Browsing by Author "Yen, Chun-Po"
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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 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 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 Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes for patients who undergo cytoreductive surgery for thoracic meningiomas: a retrospective analysis.(Neurosurgical focus, 2021-05) Ampie, Leonel; Snyder, M Harrison; Dominguez, Jose F; Buchholz, Avery; Yen, Chun-Po; Shaffrey, Mark E; Syed, Hasan R; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SObjective
Primary spinal meningiomas represent a rare indolent neoplasm usually situated in the intradural-extramedullary compartment. They have a predilection for afflicting the thoracic spine and most frequently present with sensory and/or motor symptoms. Resection is the first-line treatment for symptomatic tumors, whereas other clinical factors will determine the need for adjuvant therapy. In this study, the authors aimed to elucidate clinical presentation, functional outcomes, and long-term outcomes in this population in order to better equip clinicians with the tools to counsel their patients.Methods
This is a retrospective analysis of patients treated at the authors' institution between 1998 and 2018. All patients with thoracic meningiomas who underwent resection and completed at least one follow-up appointment were included. Multiple preoperative clinical variables, hospitalization details, and long-term outcomes were collected for the cohort.Results
Forty-six patients who underwent resection for thoracic meningiomas were included. The average age of the cohort was 59 years, and the median follow-up was 53 months. Persistent sensory and motor symptoms were present in 29 patients (63%). Fifteen lesions were ventrally positioned. There were 43 WHO grade I tumors, 2 WHO grade II tumors, and 1 WHO grade III tumor; the grade III tumor was the only case of recurrence. The median length of hospitalization was 4 days. Seventeen patients (37%) were discharged to rehabilitation facilities. Thirty patients (65.2%) experienced resolution or improvement of symptoms, and there were no deaths within 30 days of surgery. Only 1 patient developed painful kyphosis and was managed medically. Ventral tumor position, new postoperative deficits, and length of stay did not correlate with disposition to a facility. Age, ventral position, blood loss, and increasing WHO grade did not correlate with length of stay.Conclusions
Outcomes are overall favorable for patients who undergo resection of thoracic meningiomas. Symptomatic patients often experience improvement, and patients generally do not require significant future operations. Tumors located ventrally, while anatomically challenging, do not necessarily herald a significantly worse prognosis or limit the extent of resection.Item 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 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 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 Low rates of complications after spinopelvic fixation with iliac screws in 260 adult patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up(Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, 2019-05-01) Nguyen, James H; Buell, Thomas J; Wang, Tony R; Mullin, Jeffrey P; Mazur, Marcus D; Garces, Juanita; Taylor, Davis G; Yen, Chun-Po; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SOBJECTIVE Recent literature describing complications associated with spinopelvic fixation with iliac screws in adult patients has been limited but has suggested high complication rates. The authors’ objective was to report their experience with iliac screw fixation in a large series of patients with a 2-year minimum follow-up. METHODS Of 327 adult patients undergoing spinopelvic fixation with iliac screws at the authors’ institution between 2010 and 2015, 260 met the study inclusion criteria (age ≥ 18 years, first-time iliac screw placement, and 2-year minimum follow-up). Patients with active spinal infection were excluded. All iliac screws were placed via a posterior midline approach using fluoroscopic guidance. Iliac screw heads were deeply recessed into the posterior superior iliac spine. Clinical and radiographic data were obtained and analyzed. RESULTS Twenty patients (7.7%) had iliac screw–related complication, which included fracture (12, 4.6%) and/or screw loosening (9, 3.5%). No patients had iliac screw head prominence that required revision surgery or resulted in pain, wound dehiscence, or poor cosmesis. Eleven patients (4.2%) had rod or connector fracture below S1. Overall, 23 patients (8.8%) had L5–S1 pseudarthrosis. Four patients (1.5%) had fracture of the S1 screw. Seven patients (2.7%) had wound dehiscence (unrelated to the iliac screw head) or infection. The rate of reoperation (excluding proximal junctional kyphosis) was 17.7%. On univariate analysis, an iliac screw–related complication rate was significantly associated with revision fusion (70.0% vs 41.2%, p = 0.013), a greater number of instrumented vertebrae (mean 12.6 vs 10.3, p = 0.014), and greater postoperative pelvic tilt (mean 27.7° vs 23.2°, p = 0.04). Lumbosacral junction–related complications were associated with a greater mean number of instrumented vertebrae (12.6 vs 10.3, p = 0.014). Reoperation was associated with a younger mean age at surgery (61.8 vs 65.8 years, p = 0.014), a greater mean number of instrumented vertebrae (12.2 vs 10.2, p = 0.001), and longer clinical and radiological mean follow-up duration (55.8 vs 44.5 months, p < 0.001; 55.8 vs 44.6 months, p < 0.001, respectively). On multivariate analysis, reoperation was associated with longer clinical follow-up (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Previous studies on iliac screw fixation have reported very high rates of complications and reoperation (as high as 53.6%). In this large, single-center series of adult patients, iliac screws were an effective method of spinopelvic fixation that had high rates of lumbosacral fusion and far lower complication rates than previously reported. Collectively, these findings argue that iliac screw fixation should remain a favored technique for spinopelvic fixation.Item Unknown Mini-Open Lateral Corpectomy for Thoracolumbar Junction Lesions.(Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.), 2020-06) Huangxs, Shengbin; Christiansen, Peter A; Tan, Haitao; Smith, Justin S; Shaffrey, Mark E; Uribe, Juan S; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Yen, Chun-PoBackground
Neoplastic, traumatic, infectious, and degenerative pathologies affecting the thoracolumbar junction pose a unique challenge to spine surgeons. Posterior or anterior approaches have traditionally been utilized to treat these lesions. Although minimally invasive surgeries through a lateral approach to the thoracic or lumbar spine have gained popularity, lateral access to the thoracolumbar junction remains technically challenging due to the overlying diaphragm positioned at the interface of the peritoneum and pleura.Objective
To describe a mini-open lateral retropleural retroperitoneal approach for pathologies with spinal cord/cauda equina compression at the thoracolumbar junction.Methods
A mini-open lateral corpectomy is described in detail in a patient with an L1 metastatic tumor.Results
Satisfactory decompression and spinal column reconstruction were achieved. The patient obtained neural function recovery following the procedure with no intra- or postoperative complications.Conclusion
The morbidities associated with traditional posterior or anterior approaches to thoracolumbar junction pathologies have led to a growing interest in minimally invasive alternatives. The mini-open lateral approach allows for a safe and efficacious corpectomy and reconstruction for thoracolumbar junction pathologies. Thorough understanding of the anatomy, particularly of the diaphragm, is critical. This approach will have expanded roles in the management of patients with thoracolumbar neoplasms, fractures, infections, deformities, or degenerative diseases.Item Unknown Primary Spinal Cord Astrocytomas: Two-Center Clinical Experience of Low- and High-Grade Lesions.(World neurosurgery, 2022-11) Snyder, M Harrison; Yu-Der Wang, Andy; Ampie, Leonel; Sarathy, Danyas; Chatrath, Ajay; Asthagiri, Ashok R; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin S; Shaffrey, Mark E; Yen, Chun-Po; Buchholz, Avery L; Syed, Hasan R; Kryzanski, James; Wu, Julian K; Heilman, Carl BObjective
Primary spinal cord astrocytomas are rare, fatal, and poorly studied.Methods
This study included a 2-center, retrospective analysis of primary spinal cord astrocytoma patients from 1997 to 2020. Patients with drop metastases or without at least one follow-up were excluded.Results
Seven World Health Organization grade I, 6 grade II, 7 grade III, and 4 grade IV astrocytoma patients were included. Older patients had higher grades (median 20 years in grade I vs. 36.5 in grade IV). The median follow-up was 15 months. Thirteen patients were discharged to rehabilitation. Eight patients demonstrated radiographic progression. Adjuvant therapy was utilized more in higher grades (5 of 13 grades III vs. all 11 grades IIIIV). Six patients died (1 death in grades III vs. 5 in grades IIIIV). Ten patients had worsened symptoms at the last follow-up. The median progression-free survival in grade I, II, III, and IV tumors was 116, 36, 8, and 8.5 months, respectively. The median overall survival in grade I, II, III, and IV tumors was 142, 69, 19, and 12 months, respectively. Thrombotic complications occurred in 2 patients, one with isocitrate dehydrogenasewild type glioblastoma.Conclusions
Outcomes worsen with higher grades and lead to difficult postoperative periods. Clinicians should be vigilant for thromboembolic complications. Further research is needed to understand these rare tumors.Item Unknown Radiographic outcome and complications after single-level lumbar extended pedicle subtraction osteotomy for fixed sagittal malalignment: a retrospective analysis of 55 adult spinal deformity patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up.(Journal of neurosurgery. Spine, 2018-11) Buell, Thomas J; Nguyen, James H; Mazur, Marcus D; Mullin, Jeffrey P; Garces, Juanita; Taylor, Davis G; Yen, Chun-Po; Shaffrey, Mark E; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SOBJECTIVEFixed sagittal spinal malalignment is a common problem in adult spinal deformity (ASD). Various three-column osteotomy techniques, including the extended pedicle subtraction osteotomy (ePSO), may correct global and regional malalignment in this patient population. In contrast to the number of reports on traditional PSO (Schwab grade 3 osteotomy), there is limited literature on the outcomes of ePSO (Schwab grade 4 osteotomy) in ASD surgery. The objective of this retrospective study was to provide focused investigation of radiographic outcomes and complications of single-level lumbar ePSO for ASD patients with fixed sagittal malalignment.METHODSConsecutive ASD patients in whom sagittal malalignment had been treated with single-level lumbar ePSO at the authors' institution between 2010 and 2015 were analyzed, and those with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included in the study. Radiographic analyses included assessments of segmental lordosis through the ePSO site (sagittal Cobb angle measured from the superior endplate of the vertebra above and inferior endplate of the vertebra below the ePSO), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence and LL mismatch, thoracic kyphosis (TK), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) on standing long-cassette radiographs. Complications were analyzed for the entire group.RESULTSAmong 71 potentially eligible patients, 55 (77%) had a minimum 2-year follow-up and were included in the study. Overall, the average postoperative increases in ePSO segmental lordosis and overall LL were 41° ± 14° (range 7°-69°, p < 0.001) and 38° ± 11° (range 9°-58°, p < 0.001), respectively. The average SVA improvement was 13 ± 7 cm (range of correction: -33.6 to 3.4 cm, p < 0.001). These measurements were maintained when comparing early postoperative to last follow-up values, respectively (mean follow-up 52 months, range 26-97 months): ePSO segmental lordosis, 34° vs 33°, p = 0.270; LL, 47.3° vs 46.7°, p = 0.339; and SVA, 4 vs 5 cm, p = 0.330. Rod fracture (RF) at the ePSO site occurred in 18.2% (10/55) of patients, and pseudarthrosis (PA) at the ePSO site was confirmed by CT imaging or during rod revision surgery in 14.5% (8/55) of patients. Accessory supplemental rods across the ePSO site, a more recently employed technique, significantly reduced the occurrence of RF or PA on univariate (p = 0.004) and multivariable (OR 0.062, 95% CI 0.007-0.553, p = 0.013) analyses; this effect approached statistical significance on Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.053, log-rank test). Interbody cage placement at the ePSO site resulted in greater ePSO segmental lordosis correction (45° vs 35°, p = 0.007) without significant change in RF or PA (p = 0.304). Transient and persistent motor deficits occurred in 14.5% (8/55) and 1.8% (1/55) of patients, respectively.CONCLUSIONSExtended PSO is an effective technique to correct fixed sagittal malalignment for ASD. In comparison to traditional PSO techniques, ePSO may allow greater focal correction with comparable complication rates, especially with interbody cage placement at the ePSO site and the use of accessory supplemental rods.Item Unknown Reliability of a Novel Classification System for Thoracic Disc Herniations.(Spine, 2023-05) Farber, S Harrison; Walker, Corey T; Zhou, James J; Godzik, Jakub; Gandhi, Shashank V; de Andrada Pereira, Bernardo; Koffie, Robert M; Xu, David S; Sciubba, Daniel M; Shin, John H; Steinmetz, Michael P; Wang, Michael Y; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Kanter, Adam S; Yen, Chun-Po; Chou, Dean; Blaskiewicz, Donald J; Phillips, Frank M; Park, Paul; Mummaneni, Praveen V; Fessler, Richard D; Härtl, Roger; Glassman, Steven D; Koski, Tyler; Deviren, Vedat; Taylor, William R; Kakarla, U Kumar; Turner, Jay D; Uribe, Juan SStudy design
Cross-sectional survey.Objective
To assess the reliability of a proposed novel classification system for thoracic disc herniations (TDHs).Summary of background data
TDHs are complex entities varying substantially in many factors, including size, location, and calcification. To date, no comprehensive system exists to categorize these lesions.Methods
Our proposed system classifies 5 types of TDHs using anatomical and clinical characteristics, with subtypes for calcification. Type 0 herniations are small (≤40% of spinal canal) TDHs without significant spinal cord or nerve root effacement; type 1 are small and paracentral; type 2 are small and central; type 3 are giant (>40% of spinal canal) and paracentral; and type 4 are giant and central. Patients with types 1-4 TDHs have correlative clinical and radiographic evidence of spinal cord compression. Twenty-one US spine surgeons with substantial TDH experience rated 10 illustrative cases to determine the system's reliability. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were determined using the Fleiss kappa coefficient. Surgeons were also surveyed to obtain consensus on surgical approaches for the various TDH types.Results
High agreement was found for the classification system, with 80% (range 62-95%) overall agreement and high interrater and intrarater reliability (kappa 0.604 [moderate to substantial agreement] and kappa 0.630 [substantial agreement], respectively). All surgeons reported nonoperative management of type 0 TDHs. For type 1 TDHs, most respondents (71%) preferred posterior approaches. For type 2 TDHs, responses were roughly equivalent for anterolateral and posterior options. For types 3 and 4 TDHs, most respondents (72% and 68%, respectively) preferred anterolateral approaches.Conclusions
This novel classification system can be used to reliably categorize TDHs, standardize description, and potentially guide the selection of surgical approach. Validation of this system with regard to treatment and clinical outcomes represent lines of future study.Item Unknown Revision thoracolumbar surgery for flat back deformity: staged ALIF and posterior column osteotomies to avoid three-column osteotomy.(Neurosurgical focus: Video, 2020-01) Marino, Alexandria C; Buell, Thomas J; Burke, Rebecca M; Wang, Tony R; Yen, Chun-Po; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SThree-column osteotomies (3COs) can achieve significant alignment correction when revising fixed sagittal plane deformities; however, the technique is associated with high complication rates. The authors demonstrate staged anterior-posterior surgery with L5-S1 ALIF (below a prior L3-5 fusion) and multilevel Smith-Petersen osteotomies to circumvent the morbidity associated with 3CO. The patient was a 67-year-old male with three prior lumbar surgeries who presented with back and leg pain. Imaging demonstrated lumbar flat back deformity and sagittal imbalance. The narrated video details key radiological measurements, operative planning and rationale, surgical steps, and outcomes. The patient provided written, informed consent for publication of this illustrative case. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/wv4W9D9fUPc.Item Unknown Rotational thromboelastometry-guided transfusion during lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy for adult spinal deformity: preliminary findings from a matched cohort study.(Neurosurgical focus, 2019-04) Buell, Thomas J; Taylor, Davis G; Chen, Ching-Jen; Dunn, Lauren K; Mullin, Jeffrey P; Mazur, Marcus D; Yen, Chun-Po; Shaffrey, Mark E; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin S; Naik, Bhiken IOBJECTIVESignificant blood loss and coagulopathy are often encountered during adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery, and the optimal intraoperative transfusion algorithm is debatable. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), a functional viscoelastometric method for real-time hemostasis testing, may allow early identification of coagulopathy and improve transfusion practices. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ROTEM-guided blood product management on perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in ASD patients undergoing correction with pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO).METHODSThe authors retrospectively reviewed patients with ASD who underwent single-level lumbar PSO at the University of Virginia Health System. All patients who received ROTEM-guided blood product transfusion between 2015 and 2017 were matched in a 1:1 ratio to a historical cohort treated using conventional laboratory testing (control group). Co-primary outcomes were intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL) and total blood product transfusion volume. Secondary outcomes were perioperative transfusion requirements and postoperative subfascial drain output.RESULTSThe matched groups (ROTEM and control) comprised 17 patients each. Comparison of matched group baseline characteristics demonstrated differences in female sex and total intraoperative dose of intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA). Although EBL was comparable between ROTEM versus control (3200.00 ± 2106.24 ml vs 3874.12 ± 2224.22 ml, p = 0.36), there was a small to medium effect size (Cohen's d = 0.31) on EBL reduction with ROTEM. The ROTEM group had less total blood product transfusion volume (1624.18 ± 1774.79 ml vs 2810.88 ± 1847.46 ml, p = 0.02), and the effect size was medium to large (Cohen's d = 0.66). This difference was no longer significant after adjusting for TXA (β = -0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1995.78 to 671.64, p = 0.32). More cryoprecipitate and less fresh frozen plasma (FFP) were transfused in the ROTEM group patients (cryoprecipitate units: 1.24 ± 1.20 vs 0.53 ± 1.01, p = 0.03; FFP volume: 119.76 ± 230.82 ml vs 673.06 ± 627.08 ml, p < 0.01), and this remained significant after adjusting for TXA (cryoprecipitate units: β = 0.39, 95% CI 0.05 to 1.73, p = 0.04; FFP volume: β = -0.41, 95% CI -772.55 to -76.30, p = 0.02). Drain output was lower in the ROTEM group and remained significant after adjusting for TXA.CONCLUSIONSFor ASD patients treated using lumbar PSO, more cryoprecipitate and less FFP were transfused in the ROTEM group compared to the control group. These preliminary findings suggest ROTEM-guided therapy may allow early identification of hypofibrinogenemia, and aggressive management of this may reduce blood loss and total blood product transfusion volume. Additional prospective studies of larger cohorts are warranted to identify the appropriate subset of ASD patients who may benefit from intraoperative ROTEM analysis.Item Unknown Sacral insufficiency fractures after lumbosacral arthrodesis: salvage lumbopelvic fixation and a proposed management algorithm.(Journal of neurosurgery. Spine, 2020-03-27) Buell, Thomas J; Yener, Ulas; Wang, Tony R; Buchholz, Avery L; Yen, Chun-Po; Shaffrey, Mark E; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SOBJECTIVE:Sacral insufficiency fracture after lumbosacral (LS) arthrodesis is an uncommon complication. The objective of this study was to report the authors' operative experience managing this complication, review pertinent literature, and propose a treatment algorithm. METHODS:The authors analyzed consecutive adult patients treated at their institution from 2009 to 2018. Patients who underwent surgery for sacral insufficiency fractures after posterior instrumented LS arthrodesis were included. PubMed was queried to identify relevant articles detailing management of this complication. RESULTS:Nine patients with a minimum 6-month follow-up were included (mean age 73 ± 6 years, BMI 30 ± 6 kg/m2, 56% women, mean follow-up 35 months, range 8-96 months). Six patients had osteopenia/osteoporosis (mean dual energy x-ray absorptiometry hip T-score -1.6 ± 0.5) and 3 received treatment. Index LS arthrodesis was performed for spinal stenosis (n = 6), proximal junctional kyphosis (n = 2), degenerative scoliosis (n = 1), and high-grade spondylolisthesis (n = 1). Presenting symptoms of back/leg pain (n = 9) or lower extremity weakness (n = 3) most commonly occurred within 4 weeks of index LS arthrodesis, which prompted CT for fracture diagnosis at a mean of 6 weeks postoperatively. All sacral fractures were adjacent or involved S1 screws and traversed the spinal canal (Denis zone III). H-, U-, or T-type sacral fracture morphology was identified in 7 patients. Most fractures (n = 8) were Roy-Camille type II (anterior displacement with kyphosis). All patients underwent lumbopelvic fixation via a posterior-only approach; mean operative duration and blood loss were 3.3 hours and 850 ml, respectively. Bilateral dual iliac screws were utilized in 8 patients. Back/leg pain and weakness improved postoperatively. Mean sacral fracture anterolisthesis and kyphotic angulation improved (from 8 mm/11° to 4 mm/5°, respectively) and all fractures were healed on radiographic follow-up (mean duration 29 months, range 8-90 months). Two patients underwent revision for rod fractures at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. A literature review found 17 studies describing 87 cases; potential risk factors were osteoporosis, longer fusions, high pelvic incidence (PI), and postoperative PI-to-lumbar lordosis (LL) mismatch. CONCLUSIONS:A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose sacral insufficiency fracture after LS arthrodesis. A trial of conservative management is reasonable for select patients; potential surgical indications include refractory pain, neurological deficit, fracture nonunion with anterolisthesis or kyphotic angulation, L5-S1 pseudarthrosis, and spinopelvic malalignment. Lumbopelvic fixation with iliac screws may be effective salvage treatment to allow fracture healing and symptom improvement. High-risk patients may benefit from prophylactic lumbopelvic fixation at the time of index LS arthrodesis.Item Unknown Surgical correction of severe adult lumbar scoliosis (major curves ≥ 75°): retrospective analysis with minimum 2-year follow-up.(Journal of neurosurgery. Spine, 2019-06-21) Buell, Thomas J; Chen, Ching-Jen; Nguyen, James H; Christiansen, Peter A; Murthy, Saikiran G; Buchholz, Avery L; Yen, Chun-Po; Shaffrey, Mark E; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin SOBJECTIVE:Prior reports have demonstrated the efficacy of surgical correction for adult lumbar scoliosis. Many of these reports focused on mild to moderate scoliosis. The authors' objective was to report their experience and to assess outcomes and complications after deformity correction for severe adult scoliosis. METHODS:The authors retrospectively analyzed consecutive adult scoliosis patients with major thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) curves ≥ 75° who underwent deformity correction at their institution. Those eligible with a minimum 2 years of follow-up were included. Demographic, surgical, coronal and sagittal plane radiographic measurements, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) scores were analyzed. RESULTS:Among 26 potentially eligible patients, 22 (85%) had a minimum 2 years of follow-up (range 24-89 months) and were included in the study (mean age 57 ± 11 years; 91% women). The cohort comprised 16 (73%), 4 (18%), and 2 (9%) patients with adult idiopathic scoliosis, de novo degenerative scoliosis, and iatrogenic scoliosis, respectively. The surgical approach was posterior-only and multistage anterior-posterior in 18 (82%) and 4 (18%) patients, respectively. Three-column osteotomy was performed in 5 (23%) patients. Transforaminal and anterior lumbar interbody fusion were performed in 14 (64%) and 4 (18%) patients, respectively. All patients had sacropelvic fixation with uppermost instrumented vertebra in the lower thoracic spine (46% [10/22]) versus upper thoracic spine (55% [12/22]). The mean fusion length was 14 ± 3 levels. Preoperative major TL/L and lumbosacral fractional (L4-S1) curves were corrected from 83° ± 8° to 28° ± 13° (p < 0.001) and 34° ± 8° to 13° ± 6° (p < 0.001), respectively. Global coronal and sagittal balance significantly improved from 5 ± 4 cm to 1 ± 1 cm (p = 0.001) and 9 ± 8 cm to 2 ± 3 cm (p < 0.001), respectively. Pelvic tilt significantly improved from 33° ± 9° to 23° ± 10° (p < 0.001). Significant improvement in HRQL measures included the following: Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) pain score (p = 0.009), SRS appearance score (p = 0.004), and SF-12/SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) score (p = 0.026). Transient and persistent neurological deficits occurred in 8 (36%) and 2 (9%) patients, respectively. Rod fracture/pseudarthrosis occurred in 6 (27%) patients (supplemental rods were utilized more recently in 23%). Revisions were performed in 7 (32%) patients. CONCLUSIONS:In this single-center surgical series for severe adult scoliosis (major curves ≥ 75°), a posterior-only or multistage anterior-posterior approach provided major curve correction of 66% and significant improvements in global coronal and sagittal spinopelvic alignment. Significant improvements were also demonstrated in HRQL measures (SRS pain, SRS appearance, and SF-12/SF-36 PCS). Complications and revisions were comparable to those of other reports involving less severe scoliosis. The results of this study warrant future prospective multicenter studies to further delineate outcomes and complication risks for severe adult scoliosis correction.