negative correlation with changes in SF-36 PCS, with recreation (R=-0.451, p<.001), work (R=-0.443, p<.001), lifting (R=-0.373, p<.001), and driving (R=-0.373, p<.001) having the greatest negative correlation. For PROMIS PF, the NDI domains that were independently associated with changes in PF were work (R=-0.092, p=.001), pain intensity (R=-0.089, p=.003), and recreation (R=-0.067, p=.004). For SF-36 PCS, the NDI items that were independently associated with changes in PCS were work (R=-0.269, p=.003) and recreation (R=-0.215, p=.002). CONCLUSIONS: All NDI domains improve significantly after cervical spine surgery and demonstrate significant correlation with changes in PROMIS PF and SF-36 PCS. The work, recreation, and pain intensity domains were the only independent predictors of physical function changes postoperatively. Considering physical function, our findings highlight the importance of presenting changes in individual NDI domains in addition to the total score.

Return to work after shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: With the rising incidence of shoulder arthroplasty, there is increasing emphasis on improving functional outcomes and ability to return to work (RTW). The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of RTW after shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A literature search of 4 electronic databases was performed from database conception through April 2018 to identify studies reporting data on RTW after shoulder arthroplasty. The primary outcome was the rate of RTW after shoulder arthroplasty. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the rate of RTW across studies. RESULTS: Seven studies were reviewed, including 447 patients at an average follow-up of 4.4 years (range, 1.0-12.6 years). The overall rate of RTW was 63.6% (95% confidence interval, 58.8%-68.2%) at a mean 2.3 months postoperatively (range, 0.3-24.0 months). RTW was significantly lower for patients with heavy-intensity occupations vs. all intensity types (61.7% vs. 67.6%; P = .04). RTW did not differ between anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (63.4%) and hemiarthroplasty (66.1%) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (61.5%; P = .53). There were no significant differences in RTW among underlying diagnoses (osteoarthritis, 64.4%; cuff tear arthropathy, 65.6%; proximal humerus fracture, 69.1%; P = .41) or by workers' compensation status (61.2% vs. 65.3%; P = .41). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of patients return to work after shoulder arthroplasty at an average of 2.3 months postoperatively. Those with heavy-intensity occupation return at significantly lower rates, whereas no differences in RTW by arthroplasty type, underlying diagnosis, or workers' compensation were found.