Sagittal age-adjusted score (SAAS) for adult spinal deformity (ASD) more effectively predicts surgical outcomes and proximal junctional kyphosis than previous classifications.

Abstract

Background

Several methodologies have been proposed to determine ideal ASD sagittal spinopelvic alignment (SRS-Schwab classification) global alignment and proportion (GAP) score, patient age-adjusted alignment). A recent study revealed the ability and limitations of these methodologies to predict PJK. The aim of the study was to develop a new approach, inspired by SRS classification, GAP score, and age-alignment to improve the evaluation of the sagittal plane.

Method

A multi-center ASD database was retrospectively evaluated for surgically treated ASD patients with complete fusion of the lumbar spine, and minimum 2 year follow-up. The Sagittal age-adjusted score (SAAS) methodology was created by assigning numerical values to the difference between each patient's postoperative sagittal alignment and ideal alignment defined by previously reported age generational norms for PI-LL, PT, and TPA. Postoperative HRQOL and PJK severity between each SAAS categories were evaluated.

Results

409 of 667 (61.3%) patients meeting inclusion criteria were evaluated. At 2 year SAAS score showed that 27.0% of the patients were under-corrected, 51.7% over-corrected, and 21.3% matched their age-adjusted target. SAAS score increased as PJK worsened (from SAAS = 0.2 for no-PJK, to 4.0 for PJF, p < 0.001). Post-operatively, HRQOL differences between SAAS groups included ODI, SRS pain, and SRS total.

Conclusion

Inspired by SRS classification, the concept of the GAP score, and age-adjusted alignment targets, the results demonstrated significant association with PJK and patient reported outcomes. With a lower rate of failure and better HRQOL, the SAAS seems to represent a "sweet spot" to optimize HRQOL while mitigating the risk of mechanical complications.

Department

Description

Provenance

Citation

Published Version (Please cite this version)

10.1007/s43390-021-00397-1

Publication Info

Lafage, Renaud, Justin S Smith, Jonathan Elysee, Peter Passias, Shay Bess, Eric Klineberg, Han Jo Kim, Christopher Shaffrey, et al. (2022). Sagittal age-adjusted score (SAAS) for adult spinal deformity (ASD) more effectively predicts surgical outcomes and proximal junctional kyphosis than previous classifications. Spine deformity, 10(1). pp. 121–131. 10.1007/s43390-021-00397-1 Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/28051.

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Scholars@Duke

Passias

Peter Passias

Instructor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Shaffrey

Christopher Ignatius Shaffrey

Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

I have more than 25 years of experience treating patients of all ages with spinal disorders. I have had an interest in the management of spinal disorders since starting my medical education. I performed residencies in both orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire range of spinal disorders. My goal has been to find innovative ways to manage the range of spinal conditions, straightforward to complex. I have a focus on managing patients with complex spinal disorders. My patient evaluation and management philosophy is to provide engaged, compassionate care that focuses on providing the simplest and least aggressive treatment option for a particular condition. In many cases, non-operative treatment options exist to improve a patient’s symptoms. I have been actively engaged in clinical research to find the best ways to manage spinal disorders in order to achieve better results with fewer complications.


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