Distal junctional kyphosis in adult cervical deformity patients: where does it occur?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) on Distal Junctional kyphosis (DJK) incidence in adult cervical deformity (ACD) surgery. METHODS: Prospectively collected data from ACD patients undergoing posterior or anterior-posterior reconstruction at 13 US sites was reviewed up to 2-years postoperatively (n = 140). Data was stratified into five groups by level of LIV: C6-C7, T1-T2, T3-Apex, Apex-T10, and T11-L2. DJK was defined as a kyphotic increase > 10° in Cobb angle from LIV to LIV-1. Analysis included DJK-free survival, covariate-controlled cox regression, and DJK incidence at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: 25/27 cases of DJK developed within 1-year post-op. In patients with a minimum follow-up of 1-year (n = 102), the incidence of DJK by level of LIV was: C6-7 (3/12, 25.00%), T1-T2 (3/29, 10.34%), T3-Apex (7/41, 17.07%), Apex-T10 (8/11, 72.73%), and T11-L2 (4/8, 50.00%) (p < 0.001). DJK incidence was significantly lower in the T1-T2 LIV group (adjusted residual = -2.13), and significantly higher in the Apex-T10 LIV group (adjusted residual = 3.91). In covariate-controlled regression using the T11-L2 LIV group as reference, LIV selected at the T1-T2 level (HR = 0.054, p = 0.008) or T3-Apex level (HR = 0.081, p = 0.010) was associated with significantly lower risk of DJK. However, there was no difference in DJK risk when LIV was selected at the C6-C7 level (HR = 0.239, p = 0.214). CONCLUSION: DJK risk is lower when the LIV is at the upper thoracic segment than the lower cervical segment. DJK incidence is highest with LIV level in the lower thoracic or thoracolumbar junction.

Does the presence of cervical deformity in patients with baseline mild myelopathy increase operative urgency in adult cervical spinal surgery? A retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess whether delaying surgical management of cervical deformity (CD) in patients with concomitant mild myelopathy increases the risk of suboptimal outcomes. METHODS: Patients aged ≥ 18 years who had a baseline diagnosis of mild myelopathy with baseline and up to 2 years of postoperative data were assessed. Patients were categorized as having CD (CD+) or not (CD-) at baseline. Patients with symptoms of myelopathy for more than 1 year after the initial visit prior to surgery were considered delayed. Clinical and radiographic data were assessed using means comparison analyses. Multivariate regression analysis assessed correlations between increasing time to surgery and peri- and postoperative outcomes adjusted for baseline age and frailty score. Backstep logistic regression analysis assessed the risk of complications or reoperation, while controlling for baseline T1 slope minus cervical lordosis (TS-CL). RESULTS: One hundred six patients were included (mean age 58.11 ± 11.97 years, 48% female, mean BMI 29.13 ± 6.89). Of the patients with baseline mild myelopathy, 22 (20.8%) were CD- while 84 (79.2%) were CD+. Overall, 9.5% of patients were considered to have delayed surgery. Linear regression revealed that both CD- and CD+ patients were more likely to require reoperation when there was more time between the initial visit and surgical admission (p < 0.001). Additionally, an adjusted logistic regression indicated that CD+ patients who had a greater length of time to surgery had a higher likelihood for major complications (p < 0.001). Conversely, CD+ patients who were operated on within 30 days of the initial visit had a significantly lower risk for a major complication (OR 0.901, 95% CI 0.889-1.105, p = 0.043), and a lower risk for reoperation (OR 0.954, 95% CI 0.877-1.090, p = 0.043), while controlling for the severity of deformity based on baseline TS-CL. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study demonstrate that a delay in surgery after the initial visit significantly increases the risk for major complications and reoperation in patients with CD with associated mild baseline myelopathy. Early operative treatment in this patient population may lower the risk of postoperative complications.

"Reverse roussouly": cervicothoracic curvature ratios define characteristic shapes in adult cervical deformity.

PURPOSE: To investigate normal curvature ratios of the cervicothoracic spine and to establish radiographic thresholds for severe myelopathy and disability, within the context of shape. METHODS: Adult cervical deformity (CD) patients undergoing cervical fusion were included. C2-C7 Cobb angle (CL) and thoracic kyphosis (TK), using T2-T12 Cobb angle, were used as a ratio, ranging from -1 to + 1. Pearson bivariate r and univariate analyses analyzed radiographic correlations and differences in myelopathy(mJOA > 14) or disability(NDI > 40) across ratio groups. RESULTS: Sixty-three CD patients included. Regarding CL:TK ratio, 37 patients had a negative ratio and 26 patients had a positive ratio. A more positive CL:TK correlated with increased TS-CL(r = 0.655, p = < 0.001)and mJOA(r = 0.530, p = 0.001), but did not correlate with cSVA/SVA or NDI scores. A positive CL:TK ratio was associated with moderate disability(NDI > 40)(OR: 7.97[1.22-52.1], p = 0.030). Regression controlling for CL:TK ratio revealed cSVA > 25 mm increased the odds of moderate to severe myelopathy and cSVA > 30 mm increased the odds of significant neck disability. Lastly, TS-CL > 29 degrees increased the odds of neck disability by 4.1 × with no cutoffs for severe mJOA(p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical deformity patients with an increased CL:TK ratio had higher rates of moderate neck disability at baseline, while patients with a negative ratio had higher rates of moderate myelopathy clinically. Specific thresholds for cSVA and TS-CL predicted severe myelopathy or neck disability scores, regardless of baseline neck shape. A thorough evaluation of the cervical spine should include exploration of relationships with the thoracic spine and may better allow spine surgeons to characterize shapes and curves in cervical deformity patients.

Dropped head syndrome in a patient with Parkinson's disease and inflammatory myopathy, treated with sternocleidomastoid release and circumferential cervical fusion.

BACKGROUND: Dropped head syndrome (DHS) is a recently recognised cause of cervical spinal deformity and disability. The combination of Parkinson's disease (PD) and inflammatory myopathy in the genesis of DHS has not been previously reported. Furthermore, the optimal surgical treatment of progressive DHS remains undefined. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of a 64-year-old patient with severe DHS and coronal plane deformity secondary to underlying PD, precipitated by a focal paraspinal myositis, successfully corrected using asymmetric sternocleidomastoid (SCM) release and circumferential cervical fusion. The nuances of decision-making in this challenging patient population are highlighted, including the benefits of intraoperative traction, anterior column reconstruction and bicortical screw fixation. Postoperatively, significant reductions in pain and disability were achieved, along with restoration of cervical lordosis (CL), C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (CSVA) and chin-brow vertical angle (CBVA). CONCLUSIONS: Circumferential cervical fusion with concomitant SCM release is a useful option in the treatment of recalcitrant DHS with biplanar deformity, addressing the unique biomechanical and endocrinological challenges posed by patients with underlying PD.

Relationship between cervical and global sagittal balance in patients with dropped head syndrome.

BACKGROUND: DHS is characterized by chin-on-chest deformity and devastatingly impedes activities of daily living in affected individuals. There is a paucity of literature about the pathophysiology of DHS including knowledge about spinal sagittal alignment. We conducted this study to clarify the relationship between cervical sagittal alignment and global sagittal balance in DHS. METHODS: This is a retrospective radiographic study of a case series of DHS. Forty-one patients with diagnosed DHS were enrolled. Measurements were made using lateral standing radiograph. RESULTS: C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was estimated as 52.0 ± 2.4 mm. Among sagittal parameters, C7-S1 SVA positively correlated with C2-C7 angle (C2-C7 A) (r = 0.33). For the correlations between C7 and S1 SVA and C2-C7 A, both logistic and linear regression models were used to determine the threshold for C2-C7 A value responsible for global sagittal balance. C2-C7 A of - 15.0 and 6.0 were predicted by logistic and linear regression models and were considered responsible for the occurrence of global positive imbalance. Therefore, we divided into two groups, namely, cervical kyphosis group (C type) and diffuse kyphosis group (D type) by median value of C2-C7 A. Enlarged thoracic kyphosis and global positive imbalance were observed in D type compared to C type. CONCLUSION: C2-C7 A exhibited correlations with cervical balance and also with global balance. There should be various type of thoraco-lumbar alignment in DHS. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Inter-spinous process distance: a novel parameter predicting segmental lordosis during posterior cervical spine deformity surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the normative value of distance between the spinous processes (inter-spinous process distance, ISPD), correlations between patients' demographics and ISPD, and determine cutoff ISPD values that result in segmental lordosis in posterior cervical-thoracic arthrodesis with instrumentation. METHODS: We reviewed patients with visible lower cervical and cervicothoracic spinous processes (C5-T2) on dynamic X-rays. Radiographic measurements included segmental Cobb angles (S-Cobb) and ISPD, defined as the distance between midpoints of the spinous processes. Correlations between patient demographics and ISPD were evaluated. In addition, the cutoff ISPD values that predict segmental lordosis (S-Cobb < 0°) were determined using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and linear regression model. RESULTS: We evaluated a total of 153 films on 51 patients. The mean ISPDs in neutral position were 16.0, 20.7, 23.2, and 26.0 mm at C5/6, C6/7, C7/T1, and T1/T2, respectively There were no or only weak correlations between ISPD and age, race, height, body weight, and BMI. We observed significant difference between male and female ISPDs at C7/T1 and T1/T2 (P < 0.05). The ISPDs had moderate/strong correlations with S-Cobb at each segment (- 0.450 ≤ r ≤ - 0.705). Based on the ROC curves, the following cutoff values of ISPD provided 100% positive predictive value for segmental lordosis: < 10 mm at C5-6; < 15 mm at each level from C6 to T2. CONCLUSION: ISPD is a simple and useful parameter that correlates with the segmental Cobb angle. During posterior cervical deformity surgery, surgeons can intraoperatively predict adequate segmental lordosis by utilizing the vertebral level specific cutoff values of ISPD. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Anterior cervical osteotomy: operative technique.

PURPOSE: Correction of rigid cervical deformities often requires osteotomies to realign the spine. Cervical pedicle subtraction osteotomy can be technically challenging due to the presence of cervical nerve roots and usually can only be performed at C7 or T1 due to the presence of vertebral arteries. In contrast, anterior cervical osteotomy can be performed throughout the cervical spine and is a safe and effective method for correction of both sagittal and coronal cervical deformities. We describe the anterior cervical osteotomy technique with a review of the pertinent literature. METHODS: A step-by-step technical guide for anterior cervical osteotomy is provided with a focus on surgical nuances and complication avoidance. Two illustrative cases of fixed sagittal and coronal deformities are included to demonstrate the substantial amount of deformity correction achievable using the anterior cervical osteotomy technique. RESULTS: Both patients in the illustrative cases had successful clinical and radiographic outcome following deformity correction utilizing the anterior cervical osteotomy technique. CONCLUSION: Anterior cervical osteotomy is a safe and effective technique for correction of rigid cervical deformities. Spine surgeons should be familiar with this technique to optimize clinical outcome in patients undergoing cervical deformity correction.

Prospective multi-centric evaluation of upper cervical and infra-cervical sagittal compensatory alignment in patients with adult cervical deformity.

PURPOSE: Reciprocal mechanisms for standing alignment have been described in thoraco-lumbar deformity but have not been studied in patients with primary cervical deformity (CD). The purpose of this study is to report upper- and infra-cervical sagittal compensatory mechanisms in patients with CD and evaluate their changes post-operatively. METHODS: Global spinal alignment was studied in a prospective database of operative CD patients. Inclusion criteria were any of the following: cervical kyphosis (CK) > 10°, cervical scoliosis > 10°, cSVA (C2-C7 Sagittal vertical axis) > 4 cm or CBVA (Chin Brow Vertical Angle) > 25°. For this study, patients who had previous fusion outside C2 to T4 segments were excluded. Patients were sub-classified by increasing severity of cervical kyphosis [CL (cervical lordosis): < 0°, CK-low 0°-10°, CK-high > 10°] and cSVA (cSVA-low 0-4 cm, cSVA-mid 4-6 cm, cSVA-high > 6 cm) and were compared for pre- and 3-month post-operative regional and global sagittal alignment to determine compensatory recruitment. RESULTS: 75 CD patients (mean age 61.3 years, 56% women) were included. Patients with progressively larger CK had a progressive increase in C0-C2 (CL = 34°, CK-low = 37°, CK-high = 44°, p = 0.004), C2Slope and T1Slope-CL (p < 0.05). As the cSVA increased, there was progressive increase in C2Slope, T1Slope and TS-CL (p < 0.05) and patients compensated through increasing C0-C2 (cSVA-low = 33°, cSVA-mid = 40°, cSVA-high = 43°, p = 0.007) and pelvic tilt (cSVA-low = 14.9°, cSVA-mid = 24.1°, cSVA-high = 24.9°, p = 0.02). At 3 months post-op, with significant improvement in cervical alignment, there was relaxation of C0-C2 (39°-35°, p = 0.01) which positively correlated with magnitude of deformity correction. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cervical malalignment compensate with upper cervical hyper-lordosis, presumably for the maintenance of horizontal gaze. As cSVA increases, patients also tend to exhibit increased pelvic retroversion. Following surgical treatment, there was relaxation of upper cervical compensation.

Three-column osteotomy for correction of cervical and cervicothoracic deformities: alignment changes and early complications in a multicenter prospective series of 23 patients.

PURPOSE: Three-column osteotomy (3CO), including pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) and vertebral column resection (VCR), can provide powerful alignment correction for adult cervical deformity (ACD). Our objective was to assess alignment changes and early complications associated with 3CO for ACD. METHODS: ACD patients treated with 3CO with minimum 90-day follow-up were identified from a prospectively collected multicenter ACD database. Complications within 90-days of surgery and pre- and postoperative radiographs were collected. RESULTS: All 23 ACD patients treated with 3CO (14 PSO/9 VCR) had minimum 90-day follow-up (mean age 62.3 years, previous cervical/cervicothoracic instrumentation in 52.2% and thoracic/thoracolumbar instrumentation in 47.8%). The primary diagnosis was kyphosis in 91.3% and coronal deformity in 8.7%. The mean number of fusion levels was 12 (range 6-18). The most common 3CO levels were T1 (39.1%), T2 (30.4%) and T3 (21.7%). Eighteen (12 major/6 minor) complications affected 13 (56.5%) patients. The most common complications were neurologic deficit (17.4%), wound infection (8.7%), distal junctional kyphosis (DJK 8.7%), and cardiorespiratory failure (8.7%). Three (13.0%) patients required re-operation within 90-days (1 each for nerve root motor deficit, DJK, and implant pain/prominence). Cervical alignment improved significantly following 3CO, including cervical lordosis (-2.8° to -12.9°, p = 0.036), C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (64.6-42.3 mm, p < 0.001), and T1 slope minus cervical lordosis (46.4°-27.0°, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among 23 ACD patients treated with 3CO, cervical alignment improved significantly following surgery. Thirteen (56.5%) patients had at least one complication. The most common complications were neurologic deficit, infection, DJK, and cardiorespiratory failure.

Asymmetric C7 pedicle subtraction osteotomy for correction of rigid cervical coronal imbalance secondary to post-traumatic heterotopic ossification: a case report, description of a novel surgical technique, and literature review.

PURPOSE: Deformities of the cervical spine are uncommon in the coronal plane. In this report, a unique case of a 31-year-old male with a fixed, 30° left coronal deformity due to heterotopic ossification 3 years status post poly-trauma was treated with an asymmetric C7 pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: Pre-operatively, the patient had a fixed 45-degree left tilt of his neck and radiographs demonstrated a rigid 30° scoliosis, 7 cm coronal imbalance, and 4 cm negative sagittal balance, diffuse bridging bone between the spinous processes and the facet joints of C5 to T1 bilaterally. An asymmetric C7 PSO with C2-T3 posterior spinal fusion was completed without complication. There was residual 9° coronal deformity, 2.9 cm left coronal imbalance, and 2.3 cm sagittal imbalance. He had a marked improvement in his function, as assessed by the SF-36 physical component score (pre-op 31.1; post-op 44.7) and mental component score (pre-op 46.0; post-op 66.8). Post-operatively, neck disability index scores also improved (pre-op 38; post-op 16). Although the patient passed away from a drug overdose 14 months post-operatively, he did not report neck pain, he had not sought evaluation from another physician for his neck, and he had not undergone a subsequent neck operation before his passing. CONCLUSION: In this one patient, an asymmetric C7 PSO was performed safely. While it was effective in addressing a fixed cervical coronal imbalance, its efficacy and safety profile should be confirmed in larger cohorts.

Despite worse baseline status depressed patients achieved outcomes similar to those in nondepressed patients after surgery for cervical deformity.

OBJECTIVE Depression and anxiety have been demonstrated to have negative impacts on outcomes after spine surgery. In patients with cervical deformity (CD), the psychological and physiological burdens of the disease may overlap without clear boundaries. While surgery has a proven record of bringing about significant pain relief and decreased disability, the impact of depression and anxiety on recovery from cervical deformity corrective surgery has not been previously reported on in the literature. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of depression and anxiety on patients' recovery from and improvement after CD surgery. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective review of a prospective, multicenter CD database. Patients with a history of clinical depression, in addition to those with current self-reported anxiety or depression, were defined as depressed (D group). The D group was compared with nondepressed patients (ND group) with a similar baseline deformity determined by propensity score matching of the cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA). Baseline demographic, comorbidity, clinical, and radiographic data were compared among patients using t-tests. Improvement of symptoms was recorded at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. All health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores collected at these follow-up time points were compared using t-tests. RESULTS Sixty-six patients were matched for baseline radiographic parameters: 33 with a history of depression and/or current depression, and 33 without. Depressed patients had similar age, sex, race, and radiographic alignment: cSVA, T-1 slope minus C2-7 lordosis, SVA, and T-1 pelvic angle (p > 0.05). Compared with nondepressed individuals, depressed patients had a higher incidence of osteoporosis (21.2% vs 3.2%, p = 0.028), rheumatoid arthritis (18.2% vs 3.2%, p = 0.012), and connective tissue disorders (18.2% vs 3.2%, p = 0.012). At baseline, the D group had greater neck pain (7.9 of 10 vs 6.6 on a Numeric Rating Scale [NRS], p = 0.015), lower mean EQ-5D scores (68.9 vs 74.7, p < 0.001), but similar Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores (57.5 vs 49.9, p = 0.063) and myelopathy scores (13.4 vs 13.9, p = 0.546). Surgeries performed in either group were similar in terms of number of levels fused, osteotomies performed, and correction achieved (baseline to 3-month measurements) (p < 0.05). At 3 months, EQ-5D scores remained lower in the D group (74.0 vs 78.2, p = 0.044), and NDI scores were similar (48.5 vs 39.0, p = 0.053). However, neck pain improved in the D group (NRS score of 5.0 vs 4.3, p = 0.331), and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores remained similar (14.2 vs 15.0, p = 0.211). At 6 months and 1 year, all HRQOL scores were similar between the 2 cohorts. One-year measurements were as follows: NDI 39.7 vs 40.7 (p = 0.878), NRS neck pain score of 4.1 vs 5.0 (p = 0.326), EQ-5D score of 77.1 vs 78.2 (p = 0.646), and mJOA score of 14.0 vs 14.2 (p = 0.835). Anxiety/depression levels reported on the EQ-5D scale were significantly higher in the depressed cohort at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months (all p < 0.05), but were similar between groups at 1 year postoperatively (1.72 vs 1.53, p = 0.416). CONCLUSIONS Clinical depression was observed in many of the study patients with CD. After matching for baseline deformity, depression symptomology resulted in worse baseline EQ-5D and pain scores. Despite these baseline differences, both cohorts achieved similar results in all HRQOL assessments 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, demonstrating no clinical impact of depression on recovery up until 1 year after CD surgery. Thus, a history of depression does not appear to have an impact on recovery from CD surgery.

A comparative analysis of the prevalence and characteristics of cervical malalignment in adults presenting with thoracolumbar spine deformity based on variations in treatment approach over 2 years.

PURPOSE: Characteristics specific to cervical deformity (CD) concomitant with adult thoracolumbar deformity (TLD) remains uncertain, particularly regarding treatment. This study identifies cervical malalignment prevalence following surgical and conservative TLD treatment through 2 years. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospective, multicenter adult spinal deformity (ASD) database. CD was defined in operative and non-operative ASD patients according to the following criteria: T1 Slope minus Cervical Lordosis (T1S-CL) ≥20°, C2-C7 Cervical Sagittal Vertical Axis (cSVA) ≥40 mm, C2-C7 kyphosis >10°. Differences in rates, demographics, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores for Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire (SRS-22r), and radiographic variables were assessed between treatment groups (Op vs. Non-Op) and follow-up periods (baseline, 1-year, 2-year). RESULTS: Three hundred and nineteen (200 Op, 199 Non-Op) ASD patients were analyzed. Op patients' CD rates at 1 and 2 years were 78.9, and 63.0 %, respectively. Non-Op CD rates were 21.1 and 37.0 % at 1 and 2 years, respectively. T1S-CL mismatch and cSVA malalignment characterized Op CD at 1 and 2 years (p < 0.05). Op and Non-Op CD groups had similar cervical/global alignment at 1 year (p > 0.05 for all), but at 2 years, Op CD patients had worse thoracic kyphosis (TK), T1S-CL, CL, cSVA, C2-T3 SVA, and global SVA compared to Non-Ops (p < 0.05). Op CD patients had worse ODI, and SRS Activity at 1 and 2 years post-operative (p < 0.05), but had greater 2-year SRS Satisfaction scores (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: In the first study to compare cervical malalignment at extended follow-up between ASD treatments, CD rates rose overall through 2 years. TLD surgery, resulting in higher CD rates characterized by T1S-CL and cSVA malalignment, produced poorer HRQoL. This information can aid in treatment method decision-making when cervical deformity is present concomitant with TLD.

Outcomes and survival analysis of adult cervical deformity patients with 10-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that adult cervical deformity patients may be at increased risk of death in conjunction with increased frailty or a weakened physiologic state. However, such studies have often been limited by follow-up duration, and longer-term studies are needed to better assess temporal changes in ACD patients and associated mortality risk. PURPOSE: To assess if patients with decreased comorbidities and physiologic burden will be at lessened risk of death for a greater length of time after undergoing adult cervical deformity surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective review. PATIENT SAMPLE: Two hundred ninety ACD patients. OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidity and mortality data. METHODS: Operative ACD patients ≥18 years with pre-(BL) and 10-year (10Y) data were included. Patients were stratified as expired versus living, as well as temporally grouped by Expiration prior to 5Y or between 5Y and 10Y. Group differences were assessed via means comparison analysis. Backstep logistic regression identified mortality predictors. Kaplan-Meier analysis assessed survivorship of expired patients. Log rank analysis determined differences in survival distribution groups. RESULTS: Sixty-six total patients were included (60.97±10.19 years, 48% female, 28.03±7.28 kg/m2). Within 10Y, 12 (18.2% of ACD cohort) expired. At baseline, patients were comparable in age, gender, BMI, and CCI total on average (all p>.05). Furthermore, patients were comparable in BL HRQLs (all p>.05). However, patients who expired between 5Y and 10Y demonstrated higher BL EQ5D and mJOA scores than their earlier expired counterparts at 2Y (p<.021). Furthermore, patients who presented with no CCI markers at BL were significantly more likely to survive until the 5Y-10Y follow-up window. Surgically, the only differences observed between patients who survived until 5Y was in undergoing osteotomy, with longer survival seen in those who did not require it (p=.003). Logistic regression revealed independent predictors of death prior to 5Y to be increased BMI, increased frailty, and increased levels fused (model p<.001). KM analysis found that by Passias et al frailty, not frail patients had mean survival time of 170.56 weeks, versus 158.00 in frail patients (p=.949). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that long-term survival after cervical deformity surgery may be predicted by baseline surgical factors. By optimizing BMI, frailty status, and minimizing fusion length when appropriate, surgeons may be able to further assist ACD patients in increasing their survivability postoperatively.

Assessing the effects of prehabilitation protocols on post-operative outcomes in adult cervical deformity surgery: does early optimization lead to optimal clinical outcomes?

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of a prehabilitation program on peri- and post-operative outcomes in adult cervical deformity (CD) surgery. METHODS: Operative CD patients ≥ 18 years with complete baseline (BL) and 2-year (2Y) data were stratified by enrollment in a prehabilitation program beginning in 2019. Patients were stratified as having undergone prehabilitation (Prehab+) or not (Prehab-). Differences in pre and post-op factors were assessed via means comparison analysis. Costs were calculated using PearlDiver database estimates from Medicare pay-scales. RESULTS: 115 patients were included (age: 61 years, 70% female, BMI: 28 kg/m2). Of these patients, 57 (49%) were classified as Prehab+. At baseline, groups were comparable in age, gender, BMI, CCI, and frailty. Surgically, Prehab+ were able to undergo longer procedures (p = 0.017) with equivalent EBL (p = 0.627), and shorter SICU stay (p < 0.001). Post-operatively, Prehab+ patients reported greater reduction in pain scores and greater improvement in quality of life metrics at both 1Y and 2Y than Prehab- patients (all p < 0.05). Prehab+ patients reported significantly less complications overall, as well as less need for reoperation (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Introducing prehabilitation protocols in adult cervical deformity surgery may aid in improving patient physiological status, enabling patients to undergo longer surgeries with lessened risk of peri- and post-operative complications.

Is It Possible for Patients with Early Distal Junctional Kyphosis following Adult Cervical Deformity Corrective Surgery to Achieve Similar Outcomes to Their Unaffected Counterparts? An Analysis of Recovery Kinetics.

Background: Distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) is a concerning complication for surgeons performing cervical deformity (CD) surgery. Patients sustaining such complications may demonstrate worse recovery profiles compared to their unaffected peers. Methods: DJK was defined as a >10° change in kyphosis between LIV and LIV-2, and a >10° index angle. CD patients were grouped according to the development of DJK by 3M vs. no DJK development. Means comparison tests and regression analyses used to analyze differences between groups and arelevant associations. Results: A total of 113 patients were included (17 DJK, 96 non-DJK). DJK patients were more sagittally malaligned preop, and underwent more osteotomies and combined approaches. Postop, DJK patients experienced more dysphagia (17.7% vs. 4.2%; p = 0.034). DJK patients remained more malaligned in cSVA through the 2-year follow-up. DJK patients exhibited worse patient-reported outcomes from 3M to 1Y, but these differences subsided when following patients through to 2Y; they also exhibited worse NDI (65.3 vs. 35.3) and EQ5D (0.68 vs. 0.79) scores at 1Y (both p < 0.05), but these differences had subsided by 2Y. Conclusions: Despite patients exhibiting similar preoperative health-related quality of life metrics, patients who developed early DJK exhibited worse postoperative neck disability following the development of their DJK. These differences subsided by the 2-year follow-up, highlighting the prolonged but eventually successful course of many DJK patients after CD surgery.

Expectations of clinical improvement following corrective surgery for adult cervical deformity based on functional disability at presentation.

PURPOSE: To assess impact of baseline disability on HRQL outcomes. METHODS: CD patients with baseline (BL) and 2 year (2Y) data included, and ranked into quartiles by baseline NDI, from lowest/best score (Q1) to highest/worst score (Q4). Means comparison tests analyzed differences between quartiles. ANCOVA and logistic regressions assessed differences in outcomes while accounting for covariates (BL deformity, comorbidities, HRQLs, surgical details and complications). RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen patients met inclusion (Age:60.97 ± 10.45 years, BMI: 28.73 ± 7.59 kg/m2, CCI: 0.94 ± 1.31). The cohort mean cSVA was 38.54 ± 19.43 mm and TS-CL: 37.34 ± 19.73. Mean BL NDI by quartile was: Q1: 25.04 ± 8.19, Q2: 41.61 ± 2.77, Q3: 53.31 ± 4.32, and Q4: 69.52 ± 8.35. Q2 demonstrated greatest improvement in NRS Neck at 2Y (-3.93), compared to Q3 (-1.61, p = .032) and Q4 (-1.41, p = .015). Q2 demonstrated greater improvement in NRS Back (-1.71), compared to Q4 (+ 0.84, p = .010). Q2 met MCID in NRS Neck at the highest rates (69.9%), especially compared to Q4 (30.3%), p = .039. Q2 had the greatest improvement in EQ-5D (+ 0.082), compared to Q1 (+ 0.073), Q3 (+ 0.022), and Q4 (+ 0.014), p = .034. Q2 also had the greatest mJOA improvement (+ 1.517), p = .042. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in Q2, with mean BL NDI of 42, consistently demonstrated the greatest improvement in HRQLs whereas those in Q4, (NDI 70), saw the least. BL NDI between 39 and 44 may represent a disability "Sweet Spot," within which operative intervention maximizes patient-reported outcomes. Furthermore, delaying intervention until patients are severely disabled, beyond an NDI of 61, may limit the benefits of surgery.

Latest knowledge on a comprehensive understanding of cervical deformity and selection of effective treatment methods using recent classification systems: a narrative review.

Surgical treatment for patients with cervical spine deformities is challenging for both patients and doctors. For successful surgical treatment, mastery of processes is important to objectively evaluate and classify the degree of deformity. Recently, efforts have been increasing to systematically understand, evaluate, and effectively treat complex cervical spine deformities. Various parameters are being developed to quantify and objectively evaluate the degree of cervical spine deformity, and classification methods are being introduced to help establish the treatment scope by categorizing it according to the degree of deformity. However, a comprehensive and systematic understanding of complex deformities using only the currently introduced classification methods and related knowledge is not easy. Through this review, we aimed to introduce various classification methods and their pros and cons to evaluate cervical deformities, analyze their meaning, and provide a basic understanding of the evaluation and classification of patients with cervical spine deformities. This review also aimed to aid in the decision-making process for the treatment of cervical spine deformities by presenting a structured treatment algorithm based on recently known classification systems and lay the foundation for efficient treatment.

Musculoskeletal Diseases as the Most Prevalent Component of Multimorbidity: A Population-Based Study.

Background/Objectives: Due to their high frequency, common risk factors, and similar pathogenic mechanisms, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are more likely to occur with other chronic illnesses, making them a "component disorder" of multimorbidity. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of multimorbidity and to identify the most common clusters of diagnosis within multimorbidity states, with the primary hypothesis that the most common clusters of multimorbidity are MSDs. Methods: The current study employed data from a population-based 2019 European Health Interview Survey (EHIS). Multimorbidity was defined as a ≥2 diagnosis from the list of 17 chronic non-communicable diseases, and to define clusters, the statistical method of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was performed. Results: Out of 13,178 respondents, multimorbidity was present among 4398 (33.4%). The HCA method yielded six multimorbidity clusters representing the most common diagnoses. The primary multimorbidity cluster, which was prevalent among both genders, age groups, incomes per capita, and statistical regions, consisted of three diagnoses: (1) lower spine deformity or other chronic back problem (back pain), (2) cervical deformity or other chronic problem with the cervical spine, and (3) osteoarthritis. Conclusions: Given the influence of musculoskeletal disorders on multimorbidity, it is imperative to implement appropriate measures to assist patients in relieving the physical discomfort and pain they endure. Public health information, programs, and campaigns should be utilized to promote a healthy lifestyle. Policymakers should prioritize the prevention of MSDs by encouraging increased physical activity and a healthy diet, as well as focusing on improving functional abilities.

Maxillary first molar with two distobuccal root canals and cervical deformity: A case report.

The second distobuccal canal in the maxillary first molar is often missed because of the low prevalence rate (0%-4%). The article reports this kind of variation in one case. Promising outcomes have continued up to the present (2-year follow-up).

The Impact of Peri-operative Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols on Outcomes Following Adult Cervical Deformity Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols on peri-operative course in adult cervical deformity (ACD) corrective surgery. METHODS: Patients ≥18 yrs with complete pre-(BL) and up to 2-year (2Y) radiographic and clinical outcome data were stratified by enrollment in an ERAS protocol that commenced in 2020. Differences in demographics, clinical outcomes, radiographic alignment targets, peri-operative factors and complication rates were assessed via means comparison analysis. Logistic regression analysed differences while controlling for baseline disability and deformity. RESULTS: We included 220 patients (average age 58.1 ± 11.9 years, 48% female). 20% were treated using the ERAS protocol (ERAS+). Disability was similar between both groups at baseline. When controlling for baseline disability and myelopathy, ERAS- patients were more likely to utilize opioids than ERAS+ (OR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.45-2.50, P = .016). Peri-operatively, ERAS+ had significantly lower operative time (P < .021), lower EBL (583.48 vs 246.51, P < .001), and required significantly lower doses of propofol intra-operatively than ERAS- patients (P = .020). ERAS+ patients also reported lower mean LOS overall (4.33 vs 5.84, P = .393), and were more likely to be discharged directly to home (χ2(1) = 4.974, P = .028). ERAS+ patients were less likely to require steroids after surgery (P = .045), were less likely to develop neuromuscular complications overall (P = .025), and less likely experience venous complications or be diagnosed with venous disease post-operatively (P = .025). CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced recovery after surgery programs in ACD surgery demonstrate significant benefit in terms of peri-operative outcomes for patients.