Browsing by Author "Akbarnia, Behrooz"

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    ItemOpen Access
    Change in classification grade by the SRS-Schwab Adult Spinal Deformity Classification predicts impact on health-related quality of life measures: prospective analysis of operative and nonoperative treatment.
    (Spine, 2013-09) Smith, Justin S; Klineberg, Eric; Schwab, Frank; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Moal, Bertrand; Ames, Christopher P; Hostin, Richard; Fu, Kai-Ming G; Burton, Douglas; Akbarnia, Behrooz; Gupta, Munish; Hart, Robert; Bess, Shay; Lafage, Virginie; International Spine Study Group

    Study design

    Multicenter, prospective, consecutive series.

    Objective

    To evaluate responsiveness of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-Schwab adult spinal deformity (ASD) classification to changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after treatment for ASD.

    Summary of background data

    Ideally, a classification system should describe and be responsive to changes in a disease state. We hypothesized that the SRS-Schwab classification is responsive to changes in HRQOL measures after treatment for ASD.

    Methods

    A multicenter, prospective, consecutive series from the International Spine Study Group.

    Inclusion criteria

    ASD, age more than 18, operative or nonoperative treatment, baseline and 1-year radiographs, and HRQOL measures (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], SRS-22, Short Form [SF]-36). The SRS-Schwab classification includes a curve descriptor and 3 sagittal spinopelvic modifiers (sagittal vertical axis [SVA], pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence/lumbar lordosis [PI-LL] mismatch). Changes in modifiers at 1 year were assessed for impact on HRQOL from pretreatment values based on minimal clinically important differences.

    Results

    Three hundred forty-one patients met criteria (mean age = 54; 85% females; 177 operative and 164 nonoperative). Change in pelvic tilt modifier at 1-year follow-up was associated with changes in ODI and SRS-22 (total and appearance scores) (P ≤ 0.034). Change in SVA modifier at 1 year was associated with changes in ODI, SF-36 physical component score, and SRS-22 (total, activity, and appearance scores) (P ≤ 0.037). Change in PI-LL modifier at 1 year was associated with changes in SF-36 physical component score and SRS-22 (total, activity, and appearance scores) (P ≤ 0.03). Patients with improvement of pelvic tilt, SVA, or PI-LL modifiers were significantly more likely to achieve minimal clinically important difference for ODI, SF-36 physical component score (SVA and PI-LL only), SRS activity, and SRS pain (PI-LL only).

    Conclusion

    The SRS-Schwab classification provides a validated system to evaluate ASD, and the classification components correlate with HRQOL measures. This study demonstrates that the classification modifiers are responsive to changes in disease state and reflect significant changes in patient-reported outcomes.

    Level of evidence

    3.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Changes in thoracic kyphosis negatively impact sagittal alignment after lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy: a comprehensive radiographic analysis.
    (Spine, 2012-02) Lafage, Virginie; Ames, Christopher; Schwab, Frank; Klineberg, Eric; Akbarnia, Behrooz; Smith, Justin; Boachie-Adjei, Oheneba; Burton, Douglas; Hart, Robert; Hostin, Richard; Shaffrey, Christopher; Wood, Kirkham; Bess, Shay; International Spine Study Group

    Study design

    Consecutive, multicenter retrospective review.

    Objective

    To evaluate if change in thoracic kyphosis (TK) has a positive or negative impact on spinopelvic alignment after lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) with short fusions.

    Summary of background data

    In the setting of sagittal malalignment, the effect of large vertebral resections can now be anticipated in long fusions, but their impact on unfused segments (reciprocal changes [RC]) remains poorly understood.

    Methods

    A total of 34 adult patients (mean age = 54 years; SD = 12) who underwent lumbar PSO with upper instrumented vertebra below T10 were included. Radiographic analysis included pre- and postassessment of TK, lumbar lordosis (LL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 spinopelvic inclination (T1SPI), pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence (PI). Final SVA and PT were analyzed to determine successful realignment. RC in the thoracic spine was designated favorable or unfavorable on the basis of impact on final SVA and PT.

    Results

    Mean PSO resection was 26°. LL increased from 20° to 49° (P < 0.001). SVA improved from 14 to 4 cm (P < 0.001), and PT improved from 33° to 25° (P < 0.001). Mean increase in TK was 13° (P = 0.002) but was unchanged in 11 patients. Five patients had a favorable RC, and 18 patients had an unfavorable RC. Unfavorable RC was attributed to junctional failure in 6 of 18 patients. Significant differences in the unfavorable RC group included age and greater preoperative PT, PI, SVA, and T1SPI.

    Conclusion

    Significant postoperative alignment changes can occur through unfused thoracic spinal segments after lumbar PSO. Unfavorable RC may limit optimal correction and lead to clinical failures. Risk factors for unfavorable thoracic RC include older patients, larger preoperative PI and PT, and worse preoperative T1SPI and are not simply due to junctional failure. Care should be taken with selective lumbar fusion and PSO in older patients and in those with severe preoperative spinopelvic parameters.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Evolution in Surgical Approach, Complications, and Outcomes in an Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery Multicenter Study Group Patient Population.
    (Spine deformity, 2019-05) Daniels, Alan H; Reid, Daniel BC; Tran, Stacie Nguyen; Hart, Robert A; Klineberg, Eric O; Bess, Shay; Burton, Douglas; Smith, Justin S; Shaffrey, Christopher; Gupta, Munish; Ames, Christopher P; Hamilton, D Kojo; LaFage, Virginie; Schwab, Frank; Eastlack, Robert; Akbarnia, Behrooz; Kim, Han Jo; Kelly, Michael; Passias, Peter G; Protopsaltis, Themistocles; Mundis, Gregory M; International Spine Study Group

    Study design

    Retrospective review of a prospectively collected multicenter database.

    Objectives

    To evaluate the evolution of surgical treatment strategies, complications, and patient-reported outcomes for adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients.

    Summary of background data

    ASD surgery is associated with high complication rates. Evolving treatment strategies may reduce these risks.

    Methods

    Adult patients undergoing ASD surgery from 2009 to 2016 were analyzed (n = 905). Preoperative and surgical parameters were compared across years. Subgroup analysis of 436 patients with minimum two-year follow-up was also performed.

    Results

    From 2009 to 2016, there was a significant increase in the mean preoperative age (52 to 63.1, p < .001), body mass index (26.3 to 32.2, p = .003), Charlson Comorbidity index (1.4 to 2.2, p < .001), rate of previous spine surgery (39.8% to 53.1%, p = .01), and baseline disability (visual analog scale [VAS] back and leg pain) scores (p < .01), Oswestry Disability Index, and 22-item Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire scores (p < .001). Preoperative Schwab sagittal alignment modifiers and overall surgical invasiveness index were similar across time. Three-column osteotomy utilization decreased from 36% in 2011 to 16.7% in 2016. Lateral lumbar interbody fusion increased from 6.4% to 24.1% (p = .004), anterior lumbar interbody fusion decreased from 22.9% to 16.7% (p = .043), and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion/posterior lumbar interbody fusion utilization remained similar (p = .448). Use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in 2012 was 84.6%, declined to 58% in 2013, and rebounded to 76.3% in 2016 (p = .006). Tranexamic acid use increased rapidly from 2009 to 2016 (13.3% to 48.6%, p < .001). Two-year follow-up sagittal vertical axis, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis, and maximum Cobb angles were similar across years. Intraoperative complications decreased from 33% in 2010 to 9.3% in 2016 (p < .001). Perioperative (<30 days, <90 days) complications peaked in 2010 (42.7%, 46%) and decreased by 2016 (24.1%, p < .001; 29.6%, p = .007). The overall complication rate decreased from 73.2% in 2008-2014 patients to 62.6% in 2015-2016 patients (p = .03). Two-year health-related quality of life outcomes did not significantly differ across the years (p > .05).

    Conclusions

    From 2009 to 2016, despite an increasingly elderly, medically compromised, and obese patient population, complication rates decreased. Evolving strategies may result in improved treatment of ASD patients.

    Level of evidence

    Level IV.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Revision extension to the pelvis versus primary spinopelvic instrumentation in adult deformity: comparison of clinical outcomes and complications.
    (World neurosurgery, 2014-09) Fu, Kai-Ming G; Smith, Justin S; Burton, Douglas C; Kebaish, Khaled M; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Schwab, Frank; Lafage, Virginie; Arlet, Vincent; Hostin, Richard; Boachie, Oheneba; Akbarnia, Behrooz; Bess, Shay; International Spine Study Group

    Objective

    To evaluate the outcomes and complications of patients with adult spinal deformity treated in a primary versus revision fashion with long fusions to the sacropelvis.

    Methods

    A retrospective review was performed of a multicenter consecutive series of patients with adult spinal deformity requiring fusion to the sacropelvis, either primarily or as revision, with minimum 2-year follow-up. Clinical (Scoliosis Research Society [SRS] 22 questionnaire) and radiographic parameters (including sagittal vertical axis [SVA], coronal Cobb angle, lumbar lordosis, and thoracic kyphosis) were compared between the groups.

    Results

    There were 63 patients who met inclusion criteria; mean patient age was 51.9 years, and mean follow-up was 43 months. Patients requiring primary fusion were older (58.0 years vs. 49.5 years, P=0.01) and at baseline had a lower SVA (2.1 cm vs. 6.8 cm, P=0.01) and greater thoracolumbar Cobb angle (51.2 degrees vs. 36.5 degrees, P=0.003). At last follow-up, patients undergoing primary fusion and patients undergoing revision treatment had similar SVA (2.9 cm vs. 1.8 cm, P=0.32) and lumbar lordosis (-42.3 degrees vs. -43.4 degrees, P=0.82); patients undergoing revision treatment had more favorable SRS 22 scores (3.65 vs. 3.14, P=0.005). There was no statistical difference in complication rates between the groups (44.4% vs. 35%, P=0.68).

    Conclusions

    Patients requiring revision extension of instrumentation to the pelvis can be treated with the same expectation of radiographic and clinical success as patients treated primarily with fusion to the sacropelvis. The complication rate for the revision procedure is not insignificant and may be similar to a primary procedure that includes pelvic fixation.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Risk factors for major peri-operative complications in adult spinal deformity surgery: a multi-center review of 953 consecutive patients.
    (European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 2012-12) Schwab, Frank J; Hawkinson, Nicola; Lafage, Virginie; Smith, Justin S; Hart, Robert; Mundis, Gregory; Burton, Douglas C; Line, Breton; Akbarnia, Behrooz; Boachie-Adjei, Oheneba; Hostin, Richard; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Arlet, Vincent; Wood, Kirkham; Gupta, Munish; Bess, Shay; Mummaneni, Praveen V; International Spine Study Group

    Purpose

    Major peri-operative complications for adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery remain common. However, risk factors have not been clearly defined. Our objective was to identify patient and surgical parameters that correlate with the development of major peri-operative complications with ASD surgery.

    Methods

    This is a multi-center, retrospective, consecutive, case-control series of surgically treated ASD patients. All patients undergoing surgical treatment for ASD at eight centers were retrospectively reviewed. Each center identified 10 patients with major peri-operative complications. Randomization tables were used to select a comparably sized control group of patients operated during the same time period that they did not suffer major complications. The two groups were analyzed for differences in clinical and surgical factors. Analysis was restricted to non-instrumentation related complications.

    Results

    At least one major complication occurred in 80 of 953 patients (8.4 %), including 72 patients with non-instrumentation related complications. There were no significant differences between the complications and control groups based on the demographics, ASA grade, co-morbidities, body mass index, prior surgeries, pre-operative anemia, smoking, operative time or ICU stay (p > 0.05). Hospital stay was significantly longer for the complications group (14.4 vs. 7.9 days, p = 0.001). The complications group had higher percentages of staged procedures (46 vs. 37 %, p = 0.011) and combined anterior-posterior approaches (56 vs. 32 %, p = 0.011) compared with the control group.

    Conclusion

    The major peri-operative complication rate was 8.4 % for 953 surgically treated ASD patients. Significantly higher rates of complications were associated with staged and combined anterior-posterior surgeries. None of the patient factors assessed were significantly associated with the occurrence of major peri-operative complications. Improved understanding of risk profiles and procedure-related parameters may be useful for patient counseling and efforts to reduce complication rates.
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    ItemOpen Access
    The Health Impact of Symptomatic Adult Spinal Deformity: Comparison of Deformity Types to United States Population Norms and Chronic Diseases.
    (Spine, 2016-02) Bess, Shay; Line, Breton; Fu, Kai-Ming; McCarthy, Ian; Lafage, Virgine; Schwab, Frank; Shaffrey, Christopher; Ames, Christopher; Akbarnia, Behrooz; Jo, Han; Kelly, Michael; Burton, Douglas; Hart, Robert; Klineberg, Eric; Kebaish, Khaled; Hostin, Richard; Mundis, Gregory; Mummaneni, Praveen; Smith, Justin S; International Spine Study Group
    A retrospective analysis of a prospective, multicenter database.The aim of this study was to evaluate the health impact of symptomatic adult spinal deformity (SASD) by comparing Standard Form Version 2 (SF-36) scores for SASD with United States normative and chronic disease values.Recent data have identified radiographic parameters correlating with poor health-related quality of life for SASD. Disability comparisons between SASD patients and patients with chronic diseases may provide further insight to the disease burden caused by SASD.Consecutive SASD patients, with no history of spine surgery, were enrolled into a multicenter database and evaluated for type and severity of spinal deformity. Baseline SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) values for SASD patients were compared with reported U.S. normative and chronic disease SF-36 scores. SF-36 scores were reported as normative-based scores (NBS) and evaluated for minimally clinical important difference (MCID).Between 2008 and 2011, 497 SASD patients were prospectively enrolled and evaluated. Mean PCS for all SASD was lower than U.S. total population (ASD = 40.9; US = 50; P < 0.05). Generational decline in PCS for SASD patients with no other reported comorbidities was more rapid than U.S. norms (P < 0.05). PCS worsened with lumbar scoliosis and increasing sagittal vertical axis (SVA). PCS scores for patients with isolated thoracic scoliosis were similar to values reported by individuals with chronic back pain (45.5 vs 45.7, respectively; P > 0.05), whereas patients with lumbar scoliosis combined with severe sagittal malalignment (SVA >10 cm) demonstrated worse PCS scores than values reported by patients with limited use of arms and legs (24.7 vs 29.1, respectively; P < 0.05).SASD is a heterogeneous condition that, depending upon the type and severity of the deformity, can have a debilitating impact on health often exceeding the disability of more recognized chronic diseases. Health care providers must be aware of the types of SASD that correlate with disability to facilitate appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and research efforts.3.
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    ItemOpen Access
    The minimally invasive spinal deformity surgery algorithm: a reproducible rational framework for decision making in minimally invasive spinal deformity surgery.
    (Neurosurgical focus, 2014-05) Mummaneni, Praveen V; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Lenke, Lawrence G; Park, Paul; Park, Paul; Wang, Michael Y; La Marca, Frank; Smith, Justin S; Mundis, Gregory M; Okonkwo, David O; Moal, Bertrand; Fessler, Richard G; Anand, Neel; Uribe, Juan S; Kanter, Adam S; Akbarnia, Behrooz; Fu, Kai-Ming G; Minimally Invasive Surgery Section of the International Spine Study Group

    Object

    Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is an alternative to open deformity surgery for the treatment of patients with adult spinal deformity. However, at this time MIS techniques are not as versatile as open deformity techniques, and MIS techniques have been reported to result in suboptimal sagittal plane correction or pseudarthrosis when used for severe deformities. The minimally invasive spinal deformity surgery (MISDEF) algorithm was created to provide a framework for rational decision making for surgeons who are considering MIS versus open spine surgery.

    Methods

    A team of experienced spinal deformity surgeons developed the MISDEF algorithm that incorporates a patient's preoperative radiographic parameters and leads to one of 3 general plans ranging from MIS direct or indirect decompression to open deformity surgery with osteotomies. The authors surveyed fellowship-trained spine surgeons experienced with spinal deformity surgery to validate the algorithm using a set of 20 cases to establish interobserver reliability. They then resurveyed the same surgeons 2 months later with the same cases presented in a different sequence to establish intraobserver reliability. Responses were collected and tabulated. Fleiss' analysis was performed using MATLAB software.

    Results

    Over a 3-month period, 11 surgeons completed the surveys. Responses for MISDEF algorithm case review demonstrated an interobserver kappa of 0.58 for the first round of surveys and an interobserver kappa of 0.69 for the second round of surveys, consistent with substantial agreement. In at least 10 cases there was perfect agreement between the reviewing surgeons. The mean intraobserver kappa for the 2 surveys was 0.86 ± 0.15 (± SD) and ranged from 0.62 to 1.

    Conclusions

    The use of the MISDEF algorithm provides consistent and straightforward guidance for surgeons who are considering either an MIS or an open approach for the treatment of patients with adult spinal deformity. The MISDEF algorithm was found to have substantial inter- and intraobserver agreement. Although further studies are needed, the application of this algorithm could provide a platform for surgeons to achieve the desired goals of surgery.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Upper thoracic versus lower thoracic upper instrumented vertebrae endpoints have similar outcomes and complications in adult scoliosis.
    (Spine, 2014-06) Kim, Han Jo; Boachie-Adjei, Oheneba; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Schwab, Frank; Lafage, Virginie; Bess, Shay; Gupta, Munish C; Smith, Justin S; Deviren, Vedat; Akbarnia, Behrooz; Mundis, Greg M; OʼBrien, Michael; Hostin, Richard; Ames, Christopher; International Spine Study Group

    Study design

    Retrospective review-multicenter database.

    Objective

    The purpose of this study was to compare the upper thoracic (UT) and lower thoracic (LT) upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) in long fusions to the sacrum for adult scoliosis.

    Summary of background data

    The optimal UIV for stopping long fusions to the sacrum/pelvis are controversial. Although a UT endpoint may lead to greater operative times, blood loss, and higher rates of pseudarthrosis, the risk for the development of proximal junctional kyphosis and need for revision surgery is likely lower.

    Methods

    Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients with adult spinal deformity, Patients were selected on the basis of fusions to the sacrum/pelvis with UIV of T1-T6 (UT group) and those with a UIV of T9-L1 (LT group). Demographic data, operative details, and radiographical outcomes with Scoliosis Research Society scores, and Oswestry Disability Index outcomes were collected, as well as complication data were compared. The Fisher exact T tests were used for statistical analysis.

    Results

    A total of 198 patients (UT = 91, LT = 107) with a mean age of 61.6 were followed for an average of 2.5 years. Demographic variables were similar between the groups except for larger numbers of females in the UT group and a slightly higher body mass index in the LT group. Preoperatively, the UT group demonstrated significantly more lumbar scoliosis, thoracic scoliosis, and thoracolumbar kyphosis. The UT group demonstrated a larger number of fused segments length of stay and longer operative times. There was slightly larger volume of blood loss in the UT group.The total number of complications and number of revision surgical procedures were similar between the groups. The UT group had a higher percentage of patients with 2 or more complications. Both groups had similar proximal junctional kyphosis angles and number of cases requiring revision for proximal junctional kyphosis. Scoliosis Research Society and Oswestry Disability Index outcomes were similar between the groups.

    Conclusion

    The UT and LT groups had similar outcomes. The UT group may have a higher rate of total complications, but major complications requiring return to the operative room were similar. The length of stay and operative times were higher in the UT group but may have been necessarily evidenced by the significantly higher coronal deformity and greater thoracolumbar kyphosis in the UT group.

    Level of evidence

    4.