Trans-sacral interbody fixation in long fusions to the sacrum for adult spinal deformity: complications and fusion rates at minimum two years follow-up.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the fusion rate and complications associated with trans-sacral interbody fusion (TSIF) in long fusions to the sacrum for adult spinal deformity (ASD) over a two year follow-up period. Potential predictor variables associated with pseudarthrosis were also examined. METHODS: A retrospective clinical review was conducted on a consecutive series of ASD patients who underwent long fusions to the sacrum, with TSIF performed as a same-day or staged procedure. Patient demographics, bone mineral density, operative details, perioperative and late complications, and fusion rates were reviewed. Univariate analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with pseudarthrosis. RESULTS: The study included 43 patients with an average age of 55.3 ± 8.9 years. The perioperative complication rate was 28%, with 12% of the complications directly related to TSIF. The late complication rate was 33%, with 16% related to TSIF. The most common complications were pseudarthrosis (14%) and postoperative ileus (7%). The overall radiographic fusion rate at two years was 86%. Univariate analysis revealed that revision surgery was significantly associated with pseudarthrosis (p = 0.027). Over the follow-up period, patients who underwent TSIF during long posterior fusions to the sacrum showed improvement in overall SRS scores, ODI scores, and SF-36 physical health and mental health (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TSIF is a relatively safe and minimally invasive method for achieving interbody fusion at the lumbosacral junction in the treatment of ASD, with acceptable fusion rates and a low complication rate. However, TSIF is not recommended for revision reconstruction in ASD.

Repeat surgical interventions following "definitive" instrumentation and fusion for idiopathic scoliosis: a 30-year update.

PURPOSE: Although spinal fusion (SF) is considered "definitive" treatment in juvenile/adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (JIS/AIS), complications requiring reoperation continue to occur. The purpose of this study was to characterize the evolving rates of reoperation following SF in JIS/AIS. METHODS: Single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent SF for JIS/AIS as their index surgical treatment between 2013 and 2019. Patient data were collected to identify complications requiring reoperation and factors associated with reoperation. Complication rates from 2013 to 2019 were compared to patients from 1988 to 2012 at the same institution. RESULTS: This study analyzed 934 patients (81.7% female, mean age at surgery 14.5 ± 2.1). Thirty-eight patients (4.1%) required a total of 47 reoperations, a > 50% decrease in overall complication rate from the 2008-2012 population (4.1% vs 9.6%, respectively, p < 0.001). The decrease stemmed mainly from decreases in rates of infection (1.1% vs 4.1%, p < 0.001) and symptomatic implants (0.4% vs 2.1%, p = 0.004). There were, however, non-significant increases in implant failures (0.6% vs 0.2%, p = 0.4367) and pseudoarthrosis (1.0% vs 0.4%, p = 0.5202). Both of these complications were associated with patients with a higher mean weight (implant failure: 70.4 kg ± 21.1 vs 56.1 kg ± 14.9, p = 0.002; pseudoarthrosis: 85.8 kg ± 27.9 vs 55.9 ± 14.5, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Reoperation following SF for JIS/AIS has decreased over the past 7 years when compared to 25 years of historical controls. The changing landscape of reoperation demands further research into the risk factors for those reoperations that have become more common.

Cannabis Use is Associated With Higher Rates of Pseudarthrosis Following TLIF: A Multi-Institutional Matched-Cohort Study.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the rates of pseudarthrosis in patients undergoing 1 to 3 level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedures between cannabis users and noncannabis users. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Recreational use of cannabis is common, though it remains poorly studied and legally ambiguous in the United States. Patients with back pain may turn to adjunctive use of cannabis to manage their pain. However, the implications of cannabis use on the achievement of bony fusion are not well-characterized. METHODS: Patients who underwent 1 to 3 level TLIF for degenerative disc disease or degenerative spondylolisthesis between 2010 and 2022 were identified using the PearlDiver Mariner all-claims insurance database. Cannabis users were identified with ICD 10 code F12.90. Patients undergoing surgery for nondegenerative pathologies such as tumors, trauma, or infection were excluded. 1:1 exact matching was performed using demographic factors, medical comorbidities, and surgical factors which were significantly associated with pseudarthrosis in a linear regression model. The primary outcome measure was development of pseudarthrosis within 24 months after 1 to 3 level TLIF. The secondary outcomes were the development of all-cause surgical complications as well as all-cause medical complications. RESULTS: A 1:1 exact matching resulted in two equal groups of 1593 patients who did or did not use cannabis and underwent 1 to 3 level TLIF. Patients who used cannabis were 80% more likely to experience pseudarthrosis compared with patients who do not [relative risk (RR): 1.816, 95% CI: 1.291-2.556, P <0.001]. Similarly, cannabis use was associated with significantly higher rates of all-cause surgical complications (RR: 2.350, 95% CI: 1.399-3.947, P =0.001) and all-cause medical complications (RR: 1.934, 95% CI: 1.516-2.467, P <0.001). CONCLUSION: After 1:1 exact matching to control for confounding variables, the findings of this study suggest that cannabis use is associated with higher rates of pseudarthrosis, as well as higher rates of all-cause surgical and all-cause medical complications. Further studies are needed to corroborate our findings.

Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Statin Usage Are Associated With Rates of Pseudarthrosis Following Single-Level Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and statin usage with pseudarthrosis following single-level posterior or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF/TLIF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Hypercholesterolemia can lead to atherosclerosis of the segmental arteries, which branch into vertebral bone through intervertebral foramina. According to the vascular hypothesis of disc disease, this can lead to ischemia of the lumbar discs and contribute to lumbar degenerative disease. Yet, little has been reported regarding the effects of cholesterol and statins on the outcomes of lumbar fusion surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TriNetX, a global federated research network, was retrospectively queried to identify 52,140 PLIF/TLIF patients between 2002 and 2021. Of these patients, 2137 had high cholesterol (≥130 mg/dL) and 906 had low cholesterol (≤55 mg/dL). Perioperatively, 18,275 patients used statins, while 33,415 patients did not. One-to-one propensity score matching for age, sex, race, and comorbidities was conducted to balance the analyzed cohorts. The incidence of pseudarthrosis was then assessed in the matched cohorts within the six-month, one-year, and two-year postoperative periods. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, high-cholesterol patients had greater odds of developing pseudarthrosis six months [odds ratio (OR): 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28-2.33], one year (OR: 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-2.10), and two years (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.20-2.05) following a PLIF/TLIF procedure. Patients with statin usage had significantly lower odds of developing pseudarthrosis six months (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.69-0.79), one year (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.71-0.81), and two years (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.72-0.81) following single-level PLIF/TLIF. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that patients with hypercholesterolemia have an increased risk of developing pseudarthrosis following PLIF/TLIF while statin use is associated with a decreased risk. The data presented may underscore an overlooked opportunity for perioperative optimization in lumbar fusion patients, warranting further investigation in this area.

Retrospective Analysis of Bone Substitute Material for Traumatic Long Bone Fractures: Sex-Specific Outcomes.

Male patients often experience increased bone and muscle loss after traumatic fractures. This study aims to compare the treatment outcomes of male and female patients with large bone defects. A total of 345 trauma patients underwent surgery, with participants divided into two groups: one receiving bone substitute material (BSM) for augmented defects (n = 192) and the other without augmentation (empty defects = ED, n = 153). Outcome parameters were assessed among female (n = 184) and male (n = 161) patients. Descriptive statistics revealed no significant differences between male and female patients. Approximately one-half of the fractures resulted from high-energy trauma (n = 187). The BSM group experienced fewer complications (p = 0.004), including pseudarthrosis (BSM: n = 1, ED: n = 7; p = 0.02). Among female patients over 65, the incidence of pseudarthrosis was lower in the BSM group (p = 0.01), while younger females showed no significant differences (p = 0.4). Radiologically, we observed premature bone healing with subsequent harmonization. Post hoc power analysis demonstrated a power of 0.99. Augmenting bone defects, especially with bone substitute material, may reduce complications, including pseudarthrosis, in female patients. Additionally, this material accelerates bone healing. Further prospective studies are necessary for confirmation.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in the Acute Post-operative Period Are Associated With an Increased Incidence of Pseudarthrosis, Hardware Failure, and Revision Surgery Following Single-level Spinal Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Research has shown that the use of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors increases the risk of pseudoarthrosis following spinal fusion surgery. Pseudoarthrosis can lead to complications such as chronic pain and the need for additional surgeries. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between NSAID and COX-2 inhibitor use and pseudarthrosis, hardware complications, and revision surgeries in patients undergoing posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. METHODS: We queried the PearlDiver database using CPT and ICD-10 codes to identify patients between the ages of 50 and 85 who underwent posterior spinal instrumentation between 2016 and 2019 and experienced pseudarthrosis, hardware failure, or revision surgery. Information regarding age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, tobacco use, osteoporosis, and obesity were extracted from the database along with COX-2 or NSAID use during the first 6-week post-surgery period. Logistic regression was used to identify associations while adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: There were 178,758 patients included in the cohort; 9,586 experienced pseudarthrosis (5.36%), 2828 (1.58%) experienced hardware failure, and 10,457 (5.85%) patients underwent revision fusion surgery. Of these patients 23,602 (13.2%) filled NSAID and 5278 (2.95%) filled COX-2 prescriptions. A significantly higher proportion of patients using NSAIDs experienced pseudarthrosis, hardware failure, and revision surgery compared to patients not taking NSAIDs. COX-2 inhibitors were also associated with a significantly higher rate of pseudarthrosis, hardware failure, and revision surgery. Postoperative ketorolac use was not associated with these complications. Regression models demonstrated that both NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors were associated with statistically higher pseudarthrosis, hardware failure, and revision surgery rates. CONCLUSIONS: Both NSAID and COX-2 inhibitor use in the early post-surgical period may be associated with increased rates of pseudarthrosis, hardware failure, and revision surgery in patients undergoing posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion.

Spinal pseudoarthrosis following osteoporotic vertebral fracture: prevalence, risk factors, and influence on patients' activities of daily living 1 year after injury.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors and influence of pseudoarthrosis on activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF). METHODS: Spinal pseudoarthrosis is defined as the presence of a cleft in the vertebral body on a lateral X-ray image in the sitting position at 1 year after admission. Of the total 684 patients treated for OVF between January 2012 and February 2019 at our institution, 551 patients (mean age, 81.9 years; a male-to-female ratio, 152:399) who could be followed up to 1 year were included in this study. Prevalence, risk factors, and influence of pseudoarthrosis on the ADL of patients as well as fracture type and location were investigated. Pseudoarthrosis was set as the objective variable. Total bone mineral density, skeletal muscle mass index, sex, age, history of osteoporosis treatment, presence of dementia, vertebral kyphosis angle, fracture type (presence of posterior wall injury), degree of independence before admission, history of steroid use, albumin level, renal function, presence of diabetes, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis were set as explanatory variables for multivariate analysis of the influence of pseudoarthrosis on the walking ability and ADL independence before and 1 year after OVF. RESULTS: In total, 54 (9.8%) patients were diagnosed with pseudarthrosis 1 year after injury (mean age, 81.3 ± 6.5 years; male-to-female ratio, 18:36). BKP was performed in nine patients who did not develop pseudoarthrosis after 1 year. In the multivariate analysis, only the presence of posterior wall injury was significantly correlated with the presence of pseudoarthrosis (OR = 2.059, p = 0.039). No significant difference was found between the pseudarthrosis group and the non-pseudarthrosis group in terms of walking ability and ADL independence at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pseudoarthrosis following OVF was 9.8%, and its risk factor was posterior wall injury. The BKP group was not included in the pseudoarthrosis group, which may have led to an underestimation of the prevalence of pseudoarthrosis. The prevalence, risk factors, and influence of spinal pseudoarthrosis on patients' ADL following osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) were investigated. Pseudoarthrosis occurs in 9.8% 1 year after the injury in patients with OVF. Posterior wall injury was the risk factor of pseudoarthrosis.

Association between preoperative concurrent fibular pseudarthrosis and risk of postoperative ankle valgus in patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the correlation of preoperative concurrent fibular pseudarthrosis with the risk of ankle valgus deformity in patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) who underwent successful surgical treatment. METHOD: The children with CPT who were treated at our institution between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The independent variable was preoperative concurrent fibular pseudarthrosis, and the dependent variable was postoperative ankle valgus. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed after adjusting for variables that might affect the risk of ankle valgus. Subgroup analyses with stratified multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess this association. RESULTS: Of the 319 children who underwent successful surgical treatment, 140 (43.89%) developed ankle valgus deformity. Moreover, 104 (50.24%) of 207 patients with preoperative concurrent fibular pseudarthrosis developed an ankle valgus deformity compared with 36 (32.14%) of 112 patients without preoperative concurrent fibular pseudarthrosis (p=0.002). After adjusting for sex, body mass index, fracture age, age of patient undergoing surgery, surgery method, type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF-1), limb-length discrepancy (LLD), CPT location and fibular cystic change, patients with concurrent fibular pseudarthrosis presented a higher risk of ankle valgus than those without concurrent fibular pseudarthrosis (OR 2.326, 95% CI 1.345 to 4.022). This risk further increased with CPT location at the distal one-third of the tibia (OR 2.195, 95% CI 1.154 to 4.175), age <3 years of patient undergoing surgery (OR 2.485, 95% CI 1.188 to 5.200), LLD <2 cm (OR 2.478, 95% CI 1.225 to 5.015) and occurrence of NF-1 disorder (OR 2.836, 95% CI 1.517 to 5.303). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that patients with CPT and preoperative concurrent fibular pseudarthrosis have a significantly increased risk of ankle valgus compared with those without preoperative concurrent fibular pseudarthrosis, particularly in those with CPT location at the distal third, age <3 years at surgery, LLD <2 cm and NF-1 disorder.

Risk Factors for Allograft Subsidence Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose this study was to precisely characterize patterns of allograft subsidence following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) utilizing computed tomography scans, determine risk factors for cervical allograft subsidence, and investigate the impact of subsidence on pseudarthrosis rates. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing 1-to 3-level ACDF utilizing allograft interbodies with anterior plating between 2011 and 2019. Subsidence measurements were performed by 2 independent reviewers on computed tomography scans obtained 6 months postoperatively. Subsidence was then classified as mild if subsidence into the inferior and superior endplates were both ≤2 mm, moderate if the worst subsidence into the inferior- or superior endplate was between 2 and 4 mm, or severe if the worst subsidence into the inferior- or superior endplate was ≥4 mm. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for the development of subsidence. RESULTS: We identified 98 patients (152 levels) for inclusion. A total of 73 levels demonstrated mild subsidence (≤2 mm), 61 demonstrated moderate subsidence (2-4 mm), and 18 demonstrated severe subsidence (≥4 mm). On multivariate analysis, risk factors for severe subsidence included excessive vertebral endplate resection and lower screw tip to vertebral body height ratio. Severe subsidence was associated with an increased rate of pseudarthrosis (94.1% vs. 13.6%) without an associated increase in reoperation rate. CONCLUSIONS: Following ACDF with allograft interbodies, 50% of interbodies will subside >2 mm and 10% of interbodies will subside >4 mm. Risk factors for severe subsidence should be mitigated to decrease the risk of pseudarthrosis.

The incidence of congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle and review of the literature.

The aim of this study was to identify the hitherto unknown incidence of congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle (CPC), based on a cohort of continuous livebirths born in our hospital, to review the literature and investigate if there is evidence supporting the published association between left-sided CPC and dextrocardia. From our electronic medical record and radiology databases, we identified all live births and patients with the diagnosis of CPC born from 2000 to 2016. We reviewed the imaging which included one or both clavicles to search for unrecorded CPC cases and reviewed all retrievable CPC publications listed in PubMed and publications quoted within these publications going back to 1910. We identified 87 407 livebirths of which 41 800 had radiological studies done, 14 885 showing one or both clavicles. We found five cases of CPC, two from the electronic database and three from our imaging review, giving an incidence of 1 of 17 481 livebirths. We identified 138 publications reporting paediatric and adult CPC cases and 12 review articles, including 429 patients (187 female; 159 male; 83 unknown) with 456 CPCs and a minimum of 24 additional patients from case reports for which we could not retrieve details. Two publications reported one case of left-sided CPC with dextrocardia, either not showing left/right marking or only showing the CPC with the aortic knob on the same side. We report the first CPC incidence of 0.0057%, provide the by far most inclusive CPC epidemiology based on 429 patients and could not find reliable proof that there has ever been a patient with left-sided CPC which was associated with dextrocardia.

Incidence, mechanism, and protective strategies for 2-year pelvic fixation failure after adult spinal deformity surgery with a minimum six-level fusion.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, mechanism, and potential protective strategies for pelvic fixation failure (PFF) within 2 years after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. METHODS: Data for ASD patients (age ≥ 18 years, minimum of six instrumented levels) with pelvic fixation (S2-alar-iliac [S2AI] and/or iliac screws) with a minimum 2-year follow-up were consecutively collected (2015-2019). Patients with prior pelvic fixation were excluded. PFF was defined as any revision to pelvic screws, which may include broken rods across the lumbosacral junction requiring revision to pelvic screws, pseudarthrosis across the lumbosacral junction requiring revision to pelvic screws, a broken or loose pelvic screw, or sacral/iliac fracture. Patient information including demographic data and health history (age, sex, BMI, smoking status, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, osteoporosis), operative (total instrumented levels [TIL], three-column osteotomy [3CO], interbody fusion), screw (iliac, S2AI, length, diameter), rod (diameter, kickstand), rod pattern (number crossing lumbopelvic junction, lowest instrumented vertebra [LIV] of accessory rod[s], lateral connectors, dual-headed screws), and pre- and postradiographic (lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, major Cobb angle, lumbosacral fractional curve, C7 coronal vertical axis [CVA], T1 pelvic angle, C7 sagittal vertical axis) parameters was collected. All rods across the lumbosacral junction were cobalt-chrome. All iliac and S2AI screws were closed-headed tulips. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for PFF. RESULTS: Of 253 patients (mean age 58.9 years, mean TIL 13.6, 3CO 15.8%, L5-S1 interbody 74.7%, mean pelvic screw diameter/length 8.6/87 mm), the 2-year failure rate was 4.3% (n = 11). The mechanisms of failure included broken rods across the lumbosacral junction (n = 4), pseudarthrosis across the lumbosacral junction requiring revision to pelvic screws (n = 3), broken pelvic screw (n = 1), loose pelvic screw (n = 1), sacral/iliac fracture (n = 1), and painful/prominent pelvic screw (n = 1). A higher number of rods crossing the lumbopelvic junction (mean 3.8 no failure vs 2.9 failure, p = 0.009) and accessory rod LIV to S2/ilium (no failure 54.2% vs failure 18.2%, p = 0.003) were protective for failure. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that accessory rod LIV to S2/ilium versus S1 (OR 0.2, p = 0.004) and number of rods crossing the lumbar to pelvis (OR 0.15, p = 0.002) were protective, while worse postoperative CVA (OR 1.5, p = 0.028) was an independent risk factor for failure. CONCLUSIONS: The 2-year PFF rate was low relative to what is reported in the literature, despite patients undergoing long fusion constructs for ASD. The number of rods crossing the lumbopelvic junction and accessory rod LIV to S2/ilium relative to S1 alone likely increase construct stiffness. Residual postoperative coronal malalignment should be avoided to reduce PFF.

Incidence of Pseudarthrosis and Subsequent Surgery After Cervical Fusion Surgery: A Retrospective Review of a National Health Care Claims Database.

BACKGROUND: Cervical pseudarthrosis is a postoperative adverse event that occurs when a surgically induced fusion fails to establish bone growth connecting the 2 regions. It has both clinical and financial implications and may result in significant patient morbidity; it continues to be one of the leading causes of pain after surgery. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was performed. Patients in the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters (CCAE) database, 18-64 years old, who underwent elective cervical fusions during 2015-2019 were included. Patients with trauma, infection, or neoplasm were excluded. Patients were followed for 2 years from surgical fusion for occurrence of pseudarthrosis. After pseudarthrosis, subsequent surgery was documented, and cumulative incidence curves, adjusted for patient/procedure characteristics, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated. Risk factors were evaluated with multivariable Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The cohort included 45,584 patients. The 1-year and 2-year incidence of pseudarthrosis was 2.0% (95% CI, 1.9%-2.2%) and 3.3% (95% CI, 3.1%-3.5%), respectively. Factors significantly associated with increased risk of pseudarthrosis were female gender, current/previous substance abuse, previous spinal pain in the cervical/thoracic/lumbar spine, and Elixhauser score ≥5. Factors significantly associated with decreased risk of pseudarthrosis were anterior cervical approach, use of an interbody cage, and 2-level or 3-level anterior instrumentation. The 1-year and 2-year incidence of subsequent surgery in patients with pseudarthrosis was 11.7% (95% CI, 9.6%-13.7%) and 13.8% (95% CI, 11.5%-16.2%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical pseudarthrosis and subsequent surgery still occur at a low rate. Surgical factors such as anterior approach, interbody cage use, and anterior instrumentation may reduce pseudarthrosis risk.

Focused versus conventional radiotherapy in spinal oncology: is there any difference in fusion rates and pseudoarthrosis?

INTRODUCTION: Radiotherapy is considered standard of care for adjuvant peri-operative treatment of many spinal tumors, including those with instrumented fusion. Unfortunately, radiation treatment has been linked to increased risk of pseudoarthrosis. Newer focused radiotherapy strategies with enhanced conformality could offer improved fusion rates for these patients, but this has not been confirmed. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients at three tertiary care academic institutions with primary and secondary spinal malignancies that underwent resection, instrumented fusion, and peri-operative radiotherapy. Two board certified neuro-radiologists used the Lenke fusion score to grade fusion status at 6 and 12-months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included clinical pseudoarthrosis, wound complications, the effect of radiation timing and radiobiological dose delivered, the use of photons versus protons, tumor type, tumor location, and use of autograft on fusion outcomes. RESULTS: After review of 1252 spinal tumor patients, there were 60 patients with at least 6 months follow-up that were included in our analyses. Twenty-five of these patients received focused radiotherapy, 20 patients received conventional radiotherapy, and 15 patients were treated with protons. There was no significant difference between the groups for covariates such as smoking status, obesity, diabetes, intraoperative use of autograft, and use of peri-operative chemotherapy. There was a significantly higher rate of fusion for patients treated with focused radiotherapy compared to those treated with conventional radiotherapy at 6-months (64.0% versus 30.0%, Odds ratio: 4.15, p = 0.036) and 12-months (80.0% versus 42.1%, OR: 5.50, p = 0.022). There was a significantly higher rate of clinical pseudoarthrosis in the conventional radiotherapy cohort compared to patients in the focused radiotherapy cohort (19.1% versus 0%, p = 0.037). There was no difference in fusion outcomes for any of the secondary outcomes except for use of autograft. The use of intra-operative autograft was associated with an improved fusion at 12-months (66.7% versus 37.5%, OR: 3.33, p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Focused radiotherapy may be associated with an improved rate of fusion and clinical pseudoarthrosis when compared to conventional radiation delivery strategies in patients with spinal tumors. Use of autograft at the time of surgery may be associated with improved 12-month fusion rates. Further large-scale prospective and randomized controlled studies are needed to better stratify the effects of radiation delivery modality in these patients.

Tratamiento de pseudoartrosis séptica de tibia secundaria a fractura expuesta. A propósito de un caso / Treatment of tibia septic pseudo arthritis secondary to exposed fracture. Apropos of a case

RESUMEN Las fracturas expuestas de tibia han sido uno de los problemas más importantes para los sistemas de atención en salud pública. Se caracterizan por tres factores de riesgo fundamentales: daño óseo y tejidos blandos, gran posibilidad de contaminación y dificultades para el tratamiento conservador y quirúrgico, debido al daño óseo y de partes blandas asociados, que implica un alto índice de complicaciones. El tratamiento de estas fracturas es un tema ampliamente discutido en cuanto a la técnica quirúrgica a utilizar. Debido la pobre vascularización y poca cantidad de tejidos blandos que cubren la tibia, este hueso es muy vulnerable a la pseudoartrosis y a la infección. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la técnica quirúrgica de transportación ósea con fijador externo Ilizarov y evaluar el resultado en defectos óseos de tibia de más de 6 cm, secundario a pseudoartrosis infectada. Como resultado, el paciente evolucionó con una pseudoartrosis séptica de tibia derecha secundaria a fractura expuesta. El seguimiento fue de 18 meses, la pérdida ósea de 6 cm, la velocidad de distracción de 1 mm/día, el período de transportación de 95 días, y el tiempo con fijador de 198 días. Fue necesario realizar un nuevo proceder quirúrgico en el sitio de contacto, con vistas a reavivar los extremos óseos. La transportación ósea con fijador Ilizarov es válida para el tratamiento de la pérdida ósea en fracturas expuestas de tibia o pseudoartrosis séptica (AU).

ABSTRACT Exposed tibia fractures have been one of the most important problems for public health care systems. They are characterized by three main risk factors: bone and soft tissue damage, high possibilities of contamination and difficulties for the surgical and conservative treatment, due to the associated bone and soft tissues damage implying a high rate of complications. The treatment of these fractures is a widely discussed topic regarding the surgical technique to be used. Due to poor vascularization and little quantity of soft tissue covering tibia, this bone is highly vulnerable to pseudoarthritis and infection. The aim of this work was to describe the surgical technique of bone transport with Ilizarov external fixator and to evaluate the result in tibial bone defects of more than 6 cm, secondary to infected pseudoarthritis. As a result, the patient evolved with septic pseudoarthritis of right tibia secondary to exposed fracture. The follow up lasted 18 months; the bone loss was 6 cm; the distraction speed was 1 mm/day; the transportation period was 95 days and the time with fixator was 198 days. It was necessary to perform a new surgical procedure at the contact site to recuperate the bone ends. Bone transport with Ilizarov fixator is valid for the bone loss treatment in tibia exposed fractures or septic pseudo arthritis (AU).

Pseudarthrosis Following Lumbar and Lumbosacral Fusion Using the Antepsoas Technique.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of pseudarthrosis following antepsoas (ATP) lumbar and lumbosacral fusions. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Pseudarthrosis is a feared complication following spinal fusions and may affect their clinical outcomes. To date there are no sufficient data on the fusion rate following ATP lumbar and lumbosacral arthrodesis. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 220 patients who underwent lumbar minimally invasive antepsoas (MIS-ATP) fusions between January 2008 and February 2019 who have at least 1-year postoperative computed tomography (CT) follow-up scans. Fusion was graded using CT scans imaging and adopting a 1-4 grading scale (1, definitely fused; 2, likely fused; 3, likely not fused; 4, definitely not fused/nonunion). Grades 3 or 4 indicate pseudarthrosis. RESULTS: A total of 220 patients (average age: 66 years, 82 males (37.2%), and 127 (57.7%) smokers) were included. Eight patients (3.6%) developed pseudarthrosis. A total of 693 discs were addressed using the ATP approach. Of those, 681 (98.3%) were considered fused (641 levels [92.5%] were "definitely fused" and 40 levels [5.8%] were "Likely fused") and 12 discs (1.7%) developed pseudarthrosis (seven levels [1.0%] were "likely not fused" and five levels (0.7%) were "definitely not fused"). The highest rate of pseudarthrosis was found at L5-S1 (4.8%) compared to the L1-L5 discs (0-2%). Of 127 smokers, six developed pseudarthrosis (odds ratio = 2.3, P = 0.3). The fusion rates were 95.3% and 97.8% for smokers and nonsmokers, respectively. Of the eight patients who developed pseudarthrosis, only four (50%) were symptomatic, of whom two (25%) required revision surgery. Both of these patients were smokers. The overall revision rate due to pseudarthrosis was 0.9% (two of 220 patients). CONCLUSION: The MIS-ATP technique results in a high fusion rate (96.4% of patients; 98.3% of levels). Pseudarthrosis was noted mostly at the L5-S1 discs and in smokers.Level of Evidence: 4.

Possible Association of Pedicle Screw Diameter on Pseudoarthrosis Rate After Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

BACKGROUND: Although pedicle screw sizes may affect the rate of bone union after lumbar fusion surgery, there is currently no supportive clinical evidence. METHODS: Eighty-five patients older than 50 years who underwent single-level L4/5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with posterior pedicle screw (PS) fixation were analyzed. Patients with factors that potentially inhibit bone fusion, such as Parkinson disease, were excluded. Bone union was assessed using computed tomography and dynamic radiographs 1 year after surgery. Explanatory factors considered included sex, age, smoking, bone density, material of the cage, PS diameter (PSD), relative PS length, theoretical maximum PSD (PSDmax), which was defined as the maximum diameter of the screw that may be inserted without breaking cortical bone around the pedicle, and the filling index, which was defined as the difference between the cross-sectional area of maximum PS and actual PS (PSDmaxˆ 2 - PSD ˆ 2). Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores before and 1 year after surgery were evaluated as a clinical outcome. RESULTS: Nineteen levels were diagnosed as pseudoarthrosis. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a larger filling index (P = 0.016) and older age (P = 0.047) as risk factors for pseudoarthrosis. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score 1 year after surgery and its recovery rate were significantly worse in patients with pseudoarthrosis than in those with fusion. CONCLUSIONS: The selection of an appropriately sized screw is important for achieving rigid fusion after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Preoperative planning using multiplanar reconstruction computed tomography is an important approach for ensuring good clinical results.

[Prevalence and risk factors for traumatic long-bone pseudarthrosis at the Matanda Hospital, Butembo, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo]. / Prévalence et facteurs de risque des pseudarthroses traumatiques des os longs des membres à l'Hôpital Matanda en ville de Butembo à l'Est de la République Démocratique du Congo.

Pseudarthrosis is a dreadful condition because it is very difficult to treat even for the orthopedic surgeons. The best thing to do is always to prevent it. The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for traumatic long-bone pseudarthrosis in the city of Butembo. We conducted a retrospective study of 36 patients with traumatic pseudarthrosis. Data were collected from the hospital records of 968 patients with long-bone fractures at the Matanda Hospital, in the town of Butembo, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo from 01/06/2016 to 31/05/2019. We calculated the rate of pseudarthrosis and used a single- and multiple logistic regression model to investigate factors associated with pseudarthrosis. The rate of pseudarthrosis was 3.72%. The most common type of pseudarthrosis included floating injuries (69.44%). Risk factors were: working as a rickshaw driver (aOR: 4.60; aCI 95% 1.04-15.21; p = 0.023) and a cultivator (aOR: 2.31; aCI 95% 1.17-4.68; p = 0.008), malnutrition (aOR: 5.83; aCI 95% 1.87-15.62; p = 0.004), tobacco poisoning (aOR: 6.70; aCI 95% 1.84-20.11; p = 0.003) and tobacco+ alchool consumption (aOR: 4.74; aCI 95% 2.17-9.89; p < 0.001); gunshot injuries (aOR: 6.70; aCI 95% 1.84-20.11; p = 0.003), open fractures (aOR: 4.35; aCI 95% 2.17-9.12; p < 0.001), fracture site infections (aOR: 3.10; aCI 95% 1.03-7.95; p = 0.023); traditional healer (aOR: 12.18; aCI 95%: 5.74-25.37; p < 0.001), general practitioner (aOR: 8.33; aCI 95% 1.77-30.31; p = 0.006) initial absence X-ray assessment (aOR: 12.21; aCI 95% 5.92-24.96; p < 0.001). Long bone pseudarthroses are common in Butembo. The most effective way to prevent them is to know and avoid risk factors.

Occult infection in pseudarthrosis revision after spinal fusion.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Pseudarthrosis after attempted spinal fusion is yet not sufficiently understood and presents a surgical challenge. Occult infections are sometimes observed in patients with pseudarthrosis and no inflammatory signs of infection. The prevalence of such occult infection and its association with patient demographics and inflammatory markers are largely unknown. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of unexpected low-grade infection in spinal pseudarthrosis revision surgery, and to evaluate whether such infection is associated with patient demographics and inflammatory markers. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. PATIENT SAMPLE: One-hundred-and-twenty-eight patients who underwent thoracolumbar revision surgery due to presumed aseptic pseudarthrosis after spinal instrumentation. OUTCOME MEASURES: Culture-positive infections or noninfectious pseudarthrosis. METHODS: Samples were routinely taken for microbiological examination from all adults (n=152) who underwent revision surgery for presumed aseptic thoracolumbar pseudarthrosis between 2014 and 2019. A full intraoperative microbiological workup (at least three intraoperative tissue samples) was done for 128 (84%) patients, and these patients were included in further analyses. Patient characteristics, medical history, inflammatory markers, and perioperative data were compared between those with and without microbiologically-confirmed infection based on samples obtained during pseudarthrosis revision. RESULTS: The microbiological workup confirmed infection in 13 of 128 cases (10.2%). The predominant pathogen was Cutibacterium acnes (46.2%), followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci (38.5%). The presence of infection was associated with the body mass index (30.9±4.7 kg/m2 [infected] vs. 28.2±5.6 kg/m2 [controls], p=.049), surgery in the thoracolumbar region (46% vs. 18%, p=.019), and a slightly higher serum C-reactive protein level on admission (9.4±8.0 mg/L vs. 5.7±7.1 mg/L, p=.031). Occult infection was not associated with age, sex, prior lumbar surgeries, number of fused lumbar levels, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, presence of diabetes mellitus, and smoking status. CONCLUSIONS: Occult infections were found in 10% of patients undergoing pseudarthrosis revision after spinal fusion, even without preoperative clinical suspicion. Occult infection was associated with higher body mass index, fusions including the thoracolumbar junction, and slightly higher C-reactive protein levels. Intraoperative microbiological samples should be routinely obtained to exclude or identify occult infection in all revision surgeries for symptomatic pseudarthrosis of the spine, as this information can be used to guide postoperative antibiotic treatment.

Association of osteopenia and osteoporosis with higher rates of pseudarthrosis and revision surgery in adult patients undergoing single-level lumbar fusion.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis who require surgery for symptomatic degenerative spondylolisthesis may have higher rates of postoperative pseudarthrosis and need for revision surgery than patients with normal bone mineral densities (BMDs). To this end, the authors compared rates of postoperative pseudarthrosis and need for revision surgery following single-level lumbar fusion in patients with normal BMD with those in patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis. The secondary outcome was to investigate the effects of pretreatment with medications that prevent bone loss (e.g., teriparatide, bisphosphonates, and denosumab) on these adverse outcomes in this patient cohort. METHODS: Patients undergoing single-level lumbar fusion between 2007 and 2017 were identified. Based on 1:1 propensity matching for baseline demographic characteristics and comorbidities, 3 patient groups were created: osteopenia (n = 1723, 33.3%), osteoporosis (n = 1723, 33.3%), and normal BMD (n = 1723, 33.3%). The rates of postoperative pseudarthrosis and revision surgery were compared between groups. RESULTS: The matched populations analyzed in this study included a total of 5169 patients in 3 groups balanced at baseline, with equal numbers (n = 1723, 33.3%) in each group: patients with a history of osteopenia, those with a history of osteoporosis, and a control group of patients with no history of osteopenia or osteoporosis and with normal BMD. A total of 597 complications were recorded within a 2-year follow-up period, with pseudarthrosis (n = 321, 6.2%) being slightly more common than revision surgery (n = 276, 5.3%). The odds of pseudarthrosis and revision surgery in patients with osteopenia were almost 2-fold (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.26-2.30) and 3-fold (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.89-3.94) higher, respectively, than those in patients in the control group. Similarly, the odds of pseudarthrosis and revision surgery in patients with osteoporosis were almost 2-fold (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.43-2.59) and > 3-fold (OR 3.25, 95% CI 2.27-4.65) higher, respectively, than those in patients in the control group. Pretreatment with medications to prevent bone loss prior to surgery was associated with lower pseudarthrosis and revision surgery rates, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pseudarthrosis and revision surgery rates following single-level lumbar spinal fusion are significantly higher in patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis than in patients with normal BMD. Pretreatment with medications to prevent bone loss prior to surgery decreased these complication rates, although the observed differences did not reach statistical significance.