Browsing by Author "Buell, Thomas J"
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Item Open Access A Novel Junctional Tether Weave Technique for Adult Spinal Deformity: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.(Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.), 2019-02) Buell, Thomas J; Mullin, Jeffrey P; Nguyen, James H; Taylor, Davis G; Garces, Juanita; Mazur, Marcus D; Buchholz, Avery L; Shaffrey, Mark E; Yen, Chun-Po; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SProximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a common problem after multilevel spine instrumentation for adult spinal deformity. Various anti-PJK techniques such as junctional tethers for ligamentous augmentation have been proposed. We present an operative video demonstrating technical nuances of junctional tether "weave" application. A 70-yr-old male with prior L2-S1 instrumented fusion presented with worsening back pain and posture. Imaging demonstrated pathological loss of lumbar lordosis (flat back deformity), proximal junctional failure, and pseudarthrosis. The patient had severe global and segmental sagittal malalignment, with sagittal vertical axis (SVA, C7-plumbline) measuring 22.3 cm, pelvic incidence (PI) 55°, lumbar lordosis (LL) 8° in kyphosis, pelvic tilt (PT) 30°, and thoracic kyphosis (TK) 6°. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and use of imaging for medical publication. Briefly, surgery first involved re-instrumentation with bilateral pedicle screws from T10 to S1. After right-sided iliac screw fixation (left-sided iliac screw fixation was not performed due to extensive prior iliac crest bone graft harvesting), we then completed a L2-3 Smith-Petersen osteotomy, extended L4 pedicle subtraction osteotomy, and L3-4 interbody arthrodesis with a 12° lordotic cage (9 × 14 × 40 mm). Cobalt Chromium rods were placed spanning the instrumentation bilaterally, and accessory supplemental rods spanning the PSO were attached. An anti-PJK junctional tether "weave" was then implemented using 4.5 mm polyethylene tape (Mersilene tape [Ethicon, Somerville, New Jersey]). Postoperative imaging demonstrated improved alignment (SVA 2.8 cm, PI 55°, LL 53°, PT 25°, TK 45°) and no significant neurological complications occurred during convalescence or at 6 mo postop.Item Open Access A Novel Weave Tether Technique for Proximal Junctional Kyphosis Prevention in 71 Adult Spinal Deformity Patients: A Preliminary Case Series Assessing Early Complications and Efficacy.(Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.), 2021-11) Rabinovich, Emily P; Buell, Thomas J; Sardi, Juan P; Lazaro, Bruno CR; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SBackground
Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) rates may be as high as 69.4% after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. PJK is one of the greatest unsolved challenges in long-segment fusions for ASD and remains a common indication for costly and impactful revision surgery. Junctional tethers may help to reduce the occurrence of PJK by attenuating adjacent-segment stress.Objective
To report our experience and assess early safety associated with a novel "weave-tether technique" (WTT) for PJK prophylaxis in a large series of patients.Methods
This single-center retrospective study evaluated consecutive patients who underwent ASD surgery including WTT between 2017 and 2018. Patient demographics, operative details, standard radiographic measurements, and complications were analyzed.Results
A total of 71 patients (mean age 66 ± 12 yr, 65% women) were identified. WTT included application to the upper-most instrumented vertebrae (UIV) + 1 and UIV + 2 in 38(53.5%) and 33(46.5%) patients, respectively. No complications directly attributed to WTT usage were identified. For patients with radiographic follow-up (96%; mean duration 14 ± 12 mo), PJK occurred in 15% (mean 1.8 ± 1.0 mo postoperatively). Proximal junctional angle increased an average 4° (10° to 14°, P = .004). Rates of symptomatic PJK and revision for PJK were 8.8% and 2.9%, respectively.Conclusion
Preliminary results support the safety of the WTT for PJK prophylaxis. Approximately 15% of patients developed radiographic PJK, no complications were directly attributed to WTT usage, and the revision rate for PJK was low. These early results warrant future research to assess longer-term efficacy of the WTT for PJK prophylaxis in ASD surgery.Item Open Access A Pilot Study on Posterior Polyethylene Tethers to Prevent Proximal Junctional Kyphosis After Multilevel Spinal Instrumentation for Adult Spinal Deformity.(Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.), 2019-02) Buell, Thomas J; Buchholz, Avery L; Quinn, John C; Bess, Shay; Line, Breton G; Ames, Christopher P; Schwab, Frank J; Lafage, Virginie; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SBACKGROUND:Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a common problem after multilevel spine instrumentation. OBJECTIVE:To determine if junctional tethers reduce PJK after multilevel instrumented surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD). METHODS:ASD patients who underwent posterior instrumented fusion were divided into 3 groups: no tether (NT), polyethylene tether-only (TO; tied securely through the spinous processes of the uppermost instrumented vertebra [UIV] + 1 and UIV-1), and tether with crosslink (TC; passed through the spinous process of UIV+1 and tied to a crosslink between UIV-1 and UIV-2). PJK was defined as proximal junctional angle ≥ 10° and ≥ 10° greater than the corresponding preoperative measurement. RESULTS:One hundred eighty-four (96%) of 191 consecutive patients achieved minimum 3-mo follow-up (mean = 20 mo [range:3-56 mo]; mean age = 66 yr; 67.4% female). There were no significant differences between groups based on demographic, surgical, and sagittal radiographic parameters. PJK rates were 45.3% (29/64), 34.4% (22/64), and 17.9% (10/56) for NT, TO, and TC, respectively. PJK rate for all tethered patients (TO + TC; 26.7% [32/120]) was significantly lower than NT (P = .011). PJK rate for TC was significantly lower than NT (P = .001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant time-dependent PJK reduction for TC vs NT (log rank test, P = .010). Older age and greater change in lumbar lordosis were independent predictors of PJK, while junctional tethers had a significant protective effect. CONCLUSION:Junctional tethers significantly reduced occurrence of PJK. This difference was progressive from NT to TO to TC, but only reached pairwise significance for NT vs TC. This suggests potential benefit of tethers to reduce PJK, and that future prospective studies are warranted.Item Open Access A single-center retrospective analysis of 3- or 4-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: surgical outcomes in 66 patients.(Journal of neurosurgery. Spine, 2020-10) McClure, Jesse J; Desai, Bhargav D; Shabo, Leah M; Buell, Thomas J; Yen, Chun-Po; Smith, Justin S; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Shaffrey, Mark E; Buchholz, Avery LObjective
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a safe and effective intervention to treat cervical spine pathology. Although these were originally performed as single-level procedures, multilevel ACDF has been performed for patients with extensive degenerative disc disease. To date, there is a paucity of data regarding outcomes related to ACDFs of 3 or more levels. The purpose of this study was to compare surgical outcomes of 3- and 4-level ACDF procedures.Methods
The authors performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent 3- and 4-level ACDF at the University of Virginia Health System between January 2010 and December 2017. In patients meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria, demographics, fusion rates, time to fusion, and reoperation rates were evaluated. Fusion was determined by < 1 mm of change in interspinous distance between individual fused vertebrae on lateral flexion/extension radiographs and lack of radiolucency between the grafts and vertebral bodies. Any procedure requiring a surgical revision was considered a failure.Results
Sixty-six patients (47 with 3-level and 19 with 4-level ACDFs) met the inclusion/exclusion criteria of having at least one lateral flexion/extension radiograph series ≥ 12 months after surgery. Seventy percent of 3-level patients and 68% of 4-level patients had ≥ 24 months of follow-up. Ninety-four percent of 3-level patients and 100% of 4-level patients achieved radiographic fusion for at least 1 surgical level. Eighty-eight percent and 82% of 3- and 4-level patients achieved fusion at C3-4; 85% and 89% of 3- and 4-level patients achieved fusion at C4-5; 68% and 89% of 3- and 4-level patients achieved fusion at C5-6; 44% and 42% of 3- and 4-level patients achieved fusion at C6-7; and no patients achieved fusion at C7-T1. Time to fusion was not significantly different between levels. Revision was required in 6.4% of patients with 3-level and in 16% of patients with 4-level ACDF. The mean time to revision was 46.2 and 45.4 months for 3- and 4-level ACDF, respectively. The most common reason for revision was worsening of initial symptoms.Conclusions
The authors' experience with long-segment anterior cervical fusions shows their fusion rates exceeding most of the reported fusion rates for similar procedures in the literature, with rates similar to those reported for short-segment ACDFs. Three-level and 4-level ACDF procedures are viable options for cervical spine pathology, and the authors' analysis demonstrates an equivalent rate of fusion and time to fusion between 3- and 4-level surgeries.Item Open Access Adult Cervical Deformity Patients Have Higher Baseline Frailty, Disability, and Comorbidities Compared With Complex Adult Thoracolumbar Deformity Patients: A Comparative Cohort Study of 616 Patients.(Global spine journal, 2023-11) Smith, Justin S; Kelly, Michael P; Buell, Thomas J; Ben-Israel, David; Diebo, Bassel; Scheer, Justin K; Line, Breton; Lafage, Virginie; Lafage, Renaud; Klineberg, Eric; Kim, Han Jo; Passias, Peter; Gum, Jeffrey L; Kebaish, Khal; Mullin, Jeffrey P; Eastlack, Robert; Daniels, Alan; Soroceanu, Alex; Mundis, Gregory; Hostin, Richard; Protopsaltis, Themistocles S; Hamilton, D Kojo; Gupta, Munish; Lewis, Stephen J; Schwab, Frank J; Lenke, Lawrence G; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Burton, Douglas; Ames, Christopher P; Bess, Shay; International Spine Study GroupStudy design
Multicenter comparative cohort.Objective
Studies have shown markedly higher rates of complications and all-cause mortality following surgery for adult cervical deformity (ACD) compared with adult thoracolumbar deformity (ATLD), though the reasons for these differences remain unclear. Our objectives were to compare baseline frailty, disability, and comorbidities between ACD and complex ATLD patients undergoing surgery.Methods
Two multicenter prospective adult spinal deformity registries were queried, one ATLD and one ACD. Baseline clinical and frailty measures were compared between the cohorts.Results
616 patients were identified (107 ACD and 509 ATLD). These groups had similar mean age (64.6 vs 60.8 years, respectively, P = .07). ACD patients were less likely to be women (51.9% vs 69.5%, P < .001) and had greater Charlson Comorbidity Index (1.5 vs .9, P < .001) and ASA grade (2.7 vs 2.4, P < .001). ACD patients had worse VR-12 Physical Component Score (PCS, 25.7 vs 29.9, P < .001) and PROMIS Physical Function Score (33.3 vs 35.3, P = .031). All frailty measures were significantly worse for ACD patients, including hand dynamometer (44.6 vs 55.6 lbs, P < .001), CSHA Clinical Frailty Score (CFS, 4.0 vs 3.2, P < .001), and Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS, 5.15 vs 3.21, P < .001). Greater proportions of ACD patients were frail (22.9% vs 5.7%) or vulnerable (15.6% vs 10.9%) based on EFS (P < .001).Conclusions
Compared with ATLD patients, ACD patients had worse baseline characteristics on all measures assessed (comorbidities/disability/frailty). These differences may help account for greater risk of complications and all-cause mortality previously observed in ACD patients and facilitate strategies for better preoperative optimization.Item Open Access Adult revision surgery of prior hook-and-rod wire instrumentation for idiopathic scoliosis.(Neurosurgical focus: Video, 2020-01) Burke, Rebecca M; Buell, Thomas J; Maggio, Dominic M; Yener, Ulas; Yen, Chun-Po; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients treated with spinal fusion may develop adjacent segment disease and curve progression into adulthood. Revision operations can be challenging, especially for adult patients treated with outdated instrumentation such as sublaminar hooks and/or wires. The authors demonstrate revision lumbar spine surgery in a 38-year-old female with scoliosis progression from junctional degeneration below a prior T5-L3 posterior instrumented arthrodesis with a hook-and-rod wire system. They also demonstrate safe application of an ultrasonic bone scalpel for completion of a Smith-Petersen osteotomy. The patient provided written, informed consent for all material presented in this case demonstration. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/3PmaFtNcqKc.Item Open Access Alignment Risk Factors for Proximal Junctional Kyphosis and the Effect of Lower Thoracic Junctional Tethers for Adult Spinal Deformity.(World neurosurgery, 2019-01) Buell, Thomas J; Chen, Ching-Jen; Quinn, John C; Buchholz, Avery L; Mazur, Marcus D; Mullin, Jeffrey P; Nguyen, James H; Taylor, Davis G; Bess, Shay; Line, Breton G; Ames, Christopher P; Schwab, Frank J; Lafage, Virginie; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SObjective
The aims of this retrospective cohort study were to 1) identify new alignment risk factors for proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients with lower thoracic upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) and 2) determine the effect of junctional tethers on PJK and UIV alignment.Methods
We analyzed consecutive ASD patients who underwent posterior instrumented fusion with lower thoracic UIV (T9-T11). Posteriorly anchored junctional tethers were used more recently for ligamentous augmentation to prevent PJK. In addition to regional and global parameters, upper segmental lumbar lordosis (ULL) versus lower segmental lumbar lordosis and UIV angle (measured from UIV inferior endplate to horizontal) were assessed. Primary outcome of PJK was defined as proximal junctional angle >10° and >10° greater than the corresponding preoperative measurement. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed.Results
The study cohort comprised 120 ASD patients (mean age, 67 years) with minimum 1-year follow-up. Preoperative ULL (P = 0.034) and UIV angle (P = 0.026) were associated with PJK. No independent preoperative alignment risk factors of PJK were identified in multivariable analysis. Tether use was protective against PJK (odds ratio, 0.063 [0.016-0.247]; P < 0.001). PJK in tethered patients was more common with greater postoperative ULL (P = 0.047) and UIV angle (P = 0.026).Conclusions
Junctional tethers significantly reduced PJK in ASD patients with lower thoracic UIV. In tethered patients, PJK was more common with greater postoperative lordosis of the upper lumbar spine and greater UIV angle. This finding suggests potential benefit of tethers to mitigate effects of segmental lumbar and focal UIV malalignment that may occur after deformity surgery.Item Open Access Analysis of tranexamic acid usage in adult spinal deformity patients with relative contraindications: does it increase the risk of complications?(Journal of neurosurgery. Spine, 2024-03) Mullin, Jeffrey P; Soliman, Mohamed AR; Smith, Justin S; Kelly, Michael P; Buell, Thomas J; Diebo, Bassel; Scheer, Justin K; Line, Breton; Lafage, Virginie; Lafage, Renaud; Klineberg, Eric; Kim, Han Jo; Passias, Peter G; Gum, Jeffrey L; Kebaish, Khaled; Eastlack, Robert K; Daniels, Alan H; Soroceanu, Alex; Mundis, Gregory; Hostin, Richard; Protopsaltis, Themistocles S; Hamilton, D Kojo; Gupta, Munish C; Lewis, Stephen J; Schwab, Frank J; Lenke, Lawrence G; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Bess, Shay; Ames, Christopher P; Burton, DouglasObjective
Complex spinal deformity surgeries may involve significant blood loss. The use of antifibrinolytic agents such as tranexamic acid (TXA) has been proven to reduce perioperative blood loss. However, for patients with a history of thromboembolic events, there is concern of increased risk when TXA is used during these surgeries. This study aimed to assess whether TXA use in patients undergoing complex spinal deformity correction surgeries increases the risk of thromboembolic complications based on preexisting thromboembolic risk factors.Methods
Data were analyzed for adult patients who received TXA during surgical correction for spinal deformity at 21 North American centers between August 2018 and October 2022. Patients with preexisting thromboembolic events and other risk factors (history of deep venous thrombosis [DVT], pulmonary embolism [PE], myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or cancer) were identified. Thromboembolic complication rates were assessed during the postoperative 90 days. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess thromboembolic outcomes in high-risk and low-risk patients who received intravenous TXA.Results
Among 411 consecutive patients who underwent complex spinal deformity surgery and received TXA intraoperatively, 130 (31.6%) were considered high-risk patients. There was no significant difference in thromboembolic complications between patients with and those without preexisting thromboembolic risk factors in univariate analysis (high-risk group vs low-risk group: 8.5% vs 2.8%, p = 0.45). Specifically, there were no significant differences between groups regarding the 90-day postoperative rates of DVT (high-risk group vs low-risk group: 1.5% vs 1.4%, p = 0.98), PE (2.3% vs 1.8%, p = 0.71), acute MI (1.5% vs 0%, p = 0.19), or stroke (0.8% vs 1.1%, p > 0.99). On multivariate analysis, high-risk status was not a significant independent predictor for any of the thromboembolic complications.Conclusions
Administration of intravenous TXA during the correction procedure did not change rates of thromboembolic events, acute MI, or stroke in this cohort of adult spinal deformity surgery patients.Item Open Access Analysis of tranexamic acid usage in adult spinal deformity patients with relative contraindications: does it increase the risk of complications?(JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY-SPINE, 2024) Mullin, Jeffrey P; Soliman, Mohamed AR; Smith, Justin S; Kelly, Michael P; Buell, Thomas J; Diebo, Bassel; Scheer, Justin K; Line, Breton; Lafage, Virginie; Lafage, Renaud; Klineberg, Eric; Kim, Han Jo; Passias, Peter G; Gum, Jeffrey L; Kebaish, Khaled; Eastlack, Robert K; Daniels, Alan H; Soroceanu, Alex; Mundis, Gregory; Hostin, Richard; Protopsaltis, Themistocles S; Hamilton, D Kojo; Gupta, Munish C; Lewis, Stephen J; Schwab, Frank J; Lenke, Lawrence G; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Bess, Shay; Ames, Christopher P; Burton, DouglasItem Open Access Coronal Correction Using Kickstand Rods for Adult Thoracolumbar/Lumbar Scoliosis: Case Series With Analysis of Early Outcomes and Complications.(Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.), 2020-09) Buell, Thomas J; Christiansen, Peter A; Nguyen, James H; Chen, Ching-Jen; Yen, Chun-Po; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SBackground
The "kickstand rod technique" has been recently described for achieving and maintaining coronal correction in adult spinal deformity (ASD). Kickstand rods span scoliotic lumbar spine from the thoracolumbar junction proximally to a "kickstand iliac screw" distally. Using the iliac wing as a base, kickstand distraction produces powerful corrective forces. Limited literature exists for this technique, and its associated outcomes and complications are unknown.Objective
To assess alignment changes, early outcomes, and complications associated with kickstand rod distraction for ASD.Methods
Consecutive ASD patients treated with kickstand distraction at our institution were retrospectively analyzed.Results
The cohort comprised 19 patients (mean age: 67 yr; 79% women; 63% prior fusion) with mean follow-up 21 wk (range: 2-72 wk). All patients had posterior-only approach surgery with tri-iliac fixation (third iliac screw for the kickstand) for mean fusion length 12 levels. Three-column osteotomy and lumbar transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion were performed in 5 (26%) and 15 (79%) patients, respectively. Postoperative alignment improved significantly (coronal balance: 8 to 1 cm [P < .001]; major curve: 37° to 12° [P < .001]; fractional curve: 20° to 10° [P < .001]; sagittal balance: 11 to 4 cm [P < .001]; pelvic incidence to lumbar lordosis mismatch: 38° to 9° [P < .001]). Pain Numerical Rating Scale scores improved significantly (back: 7.2 to 4.2 [P = .001]; leg: 5.9 to 1.7 [P = .001]). No instrumentation complications occurred. Motor weakness persisted in 1 patient. There were 3 reoperations (1-PJK, 1-wound dehiscence, and 1-overcorrection).Conclusion
Among 19 ASD patients treated with kickstand rod distraction, alignment, and back/leg pain improved significantly following surgery. Complication rates were reasonable.Item Open Access Deformity Correction Through the Use of Reduction Towers: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.(Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.), 2020-08) Buchholz, Avery L; Buell, Thomas J; Shaffrey, Mark E; Haid, Regis W; Shaffrey, Christopher ISpinal deformity management can be difficult. The decision for surgery, approach, number of levels, and surgical technique all present challenges. Even when other issues are managed appropriately the process of how to correct the deformity needs special consideration. Numerous techniques have been studied including vertebra-to-rod, rod de-rotation, 3-rod-techniques, and cantilever maneuvers. While cantilever is the preferred technique when treating sagittal plane deformity, scoliosis often requires a combination of techniques due to the complexity of deformity in coronal and transverse planes. This video illustrates an adult scoliosis correction using sequential reduction towers and de-rotation techniques. Using this method the step of hook holders is eliminated and tension is distributed evenly across the rod using sequential reduction of the reduction towers across the length of the rod. This has led to a very efficient correction of our deformity as well as a powerful de-rotation tool. We routinely use this technique for flexible and rigid deformities, which is assessed pre-op with a computed tomography. The patient is a 67-yr-old female with prior lumbar decompressions and worsening back pain with radiculopathy. No significant sagittal malalignment is present but pelvic tilt is elevated and a coronal deformity exists. pelvic incidence measures 59°, LL50°, PT28° and lumbar scoliosis shows a coronal Cobb angle of 50.8°. Briefly, surgery involved transpedicular instrumentation from T10-S1 with bilateral iliac screw fixation. To achieve mobility posterior column osteotomies were performed at T12-L1, L1-2, L2-3, L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1 levels. TLIF was performed at L4-5, L5-S1 for fusion. Postoperative scoliosis X-rays demonstrated improved sagittal and coronal alignment with PI59°, LL59°, PT22°, and coronal Cobb angle of 12°.Item Open Access Editorial. Anterior cervical fusion and rhBMP-2: a prospective study is needed to assess optimal dosing and delivery.(Neurosurgical focus, 2021-06) Buell, Thomas J; Shaffrey, Christopher IOBJECTIVE The use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) in routine anterior cervical fusion (ACF) is controversial. Early reports described high complication rates. A variety of dosing regimens ranging from 0.6 to 2.1 mg per level fused have been reported. The authors hypothesized that the high amounts of rhBMP-2 used in these studies led to the high complication rates observed; therefore, they set out to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-dose rhBMP-2 for use in ACFs. METHODS Patient inclusion criteria were 1) age 18 to 70 years; 2) initial stand-alone ACF construct; 3) fusion augmentation with rhBMP-2; and 4) at least 1 year of radiographic follow-up. A successful fusion was defined by either 1) lateral flexion-extension radiographs with less than 1 mm of movement across the fused spinous processes, or 2) bone bridging at least half of the fusion area originally achieved by surgery on fine-cut CT. Patient demographics, perioperative data, and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS A total of 198 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Sixty-two patients (31%) were smokers. The median number of levels fused was 2 (IQR 1.25). The mean dose of rhBMP-2 was 0.50 ± 0.09 mg per level. Twenty-two (11%) patients experienced dysphagia. Eleven (6%) patients experienced cervical swelling. Two (1%) patients returned to the operating room (OR) for postoperative hematoma. One (0.5%) patient returned to the OR for seroma. Two (1%) patients experienced pseudarthrosis requiring a posterior fusion. Three (2%) patients experienced a new postoperative neurological deficit that had recovered by last the follow-up. Overall, 190 (96%) patients experienced solid arthrodesis over an average of 15 months of follow-up. There was no difference in fusion rates between patients who were either smokers or nonsmokers (p = 0.7073). CONCLUSIONS The use of low-dose rhBMP-2 safely and effectively augmented anterior cervical arthrodesis. The low-dose protocol assessed in this study appeared to significantly reduce complications associated with rhBMP-2 use in ACF compared with the literature. The authors have determined that using low-dose rhBMP-2 in patients who are smokers, those with multilevel ACFs, or others at high risk of developing pseudarthrosis is recommended.Item Open Access Editorial. Training the next generation of spine surgeons: an orthopedic and neurosurgical collaboration with historical precedence.(Journal of neurosurgery. Spine, 2021-08) Shaffrey, Christopher I; Buell, Thomas JItem Open Access Extended Asymmetrical Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy for Adult Spinal Deformity: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.(Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.), 2019-02) Buell, Thomas J; Buchholz, Avery L; Quinn, John C; Mullin, Jeffrey P; Garces, Juanita; Mazur, Marcus D; Shaffrey, Mark E; Yen, Chun-Po; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SPedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is an effective technique to correct fixed sagittal malalignment. A variation of this technique, the "trans-discal" or "extended" PSO (Schwab grade IV osteotomy), involves extending the posterior wedge resection of the index vertebra to include the superior adjacent disc for radical discectomy. The posterior wedge may be resected in asymmetric fashion to correct concurrent global coronal malalignment.This video illustrates the technical nuances of an extended asymmetrical lumbar PSO for adult spinal deformity. A 62-yr-old female with multiple prior lumbar fusions presented with worsening back pain and posture. Preoperative scoliosis X-rays demonstrated severe global sagittal and coronal malalignment (sagittal vertical axis [SVA, C7-plumbline] of 13.5 cm, pelvic incidence [PI] of 60°, lumbar lordosis [LL] of 14° [in kyphosis], pelvic tilt [PT] of 61°, thoracic kyphosis [TK] of 18°, and rightward coronal shift of 9.3 cm). The patient gave informed consent to surgery and for use of her imaging for medical publication. Briefly, surgery first involved transpedicular instrumentation from T10 to S1 with bilateral iliac screw fixation, and then T11-12 and T12-L1 Smith-Petersen osteotomies were performed. Next, an extended asymmetrical L4 PSO was performed and a 12° lordotic cage (9 × 14 × 40 mm) was placed at the PSO defect. Rods were placed from T10 to iliac bilaterally, and accessory supplemental rods spanning the PSO were attached. Postoperative scoliosis X-rays demonstrated improved alignment: SVA 5.5 cm, PI 60°, LL 55°, PT 36°, TK 37°, and 3.7 cm of rightward coronal shift. The patient had uneventful recovery.Item Open Access Factors Associated with the Maintenance of Cost-Effectiveness at 5 Years in Adult Spinal Deformity Corrective Surgery.(Spine, 2024-03) Passias, Peter G; Mir, Jamshaid M; Dave, Pooja; Smith, Justin S; Lafage, Renaud; Gum, Jeffrey; Line, Breton G; Diebo, Bassel; Daniels, Alan H; Hamilton, David Kojo; Buell, Thomas J; Scheer, Justin K; Eastlack, Robert K; Mullin, Jeffrey P; Mundis, Gregory M; Hosogane, Naobumi; Yagi, Mitsuru; Schoenfeld, Andrew J; Uribe, Juan S; Anand, Neel; Mummaneni, Praveen V; Chou, Dean; Klineberg, Eric O; Kebaish, Khaled M; Lewis, Stephen J; Gupta, Munish C; Kim, Han Jo; Hart, Robert A; Lenke, Lawrence G; Ames, Christopher P; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Schwab, Frank J; Lafage, Virginie; Hostin, Richard A; Bess, Shay; Burton, Douglas C; International Spine Study GroupStudy design
Retrospective cohort.Objective
To evaluate factors associated with the long-term durability of cost-effectiveness (CE) in ASD patients.Background
A substantial increase in costs associated with the surgical treatment for adult spinal deformity (ASD) has given precedence to scrutinize the value and utility it provides.Methods
We included 327 operative ASD patients with 5-year (5 Y) follow-up. Published methods were used to determine costs based on CMS.gov definitions and were based on the average DRG reimbursement rates. Utility was calculated using quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) utilizing the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) converted to Short-Form Six-Dimension (SF-6D), with a 3% discount applied for its decline with life expectancy. The CE threshold of $150,000 was used for primary analysis.Results
Major and minor complication rates were 11% and 47% respectively, with 26% undergoing reoperation by 5 Y. The mean cost associated with surgery was $91,095±$47,003, with a utility gain of 0.091±0.086 at 1Y, QALY gained at 2 Y of 0.171±0.183, and at 5 Y of 0.42±0.43. The cost per QALY at 2 Y was $414,885, which decreased to $142,058 at 5 Y.With the threshold of $150,000 for CE, 19% met CE at 2 Y and 56% at 5 Y. In those in which revision was avoided, 87% met cumulative CE till life expectancy. Controlling analysis depicted higher baseline CCI and pelvic tilt (PT) to be the strongest predictors for not maintaining durable CE to 5 Y (CCI OR: 1.821 [1.159-2.862], P=0.009) (PT OR: 1.079 [1.007-1.155], P=0.030).Conclusions
Most patients achieved cost-effectiveness after four years postoperatively, with 56% meeting at five years postoperatively. When revision was avoided, 87% of patients met cumulative cost-effectiveness till life expectancy. Mechanical complications were predictive of failure to achieve cost-effectiveness at 2 Y, while comorbidity burden and medical complications were at 5 Y.Item Open Access Global coronal decompensation and adult spinal deformity surgery: comparison of upper-thoracic versus lower-thoracic proximal fixation for long fusions.(Journal of neurosurgery. Spine, 2021-08) Buell, Thomas J; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Kim, Han Jo; Klineberg, Eric O; Lafage, Virginie; Lafage, Renaud; Protopsaltis, Themistocles S; Passias, Peter G; Mundis, Gregory M; Eastlack, Robert K; Deviren, Vedat; Kelly, Michael P; Daniels, Alan H; Gum, Jeffrey L; Soroceanu, Alex; Hamilton, D Kojo; Gupta, Munish C; Burton, Douglas C; Hostin, Richard A; Kebaish, Khaled M; Hart, Robert A; Schwab, Frank J; Bess, Shay; Ames, Christopher P; Smith, Justin S; International Spine Study Group (ISSG)Objective
Deterioration of global coronal alignment (GCA) may be associated with worse outcomes after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The impact of fusion length and upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) selection on patients with this complication is unclear. The authors' objective was to compare outcomes between long sacropelvic fusion with upper-thoracic (UT) UIV and those with lower-thoracic (LT) UIV in patients with worsening GCA ≥ 1 cm.Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of a prospective multicenter database of consecutive ASD patients. Index operations involved instrumented fusion from sacropelvis to thoracic spine. Global coronal deterioration was defined as worsening GCA ≥ 1 cm from preoperation to 2-year follow-up.Results
Of 875 potentially eligible patients, 560 (64%) had complete 2-year follow-up data, of which 144 (25.7%) demonstrated worse GCA at 2-year postoperative follow-up (35.4% of UT patients vs 64.6% of LT patients). At baseline, UT patients were younger (61.6 ± 9.9 vs 64.5 ± 8.6 years, p = 0.008), a greater percentage of UT patients had osteoporosis (35.3% vs 16.1%, p = 0.009), and UT patients had worse scoliosis (51.9° ± 22.5° vs 32.5° ± 16.3°, p < 0.001). Index operations were comparable, except UT patients had longer fusions (16.4 ± 0.9 vs 9.7 ± 1.2 levels, p < 0.001) and operative duration (8.6 ± 3.2 vs 7.6 ± 3.0 hours, p = 0.023). At 2-year follow-up, global coronal deterioration averaged 2.7 ± 1.4 cm (1.9 to 4.6 cm, p < 0.001), scoliosis improved (39.3° ± 20.8° to 18.0° ± 14.8°, p < 0.001), and sagittal spinopelvic alignment improved significantly in all patients. UT patients maintained smaller positive C7 sagittal vertical axis (2.7 ± 5.7 vs 4.7 ± 5.7 cm, p = 0.014). Postoperative 2-year health-related quality of life (HRQL) significantly improved from baseline for all patients. HRQL comparisons demonstrated that UT patients had worse Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r) Activity (3.2 ± 1.0 vs 3.6 ± 0.8, p = 0.040) and SRS-22r Satisfaction (3.9 ± 1.1 vs 4.3 ± 0.8, p = 0.021) scores. Also, fewer UT patients improved by ≥ 1 minimal clinically important difference in numerical rating scale scores for leg pain (41.3% vs 62.7%, p = 0.020). Comparable percentages of UT and LT patients had complications (208 total, including 53 reoperations, 77 major complications, and 78 minor complications), but the percentage of reoperated patients was higher among UT patients (35.3% vs 18.3%, p = 0.023). UT patients had higher reoperation rates of rod fracture (13.7% vs 2.2%, p = 0.006) and pseudarthrosis (7.8% vs 1.1%, p = 0.006) but not proximal junctional kyphosis (9.8% vs 8.6%, p = 0.810).Conclusions
In ASD patients with worse 2-year GCA after long sacropelvic fusion, UT UIV was associated with worse 2-year HRQL compared with LT UIV. This may suggest that residual global coronal malalignment is clinically less tolerated in ASD patients with longer fusion to the proximal thoracic spine. These results may inform operative planning and improve patient counseling.Item Open Access Importance of Sagittal Alignment of the Cervical Spine in the Management of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy.(Neurosurgery clinics of North America, 2018-01) Buell, Thomas J; Buchholz, Avery L; Quinn, John C; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SCervical spine sagittal malalignment correlates with worse symptoms and outcomes in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), and should influence surgical management. An anterior versus posterior surgical approach may not significantly change outcomes in patients with preoperative lordosis; however, most studies suggest improved neurologic recovery among kyphotic patients after adequate correction of local sagittal alignment through an anterior or combined anterior-posterior approach. There are no comprehensive guidelines for DCM management in the setting of cervical malalignment; therefore, surgical management should be tailored to individual patients and decisions made at the discretion of treating surgeons with attention to basic principles.Item Open Access Kickstand Rod Technique for Correcting Coronal Imbalance in Adult Scoliosis: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.(Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.), 2020-08) Buell, Thomas J; Buchholz, Avery L; Mazur, Marcus D; Mullin, Jeffrey P; Chen, Ching-Jen; Sokolowski, Jennifer D; Yen, Chun-Po; Shaffrey, Mark E; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SRestoration of spinal alignment and balance is a major goal of adult scoliosis surgery. In the past, sagittal alignment has been emphasized and was shown to have the greatest impact on functional outcomes. However, recent evidence suggests the impact of coronal imbalance on pain and functional outcomes has likely been underestimated.1,2 In addition, iatrogenic coronal imbalance may be common and frequently results from inadequate correction of the lumbosacral fractional curve.2,3 The "kickstand rod" is a recently described technique to achieve and maintain significant coronal-plane correction.4 Also, of secondary benefit, the kickstand rod may function as an accessory supplemental rod to offload stress and bolster primary instrumentation. This may reduce occurrence of rod fracture (RF) or pseudarthrosis (PA).5 Briefly, this technique involves positioning the kickstand rod on the side of coronal imbalance (along the major curve concavity or fractional curve convexity in our video demonstration). The kickstand rod spans the thoracolumbar junction proximally to the pelvis distally and is secured with an additional iliac screw placed just superior to the primary iliac screw. By using the iliac wing as a base, powerful distraction forces can reduce the major curve to achieve more normal coronal balance. This operative video illustrates the technical nuances of utilizing the kickstand rod technique for correction of severe lumbar scoliosis and coronal malalignment in a 60-yr-old male patient. Alignment correction was achieved and maintained without evidence of RF/PA after nearly 6 mo postoperatively. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and to use imaging for medical publication.Item Open Access Kickstand rods and correction of coronal malalignment in patients with adult spinal deformity.(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, 2022-05) Mundis, Gregory M; Walker, Corey T; Smith, Justin S; Buell, Thomas J; Lafage, Renaud; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Eastlack, Robert K; Okonkwo, David O; Bess, Shay; Lafage, Virginie; Uribe, Juan S; Lenke, Lawrence G; Ames, Christopher P; International Spine Study Group (ISSG)Purpose
Coronal malalignment (CM) is a challenging spinal deformity to treat. The kickstand rod (KR) technique is powerful for correcting truncal shift. This study tested the hypothesis that the KR technique provides superior coronal alignment correction in adult deformity compared with traditional rod techniques.Methods
A retrospective evaluation of a prospectively collected multicenter database was performed. A 2:1 matched cohort of non-KR accessory rod and KR patients was planned based on preoperative coronal balance distance (CBD) and a vector of global shift. Patients were subgrouped according to CM classification with a 30-mm CBD threshold defining CM, and comparisons of surgical and clinical outcomes among groups was performed.Results
Twenty-one patients with preoperative CM treated with a KR were matched to 36 controls. KR-treated patients had improved CBD compared with controls (18 vs. 35 mm, P < 0.01). The postoperative CBD did not result in clinical differences between groups in patient-reported outcomes (P ≥ 0.09). Eight (38%) of 21 KR patients and 12 (33%) of 36 control patients with preoperative CM had persistent postoperative CM (P = 0.72). CM class did not significantly affect the likelihood of treatment failure (postoperative CBD > 30 mm) in the KR cohort (P = 0.70), the control cohort (P = 0.35), or the overall population (P = 0.31).Conclusions
Application of the KR technique to coronal spinal deformity in adults allows for successful treatment of CM. Compared to traditional rod techniques, the use of KRs did not improve clinical outcome measures 1 year after spinal deformity surgery but was associated with better postoperative coronal alignment.Item Open Access Letter to the Editor. Proximal junctional kyphosis and proximal junctional failure.(Journal of neurosurgery. Spine, 2018-11) Buell, Thomas J; Taylor, Davis G; Chen, Ching-Jen; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin S; Bess, Shay