Browsing by Subject "Neurosurgical Procedures"

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    ItemOpen Access
    A Risk-Benefit Analysis of Increasing Surgical Invasiveness Relative to Frailty Status in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.
    (Spine, 2021-08) Passias, Peter G; Brown, Avery E; Bortz, Cole; Pierce, Katherine; Alas, Haddy; Ahmad, Waleed; Passfall, Lara; Kummer, Nicholas; Krol, Oscar; Lafage, Renaud; Lafage, Virginie; Burton, Douglas; Hart, Robert; Anand, Neel; Mundis, Gregory; Neuman, Brian; Line, Breton; Shaffrey, Christopher; Klineberg, Eric; Smith, Justin; Ames, Christopher; Schwab, Frank J; Bess, Shay; International Spine Study Group

    Study design

    Retrospective review of a prospectively enrolled multicenter Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) database.

    Objective

    Investigate invasiveness and outcomes of ASD surgery by frailty state.

    Summary of background data

    The ASD Invasiveness Index incorporates deformity-specific components to assess correction magnitude. Intersections of invasiveness, surgical outcomes, and frailty state are understudied.

    Methods

    ASD patients with baseline and 3-year (3Y) data were included. Logistic regression analyzed the relationship between increasing invasiveness and major complications or reoperations and meeting minimal clinically important differences (MCID) for health-related quality-of-life measures at 3Y. Decision tree analysis assessed invasiveness risk-benefit cutoff points, above which experiencing complications or reoperations and not reaching MCID were higher. Significance was set to P < 0.05.

    Results

    Overall, 195 of 322 patients were included. Baseline demographics: age 59.9 ± 14.4, 75% female, BMI 27.8 ± 6.2, mean Charlson Comorbidity Index: 1.7 ± 1.7. Surgical information: 61% osteotomy, 52% decompression, 11.0 ± 4.1 levels fused. There were 98 not frail (NF), 65 frail (F), and 30 severely frail (SF) patients. Relationships were found between increasing invasiveness and experiencing a major complication or reoperation for the entire cohort and by frailty group (all P < 0.05). Defining a favorable outcome as no major complications or reoperation and meeting MCID in any health-related quality of life at 3Y established an invasiveness cutoff of 63.9. Patients below this threshold were 1.8[1.38-2.35] (P < 0.001) times more likely to achieve favorable outcome. For NF patients, the cutoff was 79.3 (2.11[1.39-3.20] (P < 0.001), 111 for F (2.62 [1.70-4.06] (P < 0.001), and 53.3 for SF (2.35[0.78-7.13] (P = 0.13).

    Conclusion

    Increasing invasiveness is associated with increased odds of major complications and reoperations. Risk-benefit cutoffs for successful outcomes were 79.3 for NF, 111 for F, and 53.3 for SF patients. Above these, increasing invasiveness has increasing risk of major complications or reoperations and not meeting MCID at 3Y.Level of Evidence: 3.
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    ItemOpen Access
    A survey-based study of wrong-level lumbar spine surgery: the scope of the problem and current practices in place to help avoid these errors.
    (World neurosurgery, 2013-03) Groff, Michael W; Heller, Joshua E; Potts, Eric A; Mummaneni, Praveen V; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Smith, Justin S

    Objective

    To understand better the scope of wrong-level lumbar spine surgery and current practices in place to help avoid such errors.

    Methods

    The Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves (Spine Section) developed a survey on single-level lumbar spine decompression surgery. Invitations to complete the Web-based survey were sent to all Spine Section members. Respondents were assured of confidentiality.

    Results

    There were 569 responses from 1045 requests (54%). Most surgeons either routinely (74%) or sometimes (11%) obtain preoperative imaging for incision planning. Most surgeons indicated that they obtained imaging after the incision was performed for localization either routinely before bone removal (73%) or most frequently before bone removal but occasionally after (16%). Almost 50% of reporting surgeons have performed wrong-level lumbar spine surgery at least once, and >10% have performed wrong-side lumbar spine surgery at least once. Nearly 20% of responding surgeons have been the subject of at least one malpractice case relating to these errors. Only 40% of respondents believed that the site marking/"time out" protocol of The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has led to a reduction in these errors.

    Conclusions

    There is substantial heterogeneity in approaches used to localize operative levels in the lumbar spine. Existing safety protocols may not be mitigating wrong-level surgery to the extent previously thought.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Adenosine-induced flow arrest to facilitate intracranial aneurysm clip ligation: dose-response data and safety profile.
    (Anesth Analg, 2010-05-01) Bebawy, John F; Gupta, Dhanesh K; Bendok, Bernard R; Hemmer, Laura B; Zeeni, Carine; Avram, Michael J; Batjer, H Hunt; Koht, Antoun
    BACKGROUND: Adenosine-induced transient flow arrest has been used to facilitate clip ligation of intracranial aneurysms. However, the starting dose that is most likely to produce an adequate duration of profound hypotension remains unclear. We reviewed our experience to determine the dose-response relationship and apparent perioperative safety profile of adenosine in intracranial aneurysm patients. METHODS: This case series describes 24 aneurysm clip ligation procedures performed under an anesthetic consisting of remifentanil, low-dose volatile anesthetic, and propofol in which adenosine was used. The report focuses on the doses administered; duration of systolic blood pressure <60 mm Hg (SBP(<60 mm Hg)); and any cardiovascular, neurologic, or pulmonary complications observed in the perioperative period. RESULTS: A median dose of 0.34 mg/kg ideal body weight (range: 0.29-0.44 mg/kg) resulted in a SBP(<60 mm Hg) for a median of 57 seconds (range: 26-105 seconds). There was a linear relationship between the log-transformed dose of adenosine and the duration of a SBP(<60 mm Hg) (R(2) = 0.38). Two patients developed transient, hemodynamically stable atrial fibrillation, 2 had postoperative troponin levels >0.03 ng/mL without any evidence of cardiac dysfunction, and 3 had postoperative neurologic changes. CONCLUSIONS: For intracranial aneurysms in which temporary occlusion is impractical or difficult, adenosine is capable of providing brief periods of profound systemic hypotension with low perioperative morbidity. On the basis of these data, a dose of 0.3 to 0.4 mg/kg ideal body weight may be the recommended starting dose to achieve approximately 45 seconds of profound systemic hypotension during a remifentanil/low-dose volatile anesthetic with propofol induced burst suppression.
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    ItemOpen Access
    An Analysis of Public Interest in Elective Neurosurgical Procedures During the COVID-19 Pandemic Through Online Search Engine Trends.
    (World neurosurgery, 2021-04) Feng, Austin Y; Garcia, Cesar A; Jin, Michael C; Ho, Allen L; Li, Gordon; Grant, Gerald; Ratliff, John; Skirboll, Stephen L

    Objective

    In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recommended the temporary cessation of all elective surgeries. The effects on patients' interest of elective neurosurgical procedures are currently unexplored.

    Methods

    Using Google Trends, search terms of 7 different neurosurgical procedure categories (trauma, spine, tumor, movement disorder, epilepsy, endovascular, and miscellaneous) were assessed in terms of relative search volume (RSV) between January 2015 and September 2020. Analyses of search terms were performed for over the short term (February 18, 2020, to April 18, 2020), intermediate term (January 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020), and long term (January 2015 to September 2020). State-level interest during phase I reopening (April 28, 2020, to May 31, 2020) was also evaluated.

    Results

    In the short term, RSVs of 4 categories (epilepsy, movement disorder, spine, and tumor) were significantly lower in the post-CMS announcement period. In the intermediate term, RSVs of 5 categories (miscellaneous, epilepsy, movement disorder, spine, and tumor) were significantly lower in the post-CMS announcement period. In the long term, RSVs of nearly all categories (endovascular, epilepsy, miscellaneous, movement disorder, spine, and tumor) were significantly lower in the post-CMS announcement period. Only the movement disorder procedure category had significantly higher RSV in states that reopened early.

    Conclusions

    With the recommendation for cessation of elective surgeries, patient interests in overall elective neurosurgical procedures have dropped significantly. With gradual reopening, there has been a resurgence in some procedure types. Google Trends has proven to be a useful tracker of patient interest and may be used by neurosurgical departments to facilitate outreach strategies.
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    ItemOpen Access
    An assessment of frailty as a tool for risk stratification in adult spinal deformity surgery.
    (Neurosurgical focus, 2017-12) Miller, Emily K; Neuman, Brian J; Jain, Amit; Daniels, Alan H; Ailon, Tamir; Sciubba, Daniel M; Kebaish, Khaled M; Lafage, Virginie; Scheer, Justin K; Smith, Justin S; Bess, Shay; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Ames, Christopher P; International Spine Study Group
    OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to analyze the value of an adult spinal deformity frailty index (ASD-FI) in preoperative risk stratification. Preoperative risk assessment is imperative before procedures known to have high complication rates, such as ASD surgery. Frailty has been associated with risk of complications in trauma surgery, and preoperative frailty assessments could improve the accuracy of risk stratification by providing a comprehensive analysis of patient factors that contribute to an increased risk of complications. METHODS Using 40 variables, the authors calculated frailty scores with a validated method for 417 patients (enrolled between 2010 and 2014) with a minimum 2-year follow-up in an ASD database. On the basis of these scores, the authors categorized patients as not frail (NF) (< 0.3 points), frail (0.3-0.5 points), or severely frail (SF) (> 0.5 points). The correlation between frailty category and incidence of complications was analyzed. RESULTS The overall mean ASD-FI score was 0.33 (range 0.0-0.8). Compared with NF patients (n = 183), frail patients (n = 158) and SF patients (n = 109) had longer mean hospital stays (1.2 and 1.6 times longer, respectively; p < 0.001). The adjusted odds of experiencing a major intraoperative or postoperative complication were higher for frail patients (OR 2.8) and SF patients ( 4.1) compared with NF patients (p < 0.01). For frail and SF patients, respectively, the adjusted odds of developing proximal junctional kyphosis (OR 2.8 and 3.1) were higher than those for NF patients. The SF patients had higher odds of developing pseudarthrosis (OR 13.0), deep wound infection (OR 8.0), and wound dehiscence (OR 13.4) than NF patients (p < 0.05), and they had 2.1 times greater odds of reoperation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Greater patient frailty, as measured by the ASD-FI, was associated with worse outcome in many common quality and value metrics, including greater risk of major complications, proximal junctional kyphosis, pseudarthrosis, deep wound infection, wound dehiscence, reoperation, and longer hospital stay.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Anaplastic extramedullary cervical ependymoma with leptomeningeal metastasis.
    (Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia, 2015-12) Pomeraniec, IJ; Dallapiazza, RF; Sumner, HM; Lopes, MB; Shaffrey, CI; Smith, JS
    We present a rare extramedullary ependymoma with diffuse spinal metastatic disease, and review the previous reports of extramedullary spinal ependymomas. Ependymomas are the most common intramedullary spinal cord tumor in adults. These tumors rarely present as extramedullary masses. We treated a 23-year-old man with a history of progressive neck, shoulder and arm pain, with sensory and motor symptoms in the C7 dermatome. MRI of the cervical spine demonstrated a ventral contrast-enhancing lesion with evidence of enhancement along the dura and spinal cord of the upper cervical spine, thoracic spine, and cauda equina. He underwent a tumor debulking procedure without complications. Following surgery, he received craniospinal radiation to treat the remaining tumor and diffuse leptomeningeal disease. The final pathology of the tumor revealed that is was a World Health Organization Grade III anaplastic ependymoma. At the 1 year follow-up, the patient had stable imaging and had returned to his preoperative functional status. Of the 19 reported patients with primary intradural, extramedullary spinal ependymomas, two had extradural components and seven had anaplastic grades. Only one tumor with an anaplastic grade resulted in metastatic disease, but without spinal recurrence. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an intradural, extramedullary spinal ependymoma with an anaplastic grade, presenting with concomitant diffuse, nodular leptomeningeal metastasis involving the upper cervical spine, thoracic spine, conus medullaris, and cauda equina. Similar to the treatment of intramedullary ependymomas with metastasis, this patient underwent an aggressive debulking procedure followed by radiation therapy to the entire neuroaxis.
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    ItemOpen Access
    C-2 neurectomy during atlantoaxial instrumented fusion in the elderly: patient satisfaction and surgical outcome.
    (Journal of neurosurgery. Spine, 2011-07) Hamilton, D Kojo; Smith, Justin S; Sansur, Charles A; Dumont, Aaron S; Shaffrey, Christopher I

    Objective

    The originally described technique of atlantoaxial stabilization using C-1 lateral mass and C-2 pars screws includes a C-2 neurectomy to provide adequate hemostasis and visualization for screw placement, enable adequate joint decortication and arthrodesis, and prevent new-onset postoperative C-2 neuralgia. However, inclusion of a C-2 neurectomy for this procedure remains controversial, likely due in part to a lack of studies that have specifically addressed whether it affects patient outcome. The authors' objective was to assess the surgical and clinical impact of routine C-2 neurectomy performed with C1-2 segmental instrumented arthrodesis in a consecutive series of elderly patients with C1-2 instability.

    Methods

    Forty-four consecutive patients (mean age 71 years) underwent C1-2 instrumented fusion, including C-1 lateral mass screw insertion. Bilateral C-2 neurectomies were performed. Standardized clinical assessments were performed both pre- and postoperatively. Numbness or discomfort in a C-2 distribution was documented at follow-up. Fusion was assessed using the Lenke fusion grade.

    Results

    Among all 44 patients, mean blood loss was 200 ml (range 100-350 ml) and mean operative time was 129 minutes (range 87-240 minutes). There were no intraoperative complications, and no patients reported new postoperative onset or worsening of C-2 neuralgia postoperatively. Outcomes for the 30 patients with a minimum 13-month follow-up (range 13-72 months) were assessed. At a mean follow-up of 36 months, Nurick grade and pain numeric rating scale scores improved from 3.7 to 1.0 (p < 0.001) and 9.4 to 0.6 (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean postoperative Neck Disability Index score was 7.3%. The fusion rate was 97%, and the patient satisfaction rate was 93%. All 24 patients with preoperative occipital neuralgia reported relief. Seventeen patients noticed C-2 distribution numbness only during examination in the clinic, and 2 patients reported C-2 numbness, but it did not affect their daily function.

    Conclusions

    In this series of C1-2 instrumented arthrodesis in elderly patients, excellent fusion rates were achieved, and patient satisfaction was not negatively affected by C-2 neurectomy. In the authors' experience, C-2 neurectomy enhanced surgical exposure of the C1-2 joint, thereby facilitating hemostasis, placement of instrumentation, and decortication of the joint space for arthrodesis. Importantly, with C-2 neurectomy in the present series, no cases of new onset postoperative C-2 neuralgia occurred, in contrast to a growing number of reports in the literature documenting new-onset C-2 neuralgia without C-2 neurectomy. On the contrary, 80% of patients in the present series had preoperative occipital neuralgia and in all of these patients this neuralgia was relieved following C1-2 instrumented arthrodesis with C-2 neurectomy.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Clinical and radiographic presentation and treatment of patients with cervical deformity secondary to thoracolumbar proximal junctional kyphosis are distinct despite achieving similar outcomes: Analysis of 123 prospective CD cases.
    (Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia, 2018-10) Passias, Peter G; Horn, Samantha R; Poorman, Gregory W; Daniels, Alan H; Hamilton, D Kojo; Kim, Han Jo; Diebo, Bassel G; Steinmetz, Leah; Bortz, Cole A; Segreto, Frank A; Sciubba, Daniel M; Smith, Justin S; Neuman, Brian J; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Lafage, Renaud; Lafage, Virginie; Ames, Christopher; Hart, Robert; Mundis, Gregory; Eastlack, Robert K; Schwab, Frank J; International Spine Study Group (ISSG)
    CD development secondary to PJK was recently documented in adult spinal deformity patients after surgical correction for thoracolumbar ASD. This study analyzes surgical management of patients with CD secondary to proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) versus patients with primary CD. Retrospective review of multicenter cervical deformity (CD) database. CD defined as at least one of the following: C2-C7 coronal Cobb > 10°, cervical lordosis (CL) > 10°, cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) > 4cm, CBVA > 25°. Patients were grouped into those with PJK (UIV +2 < -10°) prior to cervical surgery versus who don't (Non-PJK). Independent t-tests and chi-squared tests compared radiographic, clinical, and surgical metrics between PJK and non-PJK groups. Of 123 eligible CD patients, 26(21.1%) had radiographic PJK prior to cervical surgery. PJK patients had significantly greater T2-T12 thoracic kyphosis (-58.8° vs -45.0°, p = 0.002), cSVA (49.1 mm vs 38.9 mm, p = 0.020), T1 Slope (42.6° vs 28.4°, p < 0.001), TS-CL (44.1° vs 35.6°, p = 0.048), C2-T3 SVA (98.8 mm vs 75.8 mm, p = 0.015), C2 Slope (45.4° vs 36.0°, p = 0.043), and CTPA (6.4° vs 4.6°, p = 0.005). Comparing their surgeries, the PJK group had significantly more levels fused (10.7 vs 7.4, p = 0.01). There was significantly greater blood loss in PJK patients (1158 ± 1063vs 738 ± 793 cc, p = 0.028); operative time, surgical approach, and BMP-2 use were similar (all p > 0.05). PJK patients experienced higher rates of complications 30 and 90 days post-operatively (23.1% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.004; 30.8% vs. 19.6%, p = 0.026), and more instrumentation failure 30 days postoperatively (7.8% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.004). Patients with cervical deformity secondary to PJK had worse baseline CD, despite no differences in HRQL or demographics. Surgical correction of CD associated with PJK required more invasive surgery and had higher complication rates than non-PJK patients, despite achieving similar clinical outcomes.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Complications and intercenter variability of three-column osteotomies for spinal deformity surgery: a retrospective review of 423 patients.
    (Neurosurgical focus, 2014-05) Bianco, Kristina; Norton, Robert; Schwab, Frank; Smith, Justin S; Klineberg, Eric; Obeid, Ibrahim; Mundis, Gregory; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Kebaish, Khaled; Hostin, Richard; Hart, Robert; Gupta, Munish C; Burton, Douglas; Ames, Christopher; Boachie-Adjei, Oheneba; Protopsaltis, Themistocles S; Lafage, Virginie; International Spine Study Group

    Object

    Three-column resection osteotomies (3COs) are commonly performed for sagittal deformity but have high rates of reported complications. Authors of this study aimed to examine the incidence of and intercenter variability in major intraoperative complications (IOCs), major postoperative complications (POCs) up to 6 weeks postsurgery, and overall complications (that is, both IOCs and POCs). They also aimed to investigate the incidence of and intercenter variability in blood loss during 3CO procedures.

    Methods

    The incidence of IOCs, POCs, and overall complications associated with 3COs were retrospectively determined for the study population and for each of 8 participating surgical centers. The incidence of major blood loss (MBL) over 4 L and the percentage of total blood volume lost were also determined for the study population and each surgical center. Complication rates and blood loss were compared between patients with one and those with two osteotomies, as well as between patients with one thoracic osteotomy (ThO) and those with one lumbar or sacral osteotomy (LSO). Risk factors for developing complications were determined.

    Results

    Retrospective review of prospectively acquired data for 423 consecutive patients who had undergone 3CO at 8 surgical centers was performed. The incidence of major IOCs, POCs, and overall complications was 7%, 39%, and 42%, respectively, for the study population overall. The most common IOC was spinal cord deficit (2.6%) and the most common POC was unplanned return to the operating room (19.4%). Patients with two osteotomies had more POCs (56% vs 38%, p = 0.04) than the patients with one osteotomy. Those with ThO had more IOCs (16% vs 6%, p = 0.03), POCs (58% vs 34%, p < 0.01), and overall complications (67% vs 37%, p < 0.01) than the patients with LSO. There was significant variation in the incidence of IOCs, POCs, and overall complications among the 8 sites (p < 0.01). The incidence of MBL was 24% for the study population, which varied significantly between sites (p < 0.01). Patients with MBL had a higher risk of IOCs, POCs, and overall complications (OR 2.15, 1.76, and 2.01, respectively). The average percentage of total blood volume lost was 55% for the study population, which also varied among sites (p < 0.01).

    Conclusions

    Given the complexity of 3COs for spinal deformity, it is important for spine surgeons to understand the risk factors and complication rates associated with these procedures. In this study, the overall incidence of major complications following 3CO procedures was 42%. Risks for developing complications included an older age (> 60 years), two osteotomies, ThO, and MBL.
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    Decision analytic modeling in spinal surgery: a methodologic overview with review of current published literature.
    (The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society, 2015-10) McAnany, Steven J; Anwar, Muhammad AF; Qureshi, Sheeraz A

    Background context

    In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of decision analysis studies in the spine literature. Although there are several published reviews on the different types of decision analysis (cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, cost-utility), there is limited information in the spine literature regarding the mathematical models used in these studies (decision tree, Markov modeling, Monte Carlo simulation).

    Purpose

    The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the types of decision analytic models used in spine surgery. A secondary aim was to provide a systematic overview of the most cited studies in the spine literature.

    Study design/setting

    This is a systematic review of the available information from all sources regarding decision analytics and economic modeling in spine surgery.

    Methods

    A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane review was performed to identify the most relevant peer-reviewed literature of decision analysis/cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) models including decisions trees, Markov models, and Monte Carlo simulations. Additionally, CEA models based on investigational drug exemption studies were reviewed in particular detail, as these studies are prime candidates for economic modeling.

    Results

    The initial review of the literature resulted in 712 abstracts. After two reviewer-assessment of abstract relevance and methodologic quality, 19 studies were selected: 12 with decision tree constructs and 7 with Markov models. Each study was assessed for methodologic quality and a review of the overall results of the model. A generalized overview of the mathematical construction and methodology of each type of model was also performed. Limitations, strengths, and potential applications to spine research were further explored.

    Conclusions

    Decision analytic modeling represents a powerful tool both in the assessment of competing treatment options and potentially in the formulation of policy and reimbursement. Our review provides a generalized overview and a conceptual framework to help spine physicians with the construction of these models.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Determinants of Patient Satisfaction 2 Years After Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Latent Class Analysis.
    (Spine, 2019-01) Yang, Jingyan; Lafage, Virginie; Lafage, Renaud; Smith, Justin; Klineberg, Eric O; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Mundis, Gregory; Hostin, Richard; Burton, Douglas; Ames, Christopher P; Bess, Shay; Kim, Han Jo; Schwab, Frank; International Spine Study Group (ISSG)

    Study design

    Retrospective review of prospective multicenter database.

    Objective

    To investigate the determinants of patient satisfaction with respect to changes in functional limitations 2 years after spinal deformity surgery.

    Summary of background data

    For operatively treated adult spine deformity (ASD), patient satisfaction has become an important component of evaluating quality of care.

    Methods

    A total of 430 operative patients with ASD with 2-year follow-up were analyzed. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Scoliosis Research Society 22-item. Latent class analysis was performed to assign individuals to classes based on the changes in pre- and 2-year postoperative functions, assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). An ordered logistic regression was conducted to assess the association of class membership and satisfaction.

    Results

    Latent class analysis identified four classes. The worsened-condition class (WC: 1.4%) consisted of patients who were likely to experience worsened function, particularly in lifting and pain intensity. The remained-same class (RS: 13.0%) included patients who remained the same, because the majority reported approximately no change in walking, standing, and sitting. The mild-improved class (mild-I: 40.2%) included patients with mildly enhanced conditions, specifically, in standing, social life, and employment. The most-improved class (most-I: 45.3%) included patients with great improvement after surgery mainly in standing, followed by social life and employment. The odds of being satisfied were significantly increased by 3.91- (P < 0.001) and 16.99-fold (P < 0.001), comparing patients in mild-I and most-I to the RS/WC class, respectively, after controlling for confounders.

    Conclusion

    Improvement in standing, social life, and employment are the most important determinants of patient satisfaction postsurgery. Reduced pain intensity and enhanced walking ability also help to elevate patient satisfaction. However, lifting, personal care, sitting, sleeping, and travelling may be of less importance. Examining the heterogeneity of patient-reported outcome in patients with ASD allows the identification of classes with different patient characteristics and satisfaction, and thus, help to guide tailored provision of care.

    Level of evidence

    4.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Development of Deployable Predictive Models for Minimal Clinically Important Difference Achievement Across the Commonly Used Health-related Quality of Life Instruments in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.
    (Spine, 2019-08) Ames, Christopher P; Smith, Justin S; Pellisé, Ferran; Kelly, Michael P; Gum, Jeffrey L; Alanay, Ahmet; Acaroğlu, Emre; Pérez-Grueso, Francisco Javier Sánchez; Kleinstück, Frank S; Obeid, Ibrahim; Vila-Casademunt, Alba; Burton, Douglas C; Lafage, Virginie; Schwab, Frank J; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Bess, Shay; Serra-Burriel, Miquel; European Spine Study Group, International Spine Study Group

    Study design

    Retrospective analysis of prospectively-collected, multicenter adult spinal deformity (ASD) databases.

    Objective

    To predict the likelihood of reaching minimum clinically important differences in patient-reported outcomes after ASD surgery.

    Summary of background data

    ASD surgeries are costly procedures that do not always provide the desired benefit. In some series only 50% of patients achieve minimum clinically important differences in patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Predictive modeling may be useful in shared-decision making and surgical planning processes. The goal of this study was to model the probability of achieving minimum clinically important differences change in PROs at 1 and 2 years after surgery.

    Methods

    Two prospective observational ASD cohorts were queried. Patients with Scoliosis Research Society-22, Oswestry Disability Index , and Short Form-36 data at preoperative baseline and at 1 and 2 years after surgery were included. Seventy-five variables were used in the training of the models including demographics, baseline PROs, and modifiable surgical parameters. Eight predictive algorithms were trained at four-time horizons: preoperative or postoperative baseline to 1 year and preoperative or postoperative baseline to 2 years. External validation was accomplished via an 80%/20% random split. Five-fold cross validation within the training sample was performed. Precision was measured as the mean average error (MAE) and R values.

    Results

    Five hundred seventy patients were included in the analysis. Models with the lowest MAE were selected; R values ranged from 20% to 45% and MAE ranged from 8% to 15% depending upon the predicted outcome. Patients with worse preoperative baseline PROs achieved the greatest mean improvements. Surgeon and site were not important components of the models, explaining little variance in the predicted 1- and 2-year PROs.

    Conclusion

    We present an accurate and consistent way of predicting the probability for achieving clinically relevant improvement after ASD surgery in the largest-to-date prospective operative multicenter cohort with 2-year follow-up. This study has significant clinical implications for shared decision making, surgical planning, and postoperative counseling.

    Level of evidence

    4.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Early Patient-Reported Outcomes Predict 3-Year Outcomes in Operatively Treated Patients with Adult Spinal Deformity.
    (World neurosurgery, 2017-06) Jain, Amit; Kebaish, Khaled M; Sciubba, Daniel M; Hassanzadeh, Hamid; Scheer, Justin K; Neuman, Brian J; Lafage, Virginie; Bess, Shay; Protopsaltis, Themistocles S; Burton, Douglas C; Smith, Justin S; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Hostin, Richard A; Ames, Christopher P; International Spine Study Group

    Background

    For patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD), surgical treatment may improve their health-related quality of life. This study investigates when the greatest improvement in outcomes occurs and whether incremental improvements in patient-reported outcomes during the first postoperative year predict outcomes at 3 years.

    Methods

    Using a multicenter registry, we identified 84 adults with ASD treated surgically from 2008 to 2012 with complete 3-year follow-up. Pairwise t tests and multivariate regression were used for analysis. Significance was set at P < 0.01.

    Results

    Mean Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Scoliosis Research Society-22r total (SRS-22r) scores improved by 13 and 0.8 points, respectively, from preoperatively to 3 years (both P < 0.001). From preoperatively to 6 weeks postoperatively, ODI scores worsened by 5 points (P = 0.049) and SRS-22r scores improved by 0.3 points (P < 0.001). Between 6 weeks and 1 year, ODI and SRS-22r scores improved by 19 and 0.5 points, respectively (both P < 0.001). Incremental improvements during the first postoperative year predicted 3-year outcomes in ODI and SRS-22r scores (adjusted R2 = 0.52 and 0.42, respectively). There were no significant differences in the measured or predicted 3-year ODI (P = 0.991) or SRS-22r scores (P = 0.986).

    Conclusions

    In surgically treated patients with ASD, the greatest improvements in outcomes occurred between 6 weeks and 1 year postoperatively. A model with incremental improvements from baseline to 6 weeks and from 6 weeks to 1 year can be used to predict ODI and SRS-22r scores at 3 years.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Effect of Resident and Fellow Involvement in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.
    (World neurosurgery, 2019-02) Zuckerman, Scott L; Lim, Jaims; Lakomkin, Nikita; Than, Khoi D; Smith, Justin S; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Devin, Clinton J

    Background

    Adult spinal deformity (ASD) operations are complex and often require a multisurgeon team. Simultaneously, it is the responsibility of academic spine surgeons to train future complex spine surgeons. Our objective was to assess the effect of resident and fellow involvement (RFI) on ASD surgery in 4 areas: 1) perioperative outcomes, 2) length of stay (LOS), 3) discharge status, and 4) complications.

    Methods

    Adults undergoing thoracolumbar spinal deformity correction from 2008 to 2014 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Cases were divided into those with RFI and those with attendings only. Outcomes were operative time, transfusions, LOS, discharge status, and complications. Univariate and multivariable regression modeling was used. Covariates included preoperative comorbidities, specialty, and levels undergoing instrumentation.

    Results

    A total of 1471 patients underwent ASD surgery with RFI in 784 operations (53%). After multivariable regression modeling, RFI was independently associated with longer operations (β = 66.01 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], 35.82-96.19; P < 0.001), increased odds of transfusion (odds ratio, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.81-4.32; P < 0.001), longer hospital stay (β = 1.76 days; 95% CI, 0.18-3.34; P = 0.030), and discharge to an inpatient rehabilitation or a skilled nursing facility (odds ratio, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.34-3.05; P < 0.001). However, RFI was not associated with any increase in major or minor complications.

    Conclusion

    RFI in ASD surgery was associated with increased operative time, the need for additional transfusions, longer LOS, and nonhome discharge. However, no increase in major, minor, or severe complications occurred. These data support the continued training of future deformity and complex spine surgeons without fear of worsening complications; however, areas of improvement exist.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Effective Prevention of Proximal Junctional Failure in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery Requires a Combination of Surgical Implant Prophylaxis and Avoidance of Sagittal Alignment Overcorrection.
    (Spine, 2020-02) Line, Breton G; Bess, Shay; Lafage, Renaud; Lafage, Virgine; Schwab, Frank; Ames, Christopher; Kim, Han Jo; Kelly, Michael; Gupta, Munish; Burton, Douglas; Hart, Robert; Klineberg, Eric; Kebaish, Khaled; Hostin, Richard; Mundis, Gregory; Eastlack, Robert; Shaffrey, Christopher; Smith, Justin S; International Spine Study Group

    Study design

    Propensity score matched analysis of a multi-center prospective adult spinal deformity (ASD) database.

    Objective

    Evaluate if surgical implant prophylaxis combined with avoidance of sagittal overcorrection more effectively prevents proximal junctional failure (PJF) than use of surgical implants alone.

    Summary of background data

    PJF is a severe form of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK). Efforts to prevent PJF have focused on use of surgical implants. Less information exists on avoidance of overcorrection of age-adjusted sagittal alignment to prevent PJF.

    Methods

    Surgically treated ASD patients (age ≥18 yrs; ≥5 levels fused, ≥1 year follow-up) enrolled into a prospective multi-center ASD database were propensity score matched (PSM) to control for risk factors for PJF. Patients evaluated for use of surgical implants to prevent PJF (IMPLANT) versus no implant prophylaxis (NONE), and categorized by the type of implant used (CEMENT, HOOK, TETHER). Postoperative sagittal alignment was evaluated for overcorrection of age-adjusted sagittal alignment (OVER) versus within sagittal parameters (ALIGN). Incidence of PJF was evaluated at minimum 1 year postop.

    Results

    Six hundred twenty five of 834 eligible for study inclusion were evaluated. Following PSM to control for confounding variables, analysis demonstrated the incidence of PJF was lower for IMPLANT (n = 235; 10.6%) versus NONE (n = 390: 20.3%; P < 0.05). Use of transverse process hooks at the upper instrumented vertebra (HOOK; n = 115) had the lowest rate of PJF (7.0%) versus NONE (20.3%; P < 0.05). ALIGN (n = 246) had lower incidence of PJF than OVER (n = 379; 12.0% vs. 19.2%, respectively; P < 0.05). The combination of ALIGN-IMPLANT further reduced PJF rates (n = 81; 9.9%), while OVER-NONE had the highest rate of PJF (n = 225; 24.2%; P < 0.05).

    Conclusion

    Propensity score matched analysis of 625 ASD patients demonstrated use of surgical implants alone to prevent PJF was less effective than combining implants with avoidance of sagittal overcorrection. Patients that received no PJF implant prophylaxis and had sagittal overcorrection had the highest incidence of PJF.

    Level of evidence

    3.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Effectiveness of preoperative autologous blood donation for protection against allogeneic blood exposure in adult spinal deformity surgeries: a propensity-matched cohort analysis.
    (Journal of neurosurgery. Spine, 2016-01) Kelly, Michael P; Zebala, Lukas P; Kim, Han Jo; Sciubba, Daniel M; Smith, Justin S; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Bess, Shay; Klineberg, Eric; Mundis, Gregory; Burton, Douglas; Hart, Robert; Soroceanu, Alex; Schwab, Frank; Lafage, Virginie; International Spine Study Group

    Objective

    The goal of this study was to examine the effectiveness of preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

    Methods

    Patients undergoing single-stay ASD reconstructions were identified in a multicenter database. Patients were divided into groups according to PABD (either PABD or NoPABD). Propensity weighting was used to create matched cohorts of PABD and NoPABD patients. Allogeneic (ALLO) exposure, autologous (AUTO) wastage (unused AUTO), and complication rates were compared between groups.

    Results

    Four hundred twenty-eight patients were identified as meeting eligibility criteria. Sixty patients were treated with PABD, of whom 50 were matched to 50 patients who were not treated with PABD (NoPABD). Nearly one-third of patients in the PABD group (18/60, 30%) did not receive any autologous transfusion and donated blood was wasted. In 6 of these cases (6/60, 10%), patients received ALLO blood transfusions without AUTO. In 9 cases (9/60, 15%), patients received ALLO and AUTO blood transfusions. Overall rates of transfusion of any type were similar between groups (PABD 70% [42/60], NoPABD 75% [275/368], p = 0.438). Major and minor in-hospital complications were similar between groups (Major PABD 10% [6/60], NoPABD 12% [43/368], p = 0.537; Minor PABD 30% [18/60], NoPABD 24% [87/368], p = 0.499). When controlling for potential confounders, PABD patients were more likely to receive some transfusion (OR 15.1, 95% CI 2.1-106.7). No relationship between PABD and ALLO blood exposure was observed, however, refuting the concept that PABD is protective against ALLO blood exposure. In the matched cohorts, PABD patients were more likely to sustain a major perioperative cardiac complication (PABD 8/50 [16%], NoPABD 1/50 [2%], p = 0.046). No differences in rates of infection or wound-healing complications were observed between cohorts.

    Conclusions

    Preoperative autologous blood donation was associated with a higher probability of perioperative transfusions of any type in patients with ASD. No protective effect of PABD against ALLO blood exposure was observed, and no risk of perioperative infectious complications was observed in patients exposed to ALLO blood only. The benefit of PABD in patients with ASD remains undefined.
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    Epidemiologic and survival trends in adult primary bone tumors of the spine.
    (The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society, 2019-12) Kerr, David L; Dial, Brian L; Lazarides, Alexander L; Catanzano, Anthony A; Lane, Whitney O; Blazer, Dan G; Brigman, Brian E; Mendoza-Lattes, Sergio; Eward, William C; Erickson, Melissa E

    Background context

    Malignant primary spinal tumors are rare making it difficult to perform large studies comparing epidemiologic, survival, and treatment trends. We investigated the largest registry of primary bone tumors, the National Cancer Database (NCDB), to compare epidemiologic and survival trends among these tumors.

    Purpose

    To use the NCDB to describe current epidemiologic trends, treatment modalities, and overall survival rates in patients with chordomas, osteosarcomas, chondrosarcomas, and Ewing sarcomas of the mobile spine. The secondary objective was to determine prognostic factors that impact overall survival rates.

    Study design

    Retrospective study.

    Patient sample

    A total of 1,011 patients with primary bone tumors of the spine (377 chordomas, 223 chondrosarcomas, 278 Ewing sarcomas, and 133 osteosarcomas).

    Outcome measures

    Five-year survival.

    Methods

    We reviewed the records of 1,011 patients in the NCDB from 2004 through 2015 with histologically confirmed primary osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, or chordoma of the spine. Demographic, clinical, and outcomes data were compiled and compared using chi-squared tests and ANOVA. Long-term survival was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method with statistical comparisons based on the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine survival determinants.

    Results

    Surgical resection was the primary mode of treatment for chondrosarcoma (90%), chordoma (84%), and osteosarcoma (80%). The treatment for Ewing sarcoma was multimodal involving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical resection. Five-year survival rates varied significantly with chordomas and chondrosarcomas having the greatest survival (70% and 69%), osteosarcomas having the worse survival (38%), and Ewing having intermediate 5-year survival at 62% (overall log-rank p<.0001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated significantly improved 5-year survival rates with younger age at diagnosis, private insurance status, lower comorbidity score, lower tumor grade, smaller tumor size, surgical resection, and negative surgical margin. Radiation therapy only improved survival for Ewing sarcoma.

    Conclusions

    This study provides the most comprehensive description of the epidemiologic, treatment, and survival trends of primary bone tumors of the mobile spine. Second, patient and tumor characteristics associated with improved 5-year survival were identified using a multivariate model.
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    Evaluation of complications and neurological deficits with three-column spine reconstructions for complex spinal deformity: a retrospective Scoli-RISK-1 study.
    (Neurosurgical focus, 2014-05) Kelly, Michael P; Lenke, Lawrence G; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Ames, Christopher P; Carreon, Leah Y; Lafage, Virginie; Smith, Justin S; Shimer, Adam L

    Object

    The goal in this study was to evaluate the risk factors for complications, including new neurological deficits, in the largest cohort of patients with adult spinal deformity to date.

    Methods

    The Scoli-RISK-1 inclusion criteria were used to identify eligible patients from 5 centers who were treated between June 1, 2009, and June 1, 2011. Records were reviewed for patient demographic information, surgical data, and reports of perioperative complications. Neurological deficits were recorded as preexisting or as new deficits. Patients who underwent 3-column osteotomies (3COs) were compared with those who did not (posterior spinal fusion [PSF]). Between-group comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests and chi-square analyses.

    Results

    Two hundred seven patients were identified-75 who underwent PSF and 132 treated with 3CO. In the latter group, patients were older (58.9 vs 49.4 years, p < 0.001), had a higher body mass index (29.0 vs 25.8, p = 0.029), smaller preoperative coronal Cobb measurements (33.8° vs 56.4°, p < 0.001), more preoperative sagittal malalignment (11.7 cm vs 5.4 cm, p < 0.001), and similar sagittal Cobb measurements (45.8° vs 57.7°, p = 0.113). Operating times were similar (393 vs 423 minutes, p = 0.130), although patients in the 3CO group sustained higher estimated blood loss (2120 vs 1700 ml, p = 0.066). Rates of new neurological deficits were similar (PSF: 6.7% vs 3CO: 9.9%, p = 0.389), and rates of any perioperative medical complication were similar (PSF: 46.7% vs 3CO: 50.8%, p = 0.571). Patients who underwent vertebral column resection (VCR) were more likely to sustain medical complications than those treated with pedicle subtraction osteotomy (73.7% vs 46.9%, p = 0.031), although new neurological deficits were similar (15.8% vs 8.8%, p = 0.348). Regression analysis did not reveal significant predictors of neurological injury or complication from collected data.

    Conclusions

    Despite higher estimated blood loss, rates of all complications (49.3%) and new neurological deficits (8.7%) did not vary for patients who underwent complex reconstruction, whether or not a 3CO was performed. Patients who underwent VCR sustained more medical complications without an increase in new neurological deficits. Prospective studies of patient factors, provider factors, and refined surgical data are needed to define and optimize risk factors for complication and neurological deficits.
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    ItemOpen Access
    External Validation of the Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) Frailty Index (ASD-FI) in the Scoli-RISK-1 Patient Database.
    (Spine, 2018-10) Miller, Emily K; Lenke, Lawrence G; Neuman, Brian J; Sciubba, Daniel M; Kebaish, Khaled M; Smith, Justin S; Qiu, Yong; Dahl, Benny T; Pellisé, Ferran; Matsuyama, Yukihiro; Carreon, Leah Y; Fehlings, Michael G; Cheung, Kenneth M; Lewis, Stephen; Dekutoski, Mark B; Schwab, Frank J; Boachie-Adjei, Oheneba; Mehdian, Hossein; Bess, Shay; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Ames, Christopher P; AOSpine Knowledge Forum Deformity, the International Spine Study Group

    Study design

    Analysis of a prospective multicenter database.

    Objective

    To assess the ability of the recently created Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) Frailty Index (ASD-FI) to predict odds of major complications and length of hospital stay for patients who had more severe preoperative deformity and underwent more invasive ASD surgery compared with patients in the database used to create the index.

    Summary of background data

    Accurate preoperative estimates of risk are necessary given the high complication rates currently associated with ASD surgery.

    Methods

    Patients were enrolled by participating institutions in Europe, Asia, and North America from 2009 to 2011. ASD-FI scores were used to classify 267 patients as not frail (NF) (<0.3), frail (0.3-0. 5), or severely frail (SF) (>0.5). Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for preoperative and surgical covariates such as operative time and blood loss, was performed to determine the relationship between ASD-FI category and incidence of major complications, overall incidence of complications, and length of hospital stay.

    Results

    The mean ASD-FI score was 0.3 (range, 0-0.7). We categorized 105 patients as NF, 103 as frail, and 59 as SF. The adjusted odds of developing a major complication were higher for SF patients (odds ratio = 4.4; 95% CI 2.0, 9.9) compared with NF patients. After adjusting for covariates, length of hospital stay for SF patients increased by 19% (95% CI 1.4%, 39%) compared with NF patients. The odds of developing a major complication or having increased length of stay were similar between frail and NF patients.

    Conclusion

    Greater patient frailty, as measured by the ASD-FI, is associated with a longer hospital stay and greater risk of major complications among patients who have severe preoperative deformity and undergo invasive surgical procedures.

    Level of evidence

    2.
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    Group-based Trajectory Modeling: A Novel Approach to Classifying Discriminative Functional Status Following Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: Study of a 3-year Follow-up Group.
    (Spine, 2020-07) Yang, Jingyan; Lafage, Renaud; Gum, Jeffrey L; Shaffrey, Christopher I; Burton, Douglas; Kim, Han Jo; Ames, Christopher P; Mundis, Gregory; Hostin, Richard; Bess, Shay; Klineberg, Eric O; Smith, Justin S; Schwab, Frank; Lafage, Virginie; International Spine Study Group (ISSG)

    Study design

    Retrospective review of prospectively collected database.

    Objective

    To delineate and visualize trajectories of the functional status in surgically-treated adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients.

    Summary of background data

    Classifying long-term recovery following ASD surgery is not well defined.

    Methods

    One thousand one hundred seventy-one surgically-treated patients with a minimum of 3-year follow-up were included. The group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify distinct trajectories of functional status over time, measured by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Patient profiles were then compared according to the observed functional patterns.

    Results

    The GBTM identified four distinct functional patterns. The first group (10.0%) started with minimal disability (ODI: 15 ± 10) and ended up almost disability-free (low-low). The fourth group (21.5%) began with high ODI (66 ± 11) and improvement was minimal (high-high). Groups two (40.1%) and three (28.4%) had moderate disability (ODI: 39 ± 11 vs. 49 ± 11, P < 0.001) before surgery. Following surgery, marked improvement was seen in group two (median-low), but deterioration/no change was observed in group three (median-high). The low-low group primarily included adult idiopathic scoliosis, while the high-high group had the oldest and the most severe patients as compared with the rest of the groups. A subgroup analysis was performed between groups two and three with propensity score matching on age, body mass index, baseline physical component score (PCS), and severity of deformity. Notably, the baseline mental status of the median-high group was significantly worse than that of the median-low group, though the differences in demographics, surgery, and deformity no longer existed.

    Conclusions

    Patients with moderate-to-low disability are more likely to obtain better functional postoperative outcomes. Earlier surgical interventions should be considered to prevent progression of deformity, and to optimize favorable outcomes. Greatest improvement appears to occur in moderately disabled patients with good mental health. GBTM permits classification into distinct groups, which can help in surgical decision making and setting expectations regarding recovery.

    Level of evidence

    3.