Browsing by Author "Passias, PG"
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Item Open Access 166 Predictive Modeling of Length of Hospital Stay Following Adult Spinal Deformity Correction: Analysis of 653 Patients With an Accuracy of 75% Within 2 Days(Neurosurgery, 2016-08-01) Scheer, JK; Ailon, TT; Smith, JS; Hart, R; Burton, DC; Bess, S; Neuman, BJ; Passias, PG; Miller, E; Shaffrey, CI; Schwab, F; Lafage, V; Klineberg, E; Ames, CPINTRODUCTION: The length of stay (LOS) following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery is a critical time period allowing for recovery to levels safe enough to return home or to rehabilitation. Thus, the goal is to minimize it for conserving hospital resources and third-party payer pressure. Factors related to LOS have not been studied nor has a predictive model been created. The goal of this study was to construct a preadmission predictive model based on patients' baseline variables and modifiable surgical parameters.Item Open Access Determining the utility of three-column osteotomies in revision surgery compared with primary surgeries in the thoracolumbar spine: a retrospective cohort study in the United States(Asian Spine Journal, 2024-01-01) Williamson, TK; Onafowokan, OO; Das, A; Mir, JM; Krol, O; Tretiakov, P; Joujon-Roche, R; Imbo, B; Ahmad, S; Owusu-Sarpong, S; Lebovic, J; Vira, S; Schoenfeld, AJ; Janjua, MB; Diebo, B; Lafage, R; Lafage, V; Passias, PGStudy Design: Retrospective cohort study. Purpose: To determine the incidence and success of three-column osteotomies (3COs) performed in primary and revision adult spine deformity (ASD) corrective surgeries. Overview of Literature: 3COs are often required to correct severe, rigid ASD presentations. However, controversy remains on the utility of 3COs, particularly in primary surgery. Methods: Patients ASD having 2-year data were included and divided into 3CO and non-3CO (remaining ASD cohort) groups. For the subanalysis, patients were stratified based on whether they were undergoing primary (P3CO) or revision (R3CO) surgery. Multivariate analysis controlling for age, Charlson comorbidity index, body mass index, baseline pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis, and fused levels evaluated the complication rates and radiographic and patient-reported outcomes between the 3CO and non-3CO groups. Results: Of the 436 patients included, 20% had 3COs. 3COs were performed in 16% of P3COs and 51% of R3COs. Both 3CO groups had greater severity in deformity and disability at baseline; however, only R3COs improved more than non-3COs. Despite greater segmental correction, 3COs had much lower rates of aligning in the lumbar distribution index (LDI), higher mechanical complications, and more reoperations when performed below L3. When comparing P3COs and R3COs, baseline lumbopelvic and global alignments, as well as disability, were different. The R3CO group had greater clinical improvements and global correction (both p <0.04), although the P3CO group achieved alignment in LDI more often (odds ratio, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–6.2; p =0.006). The P3CO group had more neurological complications (30% vs. 13%, p =0.042), whereas the R3CO tended to have higher mechanical complication rates (25% vs. 15%, p =0.2). Conclusions: 3COs showed greater improvements in realignment while failing to demonstrate the same clinical improvement as primaries without a 3CO. Overall, when suitably indicated, a 3CO offers superior utility for achieving optimal realignment across primary and revision surgeries for ASD correction.Item Open Access Evolving concepts in pelvic fixation in adult spinal deformity surgery(Seminars in Spine Surgery, 2023-01-01) Turner, JD; Schupper, AJ; Mummaneni, PV; Uribe, JS; Eastlack, RK; Mundis, GM; Passias, PG; DiDomenico, JD; Harrison Farber, S; Soliman, MAR; Shaffrey, CI; Klineberg, EO; Daniels, AH; Buell, TJ; Burton, DC; Gum, JL; Lenke, LG; Bess, S; Mullin, JPLong-segment adult spinal deformity (ASD) constructs carry a high risk of mechanical complications. Pelvic fixation was introduced to improve distal construct mechanics and has since become the standard for long constructs spanning the lumbosacral junction. Pelvic fixation strategies have evolved substantially over the years. Numerous techniques now use a variety of entry points, screw trajectories, and construct configurations. We review the various strategies for pelvic fixation in ASD in a systematic review of the literature and update the techniques employed in the International Spine Study Group Complex Adult Deformity Surgery database.Item Open Access Examining autocorrection of concurrent cervical malalignment following thoracolumbar deformity surgery(Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine, 2024-01-01) Yung, A; Onafowokan, O; Das, A; Fisher, MR; Passias, PGAims: The aim of the study was to assess preoperative radiographic parameters predictive of cervical deformity (CD) autocorrection in patients undergoing thoracolumbar deformity (ASD) surgery. Study Design/Setting: This was a retrospective cohort study. Methods: Inclusion criteria were operative ASD patients with complete baseline (BL) and 2-year radiographic data. Patients with cervical fusion during index surgery, revision involving cervical fusion, and those who developed proximal junctional kyphosis by 2-year postoperative were excluded from the study. If patients met CD criteria at BL but not at 6 weeks or 2 years postoperatively, they were considered autocorrected (AC). Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive and univariate analysis, binominal logistic regression, and multivariable backward stepwise regression. Results: Two hundred and twenty ASD patients were included. 51.4% of patients had preoperative CD. By 6-week postoperative, 32.7% achieved AC. At 2 years, 24.8% of preoperative CD patients obtained AC. 2-year AC patients had lower BL sacral slope, lumbar lordosis (LL), T1 slope, cervical lordosis (CL), and C2-T3, and T2-T12 kyphosis (all P < 0.05). Patients with BL-unmatched Roussouly types are corrected postoperatively and are more likely to experience autocorrection at 1 year (45.2% vs. 19.0%; P = 0.042) and at 2 years (31% vs. 4.8%; P = 0.018). Multivariable analysis revealed that patients with BL-mismatched Roussouly types were corrected postoperatively and showed a significant increase in likelihood of AC at 1 year (odds ratio [OR]: 18.72; P = 0.029) and 2 years (OR: 8.5; P = 0.047). Similarly, BL LL (OR: 0.772; P = 0.003) and CL (OR: 0.829; P = 0.005) exhibited significant predictive value for autocorrection at 1 year and 2 years (OR: 0.927; P = 0.004 | OR: 0.942; P = 0.039; respectively). Conclusions: Autocorrection is more likely in patients with postoperatively corrected Roussouly types, those with lower BL cervical, and LL. Given these findings, it may not be necessary to routinely extend reconstruction into the cervical spine for ASD patients with similar characteristics to those in this study.Item Open Access Impact of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols on Outcomes Up to Two Years After Adult Structural Spine Disorder Surgery(Spine, 2024-01-01) Yung, A; Onafowokan, OO; Das, A; Fisher, MR; Cottrill, EJ; Prado, IP; Ivasyk, I; Wu, CM; Tretiakov, PS; Lord, EL; Jankowski, PP; Orndorff, DG; Schoenfeld, AJ; Shaffrey, CI; Passias, PGObjective: We analyze the recovery pattern of Adult Structural Spine Disorder (ASD) patients who underwent corrective surgery with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol (ERAS+), including physical and psychological prehabilitation components, compared to non-ERAS protocol (ERAS-) up to 2-years after surgery. Summary of Background Data: Spine surgery for ASD is often highly invasive, which can contribute to prolonged recovery. The trajectory of recovery may be accelerated by the application of enhanced recovery principles. Methods: Inclusion criteria were operative patients with ASD >18yrs with complete baseline, 90 days perioperative, and 2-year postoperative data. We assessed differences in baseline demographics, surgical details, baseline Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL), and surgical outcomes between ERAS+ and ERAS- patients. Outcomes included adverse events, reoperations, and radiographic parameters such as sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lumbar lordosis (LL), T2–T12 kyphosis, and maximum Cobb angle. Additionally, HRQL measures included the PCS, ODI, NDI, EQ-5D, SRS-22r total and domain scores, NRS-Back, and NRS-Leg. We used multivariable logistic regression and ANCOVA to adjust for confounding. Results: 471 patients with ASD met inclusion criteria, with 59 designated ERAS+. Those individuals ERAS+ were older (64.1±13.0 vs 58.0±16.0;p=0.005), had a higher CCI, (2.4±1.8 vs 1.4±1.6;p<0.001), and exhibited a higher modified ASD frailty index (8.2±5.4vs6.3±4.9;p=0.019). Adjusted analysis demonstrated the ERAS+ cohort demonstrated lower likelihood of overall reoperations (OR:0.3; 95%CI:0.13-0.89), and a lower likelihood of overall adverse events (OR:0.4;CI95%:0.19-0.93). ERAS+ was more likely to achieve the MCID in the SRS-22r Total scores at 6 months(OR:3.1;CI95%:1.2-8.4), self-image domain at 6 months (OR:9.0;CI95%:1.6-50.0), in the pain domain at 6 months (OR:3.5;CI95%:1.01-11.9) and 1 year postoperatively (OR:2.6;CI95%:1.03-6.7), and in the SF-36’s physical component summary scores (PCS) at 1 year (OR:2.1;CI95%:1.05-4.2). No other statistically significant differences in HRQL were observed at the remaining time points (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Our work is the first to evaluate HRQL metrics and complication over two-years following ASD correction with ERAS. Despite presenting with more severe baseline frailty and higher comorbidity profiles, patients with ASD who underwent corrective surgery with an ERAS protocol experienced fewer short-term adverse events, and improved HRQL. We believe ERAS following ASD surgery leads to faster functional recovery, reduced postoperative deconditioning, and improved quality of life.Item Open Access Preoperative dysphonia and dysphagia improve following cervical deformity surgery(Spine Journal, 2024-09-01) Soroceanu, A; Gum, JL; Protopsaltis, TS; Hamilton, DK; Passias, PG; Lafage, R; Smith, JS; Kebaish, KM; Eastlack, RK; Klineberg, EO; Gupta, MC; Lafage, V; Schwab, FJ; Shaffrey, CI; Bess, S; Burton, DC; Ames, CPBACKGROUND CONTEXT: Twenty-five percent of adult cervical deformity patients undergoing deformity correction have impairment due to a voice problem prior to surgery. Prior work has shown that these patients tend to be more frail and more likely to report preoperative dysphagia. We hypothesized that these patients could be at increased risk of post operative dysphonia and dysphagia. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify how patients with preoperative dysphonia differ from their counterparts in terms postoperative dysphagia, dysphonia and HRQOL 6 weeks post surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective analysis of a prospective multicenter cervical deformity database. PATIENT SAMPLE: Adult cervical deformity patients with preop dysphonia undergoing deformity correction. OUTCOME MEASURES: Voice handicap index-10 (VHI-10). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospective multicenter cervical deformity database. The voice handicap index-10 (VHI-10) was used to assess patient's perception of impairment due to problems with their voice prior to surgery. A score ≥11 was considered indicative of dysphonia. Patients were divided into two groups: normalVHI group (VHI-10 score <11) and highVHI group (VHI score ≥11). The two groups were compared in terms of baseline demographics, alignment, surgical metrics, and 6-week dysphagia (measured on the EAT-10 questionnaire), and post operative outcomes. T-tests and chi2 tests were performed, as appropriate. The significance level was p<0.05. RESULTS: There were 74 ACD patients included: NormalVHI (n=58, average VHI score 2.77) and HighVHI (n=16, average VHI score 16.37). The groups were similar in terms of baseline demographics and preoperative alignment. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of surgical metrics between the two groups (revision surgery p=0.21, anterior approach p=0.92, use of osteotomies p=0.71, and OR time p=0.15). The two groups had a similar rate of in hospital adverse events (12.2% vs 7.7%, p=0.64), and similar improvements on the NDI, mJOA, and NRS neck and arm pain. HighVHI patients showed significant improvement on the VHI score 6 weeks post-surgery (11.18 vs 16.37, p=0.01). The HighVHI group also showed postoperative improvement on the EAT-10 questionnaire, compared to NormalVHI patients (-3.68 vs 4.03, p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-five percent of adult cervical deformity patients undergoing deformity correction have impairment due to a voice problem prior to surgery. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, these patients exhibited improvement in dysphonia and dysphagia scores 6 weeks post surgery, with 81% reporting improvement in symptoms of dysphonia, and 69% reporting improvement in symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia. FDA Device/Drug Status: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.Item Open Access Proximal junctional kyphosis and failure: How much can we attribute to known risk factors?(Spine Journal, 2024-09-01) Onafowokan, O; Jankowski, PP; Mir, J; Das, A; Hockley, A; Lorentz, N; Galetta, MS; Lebovic, J; Hamilton, DK; Diebo, BG; Daniels, AH; Anand, N; Pour, PT; Sciubba, DM; Ramos, RDLG; Shaffrey, CI; Lafage, R; Lafage, V; Schoenfeld, AJ; Passias, PGBACKGROUND CONTEXT: Despite advancements in the understanding of spinal alignment and in instrumentation for adult spine deformity (ASD) surgery, complications such as proximal junctional kyphosis and proximal junctional failure (PJK/PJF) continue to be a significant concern. PURPOSE: To assess the attributable risk of various reported contributors to development of PJK/PJF. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 464 ASD patients. OUTCOME MEASURES: Odds ratios of PJK/F risk factors. METHODS: We included ASD patients with complete baseline (BL) and up to 2Y clinical, radiographic and HRQL data. Stratified according to development of PJK/PJF by 2 years. Means comparison analyses compared outcomes between groups. Backstep logistic regression assessed factors predictive of PJK/F development. RESULTS: There were 464 patients included (age: 59.8 ± 14.3 years, BMI: 26.9 ± 5.5 kg/m2, CCI: 1.65 ± 1.68). 80.5% of patients were female; 173 patients (37.3%) formed the PJK/F+ group, as at 2 years (173 PJK and 28 PJF patients). At BL, PJK/F+ patients were older (63.2 vs 57.9 years, p<0.001) and had worse deformity (PI-LL 20.3 vs 11.8, p<0.001). There were no differences between groups in baseline disability, demographic, frailty or comorbidity factors. Controlling for age and baseline deformity, PJK/F+ patients were more likely to develop mechanical complications (OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.7, p=0.007). Use of PJK prophylaxis techniques did not have a significant effect on risk of developing PJK/F (p=0.307). Factors associated with increased risk of developing PJK/F were significant baseline deformity (OR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03, p=0.026), peripheral vascular disease (OR 5.5, 1.3-23.6, p=0.023), undergoing an osteotomy (OR 1.7, 1.1-2.8, p=0.017) and age >60 (OR 1.1, 1.1-1.2, p=0.026) and hypertension (OR 2.01, 1.04-3.87, p=0.038). Diabetes was associated with lower odds for developing PJK/F+ (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.8, p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Proximal junctional kyphosis/failure remains a significant postoperative concern in the ASD population. With currently known risk factors, we are still unable to fully quantify and predict a patient's total risk for developing postoperative PJK/F. Further work is needed to delineate contributing factors that are yet to be determined. FDA Device/Drug Status: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.Item Open Access Quantifying the importance of upper cervical extension reserve in adult cervical deformity surgery and its impact on baseline presentation and outcomes(Spine Journal, 2024-09-01) Passias, PG; Mir, J; Smith, JS; Lafage, V; Lafage, R; Diebo, BG; Daniels, AH; Onafowokan, O; Line, B; Eastlack, RK; Mundis, GM; Kebaish, KM; Soroceanu, A; Scheer, JK; Kelly, MP; Protopsaltis, TS; Kim, HJ; Hostin, RA; Gupta, MC; Riew, KD; Burton, DC; Schwab, FJ; Bess, S; Shaffrey, CI; Ames, CPBACKGROUND CONTEXT: Hyperextension of the upper cervical spine is a prominent compensatory mechanism to maintain horizontal gaze and balance in adult cervical deformity (ACD) patients, akin to pelvic tilt in spinal deformity. The relaxation of ER and its impact on postoperative outcomes is not well understood. PURPOSE: To evaluate upper cervical ER impact on postoperative disability and outcomes. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Adult cervical deformity. OUTCOME MEASURES: ER, HRQLs. METHODS: ACD patients undergoing subaxial cervical fusion with 2Y data were included. Upper cervical extension reserve (ER) was defined as: C0-C2 sagittal Cobb angle between neutral and extension. Relaxation of ER was defined as the ER normative mean in those that met the ideal in all Passias ACD modifiers. Outcomes were defined as "good" if meeting ≥2 of the three: (1) NDI <20 or meeting MCID, (2) mild myelopathy (mJOA≥14), and (3) NRS-Neck ≤5 or improved by ≥2 points from baseline. Controlled analysis was conducted with ANCOVA and multivariable logistic regressions. Conditional inference tree (CIT) analysis determined thresholds. RESULTS: A total of 108 ACD patients met inclusion. (Age 61.4 ± 12.3, 61% F, BMI 29.4 ± 7.5 kg/m2, mCD-FI .24 ±.12, CCI 0.97 ± 1.30). Radiographic alignment is depicted in Table 1. Preoperative C0-C2 ER was 8.7 ±9.0 ±, and at the last follow-up was 10.3 ± 11.1. ER in those meeting all ideal CD modifiers at 2Y was 12.9 ± 9.0. Preoperatively 29% had adequate ER, while 59.7% had improvement in ER postoperatively, with 50% of patients achieving adequate ER at 2Y. Higher ER significantly correlated with lower cervical deformity (p<.05). Preoperatively, greater ER was predictive of lower preoperative disability, with worse baseline mobility, pain, and anxiety (EQ5D) (B = -6.1, -2.9, -2.9 respectively; R2 =0.212, p<.001). Improvement of ER depicted a higher rate of MCID for NDI (64% vs 39%, p=.008), and meeting good clinical outcomes (72% vs 54%, p=.04). Controlling for baseline deformity and demographic factors found resolution of inadequate ER to have 7x higher likelihood of meeting MCID for NDI (6.941 [1.378-34.961], p=.019) and 4x higher odds of achieving good outcomes (4.022 [1.017-15.900], p=.047). Isolating those with inadequate preoperative ER, found postoperative resolution having 5x odds of good outcomes (p<.05). In those with inadequate ER at baseline, the preoperative C2-C7 of <-18 and TS-CL of >59 for TS-CL was predictive of ER resolution (p<.05). In those with preoperative C2-C7 >-18, a T1PA of >13 was predictive of postoperative return of ER (p<.05). Independently TS-CL of >59, was significant for predicting ER return postoperatively, highlighting its compensatory role for proximal spinal deformities (all p<.05). Surgical correction of C2-C7 by >16 from baseline was found to be predictive of ER return. CONCLUSIONS: Increased preoperative utilization of the extension reserve in the upper cervical spine in cervical deformity was associated with worse baseline regional and global alignment while impacting health-related measures. The majority of patients had relaxation of extension reserve postoperatively, however, in those who didn't, there was a decreased likelihood of achieving good outcomes. FDA Device/Drug Status: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.Item Open Access Redefining Clinically Significant Blood Loss in Complex Adult Spine Deformity Surgery(Spine, 2024-01-01) Daher, M; Xu, A; Singh, M; Lafage, R; Line, BG; Lenke, LG; Ames, CP; Burton, DC; Lewis, SM; Eastlack, RK; Gupta, MC; Mundis, GM; Gum, JL; Hamilton, KD; Hostin, R; Lafage, V; Passias, PG; Protopsaltis, TS; Kebaish, KM; Schwab, FJ; Shaffrey, CI; Smith, JS; Bess, S; Klineberg, EO; Diebo, BG; Daniels, AHStudy Design. Retrospective analysis of prospectively-collected data Objective. This study aims to define clinically relevant blood loss in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. Background. Current definitions of excessive blood loss following spine surgery are highly variable and may be suboptimal in predicting adverse events (AE). Methods. Adults undergoing complex ASD surgery were included. Estimated blood loss (EBL) was extracted for investigation, and estimated blood volume loss (EBVL) was calculated by dividing EBL by the preoperative blood volume utilizing Nadler's formula. LASSO regression was performed to identify five variables from demographic and peri-operative parameters. Logistic regression was subsequently performed to generate a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and estimate an optimal threshold for EBL and EBVL. Finally, the proportion of patients with AE plotted against EBL and EBVL to confirm the identified thresholds. Results. In total 552 patients were included with a mean age of 60.7±15.1 years, 68% females, mean CCI was 1.0±1.6, and 22% experienced AEs. LASSO regression identified ASA score, baseline hypertension, preoperative albumin, and use of intra-operative crystalloids as the top predictors of an AE, in addition to EBL/EBVL. Logistic regression resulted in ROC curve which was used to identify a cut-off of 2.3 liters of EBL and 42% for EBVL. Patients exceeding these thresholds had AE rates of 36% (odds-ratio: 2.1, 95% CI [1.2-3.6]) and 31% (odds-ratio: 1.7, 95% CI [1.1-2.8]), compared to 21% for those below the thresholds of EBL and EBVL, respectively. Conclusion. In complex ASD surgery, intraoperative EBL of 2.3 liters and an EBVL of 42% are associated with clinically-significant AEs. These thresholds may be useful in guiding preoperative-patient-counseling, healthcare system quality initiatives, and clinical perioperative bloodloss management strategies in patients undergoing complex spine surgery. Additionally, similar methodology could be performed in other specialties to establish procedure-specific clinically-relevant bloodloss thresholds.Item Open Access Sarcopenic obesity: an underrated phenomenon impacting adult spinal deformity intervention outcomes(Spine Journal, 2024-09-01) Das, A; Onafowokan, O; Mir, J; Lorentz, N; Lebovic, J; Daniels, AH; Buell, TJ; Hamilton, DK; Lafage, R; Jankowski, PP; Sardar, Z; Shaffrey, CI; Kim, HJ; Lafage, V; Passias, PGBACKGROUND CONTEXT: The amount and quality of tissue do not always positively correlate as is the case with sarcopenic obesity. As the population of elderly people with adult spinal deformity (ASD) continues to increase, sarcopenia (decreased muscle mass) and obesity continue to soar in prevalence, although sarcopenia is underacknowledged. PURPOSE: To determine how sarcopenic obesity may impact adult spinal deformity surgery outcomes and better characterize the health of important surrounding structural tissue that is key to alignment. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort review of prospectively enrolled database. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 529 adult spinal deformity patients. OUTCOME MEASURES: radiographic parameters, mechanical complications, complications METHODS: Operative ASD patients with complete baseline (BL) and 2-year (2Y) baseline, radiographic, and health related quality of life (HRQL) data were included. Sarcopenia was defined based on the validated European Working Group of Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGOSOP2). Obesity was classified via traditional BMI categories. The cohort with sarcopenic obesity (SO) was compared to a cohort of patients without. Descriptive statistics, means comparison testing, and regression analyses were applied to identify differences and trends, including a subanalysis of those with SO vs each condition alone. RESULTS: A total of 529 patients met inclusion criteria (mean age: 60.2±14.3, mean BMI: 27.1±5.8, mean CCI 1.6±1.7, mean weighted mASD-FI: 6.5±4.9). In terms of surgical characteristics, mean operative time 414.1±175.3 minutes, mean EBL 1565.9±1387.2, mean levels fused 10.9 ±4.6). 311 patients (58.8%) registered a confirmed diagnosis of sarcopenia, while 100 patients (60.4%) were considered obese. Altogether, 206 (38.9%) of patients demonstrated aspects of SO. The SO cohort was significantly older (61.9 vs 59.1, p=0.032) with a significantly greater number of comorbidities and higher frailty score (p<.001, both). At baseline, patients with SO demonstrated significantly lower baseline lower extremity motor scores (p=.004). Radiographically, SO patients had greater pelvic tilt (25.2 vs 22.9, p=0.018), greater PI-LL (19.6 vs 12.6, p<.001), less lumbar lordosis (41.7 vs 36.3, p=0.004), greater vertebral pelvic angles (p<.01) at T1, T4, T9, L1 and L4, and greater GAP scores indicating higher disproportionality (p=0.032). In terms of complications, SO patients demonstrated considerably higher rates of cardiac complications (83.3% vs 16.7%, p=0.025) and surgical infection (66.7% vs 33.3%, p=0.025).The SO cohort also sustained a significantly greater rates of pseudarthrosis (64.3% vs 35.7%, p=0.049) and failure with reoperation (60.0% vs 40.0%, p=0.027), with a significantly higher rates instrumentation failure (50.7% vs 49.3%, p=0.045). From a prevention perspective, the use of PJK prophylaxis amongst those with SO showed lower rates of screw breakage (p=0.039) and mechanical complications (p=0.004) as opposed to SO patients who did not receive prophylaxis. SO was a positive predictor of instrumentation failure (OR 1.7, p=0.047) while obesity or sarcopenia were not significant predictors alone. SO patients also achieved age-adjusted match goals at a lower rate than non-SO patients (p<.001). Clinically, this manifested as greater back and leg NSR pain scores at every time point up to 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenic obesity appears to significantly hamper outcomes after ASD, and awareness of the patient's muscle quality could guide operative decision-making as well as serve as a valuable target for preoperative optimization through measures such as nutritional counseling and prehabilitation. FDA Device/Drug Status: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.Item Open Access Selection of upper instrumented vertebra in adult spinal deformity: risk calculator and recommendations based on proximal junctional kyphosis(Spine Journal, 2024-09-01) Passias, PG; Mir, J; Das, A; Onafowokan, O; Galetta, M; Shaffrey, CI; Lafage, VBACKGROUND CONTEXT: The surgical correction of adult spinal deformity (ASD) presents a complex and multifaceted challenge, further intensified by the need for revision surgery. Determination of the upper instrumented vertebra can often be challenging. PURPOSE: To develop a UIV risk index score for patients undergoing ASD corrective surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort study of a prospectively collected single-center ASD database. PATIENT SAMPLE: ASD. OUTCOME MEASURES: PJK. METHODS: We included operative ASD patients with a minimum of a 2-year follow-up undergoing fusion from at least L1 and proximal to the sacrum. Patients without PJK were isolated to determine predictive thresholds based on patient and surgical factors. Variable importance was determined utilizing random forest analysis to determine the weighting of variables with multivariable logistic regression. Conditional inference tree (CIT) determined threshold values predictive of UIV level in those who didn't develop PJK. RESULTS: A total of 334 patients met inclusion. (Age 63±10, 77% F, BMI 27.6±5.1 kg/m2, frailty 3.5±1.5, CCI 1.9±1.7). The model for predicting PJK was significant for osteoporosis, LL, TK, TLPA, with posterior UIV and IBD UIV (p<.05). Table 1. Baseline UIV slope of >42.4 had a higher rate of PJK postoperatively (63% vs 27%, p<.001). Evaluating factor importance for the selection of UIV determined UIV slope to have the greatest weight, with T1PA, PJK prophylaxis, PI-LL, frailty, osteoporosis, and CCI following in those who didn't have PJK. For those with UIV slope <12.7, selection of upper thoracic UIV was contingent on T1PA being <7 (p=0.018). Patients with UIV slope >27 and T1PA >30 were likely to have UIV in the upper thoracic (T4 mean) in those who didn't develop PJK. Whereas, those with a UIV slope between 12.7 to 30 with T1PA >30 were less likely to develop PJK with a lower thoracic UIV (p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The selection of UIV was strongly correlated to UIV slope and T1PA for avoidance of proximal junctional kyphosis. Frailty and lumbar lordosis were important contributors to the model for the selection of optimal UIV. FDA Device/Drug Status: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.Item Open Access “Selection, planning and execution of minimally invasive surgery in adult spinal deformity correction”(Seminars in Spine Surgery, 2023-01-01) Alan, N; Uribe, JS; Turner, JD; Park, P; Anand, N; Eastlack, RK; Okonkwo, DO; Le, VP; Nunley, P; Mundis, GM; Passias, PG; Chou, D; Kanter, AS; Fu, KMG; Wang, MY; Fessler, RG; Shaffrey, CI; Bess, S; Mummaneni, PVMinimally invasive surgery (MIS) for correction of adult spinal deformity was developed to address the high rate of medical and surgical complications rate in open surgical treatment of increasingly aging and frail patient population. In the past decade, MIS group within the International Spine Study Group (ISSG) has been in the forefront of the application of MIS techniques to fulfill the well-established principles of ASD surgery. These efforts have resulted in landmark studies. Here, we review these studies that encompass all aspects of MIS surgical treatment of ASD including patient selection with Minimally Invasive Spinal Deformity Surgery (MISDEF) and MISDEF-2 algorithms, surgical planning with anterior column realignment classification and the Minimally Invasive Interbody Selection Algorithm (MIISA), and surgical execution with Spinal Deformity Complexity Checklist (SDCC). We will highlight that with careful selection, diligent planning and meticulous execution the MIS techniques can treat patients with ASD, abiding to correction principles and radiographic parameters.Item Open Access Severe hip and knee osteoarthritis worsens patient-reported disability in adult spinal deformity patients(Spine Journal, 2024-09-01) Balmaceno-Criss, M; Singh, M; Xu, A; Daher, M; Lafage, R; Lewis, SJ; Klineberg, EO; Eastlack, RK; Gupta, MC; Mundis, GM; Gum, JL; Hamilton, DK; Hostin, RA; Passias, PG; Protopsaltis, TS; Kebaish, KM; Kim, HJ; Shaffrey, CI; Smith, JS; Line, B; Lenke, LG; Ames, CP; Burton, DC; Bess, S; Schwab, FJ; Lafage, V; Diebo, BG; Daniels, AHBACKGROUND CONTEXT: The complex interplay between lower extremity osteoarthritis and sagittal alignment in adult spinal deformity patients is of growing clinical interest. PURPOSE: To quantify the sequential effects of lower extremity OA on PROMs in ASD patients. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. PATIENT SAMPLE: ASD patients with no prior history of thoracolumbar surgery, and available baseline PROMs and standing radiographs were included. OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline demographics, spinopelvic alignment, and PROMs. METHODS: Included patients with PROMs, standing xrays, no prior thoracolumbar surgery, and bilateral Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) hip/knee grade at baseline. Patients grouped into Spine (KL <3 BL hips & knees), Spine-Hip (KL>3 BL hips, KL <3 BL knees), Spine-Knee (KL>3 BL knees, KL>3 BL hips), Spine-Hip-Knee (KL>3 BL hips & knees). Baseline demographics, spinopelvic alignment, and PROMs were compared. Multivariate regression with forward stepwise selection predicted PROMs with variables (demographic, radiographic, OA severity) with significant association identified on Pearson correlation RESULTS: Included 160 patients: 56 Spine, 32 Spine-Knee, 20 Spine-Hip, and 52 Spine-Hip-Knee. Spine-Hip-Knee patients were older (Spine=62.2, Spine-Knee=61.2, Spine-Hip=59.1, Spine-Hip-Knee=68.5; p<.001) but similar in sex, comorbidities, and frailty; p>.05. Spine-Hip-Knee patients had higher SVA (50.0,30.6,60.5,83.5), T1PA (25.2,20.4,20.3,27.8), GSA (3.7,2.3,4.3,7.5), and KA (0.0,2.1,2.9,10.5); p<.005. SRS total and VR12 PCS scores were similar but VR12-2b climbing stairs (1.73,1.91,1.55,1.40, p=.014) and SRS-8 back pain at rest (2.29,2.84,1.95,2.71, p=.012) were lower in Spine-Hip-Knee and Spine-Hip, respectively. ODI (42.75,35.88,50.30,44.59, p=.040) and ODI Pain (2.88,1.84,2.90,2.46, p=0.019) were higher in Spine-Hip patients; ODI lifting was higher in hip OA patients but not significant (2.95,2.69,3.45,3.35, p>.05). In multivariate analyses, KOA changed the prediction of ODI pain from R2 0.052 to 0.086 and SRS-8 from R2 0.077 to 0.147. HOA changed the prediction of VR12-2b from R2 0.113 to 0.140 and ODI Lifting from R2 0.175 to 0.202. Frailty impacted PROMs across all models (p<.001) and GSA changed ODI, ODI pain, and VR12-2b models (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Severe hip and knee OA worsen patient-reported disability and physical function in ASD patients. These results quantify the impact of lower limb arthritis on patient reported outcomes, and highlight the need for integrated assessment and management of both spinal alignment and joint health in patients. FDA Device/Drug Status: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.Item Open Access Should pelvic incidence influence realignment strategy? A detailed analysis in adult spinal deformity(Spine Journal, 2024-09-01) Williamson, TK; Onafowokan, O; Owusu-Sarpong, S; Lebovic, J; Mir, J; Das, A; Diebo, BG; Lafage, R; Lafage, V; Passias, PGBACKGROUND CONTEXT: Pelvic incidence (PI) serves as the cornerstone for realignment schema to create a more individualized realignment target. Yet, it is not known if outcomes of realignment schema are dependent on the amount of pelvic incidence. The purpose of this study is to assess how varying realignment strategies affect mechanical failure and clinical outcomes in PI-stratified cohorts following ASD surgery. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess how varying realignment strategies affect mechanical failure and clinical outcomes in PI-stratified cohorts following ASD surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort study; Single academic center. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 445 adult patients met radiographic criteria for adult spinal deformity. OUTCOME MEASURES: Mechanical failure (either a major hardware failure requiring intervention or proximal junctional failure [PJF]); Clinical Improvement at two years: [meeting either: (1) Substantial Clinical Benefit for Oswestry Disability Index (change >18.8), or (2) Oswestry Disability Index <15 and Scoliosis Research Society Total>4.5]; Good Outcome involved meeting Clinical Improvement criteria with absence of mechanical failure by two years. METHODS: Conditional Inference Tree (CIT) analysis was utilized to define subsets within pelvic incidence generating significantly different rates of mechanical failure. These subsets of pelvic incidence were further analyzed as sub-cohorts for the outcomes and effects of realignment within each. Multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for baseline frailty and lumbar lordosis (L1-S1) analyzed the association of age-adjusted realignment (Sagittal Age-Adjusted Score [SAAS]; Lafage et al) and Global and Alignment Proportionment (GAP; Yilgor et al) strategies with meeting Good Outcome within PI-stratified groups. RESULTS: Using CIT analysis, a parabolic relationship between PI and mechanical failure was seen, whereas patients with either less than 51° (n=174; 39.1% of cohort) or greater than 63° (n=114; 25.2% of cohort) of pelvic incidence generated higher rates of mechanical failure (18.0% and 20.0%, respectively) and lower rates of Good Outcome (80.3% and 77.6%, respectively) than those with moderate (51-63°) pelvic incidence (n=145, 32.6% of cohort; 8.9% mechanical failure, 92.2% Good Outcome). Patients with Lower PI (<51°) more often met Good Outcome when undercorrected in age-adjusted PI-LL and SAAS overall (12.3% vs 0.0%; p=.004). Patients not meeting Good Outcome in this group were more likely to deteriorate in GAP Relative Lordosis from first to final follow-up (OR: 13.4, 95% CI: 1.3-39.2), leading to a higher likelihood of mechanical failure (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.34-7.52; p=.009). In those with moderate pelvic incidence (51-63°), patients were more likely to meet Good Outcome when aligned in GAP Lumbar Distribution Index (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-3.3; p=.029), and those not meeting Good Outcome criteria were more likely to deteriorate in Lumbar Distribution Index from first to final follow-up (OR: 5.8, 95% CI: 1.7-19.8; p=.005). While these patients had noticeably higher rates of failure (20.0% vs 8.9%; p=.123), patients losing alignment in LDI had significantly lower rates of reaching Clinical Improvement criteria (30.0% vs 66.7%, p=.004). Patients with higher pelvic incidence (>63°) meeting Good Outcome were more likely to be overcorrected in SVA (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1-5.2; p=.033) at first follow-up. and were less likely to be undercorrected in T1PA (OR: 0.4, [0.17-0.86]; p=.020) by final follow-up. When assessing GAP alignment, patients were more likely to meet Good Outcome when aligned in GAP Lumbar Distribution Index (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.4-8.9; p=.007). CONCLUSIONS: There is a parabolic relationship between pelvic incidence and both mechanical failure and clinical improvement following correction of adult spinal deformity. Patients with lower pelvic incidence may fare better with undercorrection in age-adjusted alignment, while those with higher pelvic may necessitate proper distribution of lordosis within the lumbar spine. In addition, loss of in-construct alignment led to higher rates of mechanical failure within low pelvic incidence and less clinical improvement among those with a higher grade. Understanding of the associations this fixed parameter has with poor outcomes can aid the surgeon in strategical planning when seeking to realign adult spinal deformity. FDA Device/Drug Status: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.Item Open Access The cervical lordosis distribution index and its consideration of upper cervical region and morphology(Spine Journal, 2024-09-01) Williamson, TK; Passias, PG; Smith, JS; Lafage, R; Line, B; Diebo, BG; Daniels, AH; Gum, JL; Protopsaltis, TS; Hamilton, DK; Soroceanu, A; Eastlack, RK; Mundis, GM; Bess, S; Schwab, FJ; Shaffrey, CI; Lafage, V; Burton, DCBACKGROUND CONTEXT: The cervical lordosis distribution in relation to its apex has not been characterized, nor has the impact of morphologic differences and upper cervical segments. PURPOSE: The goal of this study is assess whether tailored correction of cervical deformity by incorporating the cervical apex into a distribution index (CLDI) improves clinical outcomes while lowering rates of junctional failure. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective review of a prospectively-collected cohort; Multiple academic centers. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 84 patients met radiographic criteria for adult cervical deformity and at least 2-year follow-up. OUTCOME MEASURES: Optimal outcome is defined as meeting Virk et al Good Clinical Outcome (GCO): [Meeting 2 of 3: 1) NDI<20 or meeting MCID, 2) mJOA>=14, 3) NRS-Neck<=5 or improved by >2 points] and no occurrence of distal junctional failure (DJF). METHODS: C2-T2 lordosis was divided into cranial (C2-to-apex) and caudal (apex-to-T2) arches. A cervical lordosis distribution index (CLDI) was developed by dividing the cranial lordotic arch (C2 to apex) by the total segment (C2-T2) and multiplying by 100. Cross-tabulations developed categories for CLDI producing the highest chi-square values for achieving Optimal Outcome at two years and outcomes were assessed by multivariable analysis controlling for significant confounders. Patients stratified by Ames et al deformity classification then assessed against thresholds. Patients were further divided into those meeting thresholds with upper cervical compensation (defined by C0-C2 angle, C0 slope, McGregor's Slope [MGS]) vs without compensation. Multivariate regression analysis controlling for T1 slope assessed differences in classification and impact of upper cervical region. RESULTS: Cervical apex distribution postoperatively was: 1% C3, 42% C4, 30% C5, 27% C6. Mean cervical LDI was 117±138. Mean cranial lordosis was 23.2±12.5°. Using cross-tabulations, CLDI between 70 and 90 was defined as ‘Aligned’. Chi-square test revealed significant differences among CLDI categories for DJK, DJF, Good Clinical Outcome, and Optimal Outcome (all p<.05). Patients aligned in CLDI were less likely to develop DJK (OR: 0.1, [<0.1-0.9]), more like to achieve GCO (OR: 3.9, [1.2-13.2]) and Optimal Outcome (OR: 7.9, [2.1-29.3]) at two years. Patients aligned in CLDI developed DJF at a rate of 0%. Those meeting this CLDI threshold were more likely to be classified into primarily cervical deformity by Ames criteria (OR: 1.9, [3.2-10.6], p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The cervical lordosis distribution index, classified through the cranial segment, takes each unique cervical apex into account and tailors correction to the patient in order to better achieve good clinical outcomes. While differences based on morphology exists, upper cervical region functions as a reserve in all deformity types. Consideration of regional and global factors allows for a comprehensive assessment and individualization of realignment surgery. FDA Device/Drug Status: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.Item Open Access Three-dimensional evaluation of the dynamic interplay between pelvic anatomy, lower-limb compensation, and standing alignment in ASD(Spine Journal, 2024-09-01) Assi, A; Khalifé, M; Prince, G; Boutros, M; Karam, M; Ames, CP; Bess, S; Daniels, AH; Gupta, MC; Hostin, RA; Kelly, MP; Kim, HJ; Klineberg, EO; Lenke, LG; Nunley, PD; Passias, PG; Schwab, FJ; Shaffrey, CI; Smith, JS; Lafage, R; Diebo, BG; Lafage, VBACKGROUND CONTEXT: Previous studies have shown that lower limbs play a crucial role in compensating for sagittal spinal malalignment. However, these studies primarily focused on lower limb parameters in the sagittal plane, mainly knee flexion, leaving compensatory mechanisms that might happen in the coronal or axial planes unexplored. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with lower-limb recruitment in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective study of prospectively collected data. PATIENT SAMPLE: ASD patients who underwent full-body biplanar X-rays and 3D reconstruction of lower limbs and pelvis. OUTCOME MEASURES: Association between morphological parameters and compensatory mechanisms METHODS: The study included ASD patients with moderate to severe sagittal plane deformities. Classic 2D parameters included pelvic shift (PSh), knee flexion (KA), sacro-femoral (SFA), and ankle dorsiflexion (AA) angles for the lower limbs, as well as TPA, PT, PI, and PI-LL mismatch. 3D reconstructions were used to assess acetabular parameters (abduction, coverage, and anteversion), pelvic depth (PD: distance between the pubic symphysis and the sacral endplate), and knee varus/valgus angle. After univariate analysis, multiple linear regressions were performed to investigate associations between spinal deformity and lower limb 2D/3D parameters with and without accounting for spinal alignment. RESULTS: A total of 146 subjects (67±10 years) were included with a mean PI-LL of 25.1±16.1°, TPA 37.4±10.6°, PT 27±9.1°, and PD of 85.9±16.2mm. Lower limbs compensation consisted of a PSh 38.4±43.7mm, KA 6.9±7.9°, and AA of 5.8±4.1°. Pelvic depth significantly correlated with PI (r=0.6, p<0.001), PT (r=0.3, p<0.001), and SFA (r=0.2, p=0.02). In multivariate analysis considering the full-body parameters, ankle dorsiflexion (AA) was associated with PT, PSh, and KA (all p<0.001) but not with spinal alignment and correlated with increased knee varus angulation (p=0.01). Similarly, KA correlated with PT, SFA, and AA (all p<0.001) but not with spinal alignment. Those associations remained significant in multivariate analysis considering only the lower-limbs parameters. In addition, patients with high pelvic depth (>100mm) had greater pelvic shift and PT than low ones (<70mm): 29.4+49.1mm versus 54.8±41.7mm and 23.7±9.3° versus 32.4±9.4°. Finally, increased PT was associated with higher PI (p<0.001) and more vertical acetabular abduction (57.4±3.9° for PT<15°, vs 60.7±4.2° for PT > 25°, p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: There was 3D analysis of the lower extremities that revealed significant multiplanar interplay in the setting of spinal deformity. Pelvic morphology including antero-posterior depth is associated with greater compensatory abilities such as pelvic translation and retroversion. Greater PT compensation in the sagittal plane is associated with a more vertical acetabulum in the coronal plane. Knee and ankle flexion were indirectly correlated with spinal alignment as they contributed to higher PT and pelvic shift. Consequently, their assessment is valuable for understanding how patients compensate for malalignment but should not be a primary consideration in the correction strategy. The sagittal and coronal alignment of lower limbs cannot be separated, as an increase in ankle and knee flexion angles is associated with greater genu varum. FDA Device/Drug Status: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.Item Open Access Who are super-utilizers in adult spine deformity surgery and how can surgeons identify them preoperatively?(Spine Journal, 2024-09-01) Nayak, P; Hostin, RA; Staub, BN; Gum, JL; Line, B; Bess, S; Lenke, LG; Lafage, R; Smith, JS; Mullin, JP; Kelly, MP; Diebo, BG; Buell, TJ; Scheer, JK; Lafage, V; Klineberg, EO; Kim, HJ; Passias, PG; Kebaish, KM; Eastlack, RK; Daniels, AH; Soroceanu, A; Mundis, GM; Protopsaltis, TS; Hamilton, DK; Gupta, MC; Schwab, FJ; Shaffrey, CI; Ames, CP; Burton, DCBACKGROUND CONTEXT: A relatively small percentage of patients are responsible for a disproportional amount of resource utilization in adult ASD surgery and contribute to significantly elevating the average cost across the surgically treated patients. These patients are called super-utilizers (SU). Modest reduction in the frequency of these super-utilization episodes has the potential to significantly improve the value of ASD surgery. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to determine which, if any, baseline patient, radiographic, and/or surgical factors are the most important drivers of this disproportional increased resource utilization. We hypothesize that baseline patient factors predicts super-utilizers (SU) in adult spinal deformity surgery (ASD) more than surgical or deformity factors. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective Review of a prospective, multicenter registry. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 1299 index operative ASD patients eligible for 2-yr follow-up. OUTCOME MEASURES: Predictors of SU vs Non-SU in ASD. METHODS: A prospective multicenter consecutive series of ASD patients was reviewed. Inclusion criteria was diagnosis of ASD (scoliosis≥20°, C7-SVA≥5cm, PT≥25°, or TK≥60°), >4 level posterior fusion, and minimum 2-year follow-up. Index and total episode of care (EOC) cost in 2022 dollars were calculated using average itemized direct costs obtained from the administrative hospital records for all events in the inpatient EOC. Patients with total 2-year EOC cost greater than 90th percentile were considered SU. Multivariate generalized linear models were used to identify the most significant predictors of SU. RESULTS: A total of 1299 patients were eligible for 2-yr follow-up with mean age 60.0+14.1 years, 76% female, and 93% caucasians. SU patients are marginally older (+2.6 yrs; p=0.03), depressed (34.2% vs 25.8%; p=0.03) and tend to have higher propensity for fraility (p=0.003), comorbidities (0.01), reoperation rates (54.8% vs 17.0%; p<0.001), and LOS (+3 days; p<0.0001) compared to non-SU. While degree of sagittal deformity (Schwab sagittal modifiers, all p>0.05) and proportion of 3-column osteotomies (p>0.05) were similar between the groups, SU patients have higher surgical invasiveness score (+28; p<0.001), more vertebrae fused (+3; p<0.0001); more interbody fusions (80% vs 55%; p<0.0001), more BMP use (87.3% vs 69.4%; p=0.0002); longer OR time (+91 mins; p<0.0001), increased blood loss (+700 mL; p<0.0001), and longer length of stay (+3 days; p<0.0001). Index and EOC cost were 49% (p<0.0001) and 62% (p<0.0001) higher respectively in SU. While cost/QALY was 3-times higher in SU compared to non-SU. Multivariate analysis identified Schwab modifier SVA, surgical invasiveness, OR time, blood loss, BMP use, and LOS as strong predictors of SU (all p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical invasiveness score greater than 118, being in OR for more than 7.6 hrs, blood loss more than 700 ml, utilizing BMP, and LOS more than 11 days were strong predictors of being a SU. Patients with SVA grade of + and ++ were less likely to be a SU compared to SVA grade 0. Procedural and resource utilization factors were strong predictors of being a SU compared to patient factors. FDA Device/Drug Status: This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.