An Analysis of the Incidence and Outcomes of Major Versus Minor Neurological Decline After Complex Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Subanalysis of Scoli-RISK-1 Study.

Abstract

Study design

A subanalysis from a prospective, multicenter, international cohort study in 15 sites (Scoli-RISK-1).

Objective

To report detailed information regarding the severity of neurological decline related to complex adult spine deformity (ASD) surgery and to examine outcomes based on severity.

Summary of background data

Postoperative neurological decline after ASD surgeries can occur due to nerve root(s) or spinal cord dysfunction. The impact of decline and the pattern of recovery may be related to the anatomic location and the severity of the injury.

Methods

An investigation of 272 prospectively enrolled complex ASD surgical patients with neurological status measured by American Spinal Injury Association Lower Extremity Motor Scores (LEMS) was undertaken. Postoperative neurological decline was categorized into "major" (≥5 points loss) versus "minor" (<5 points loss) deficits. Timing and extent of recovery in LEMS were investigated for each group.

Results

Among the 265 patients with LEMS available at discharge, 61 patients (23%) had neurological decline, with 20 (33%) experiencing major decline. Of note, 90% of the patients with major decline had deficits in three or more myotomes. Full recovery was seen in 24% at 6 weeks and increased to 65% at 6 months. However, 34% continued to experience some neurological decline at 24 months, with 6% demonstrating no improvement. Of 41 patients (67%) with minor decline, 73% had deficits in one or two myotomes. Full recovery was seen in 49% at 6 weeks and increased to 70% at 6 months. Of note, 26% had persistence of some neurological deficit at 24 months, with 18% demonstrating no recovery.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing complex ASD correction, a rate of postoperative neurological decline of 23% was noted with 33% of these being "major." Although most patients showed substantial recovery by 6 months, approximately one-third continued to experience neurological dysfunction.

Level of evidence

2.

Department

Description

Provenance

Citation

Published Version (Please cite this version)

10.1097/brs.0000000000002486

Publication Info

Kato, So, Michael G Fehlings, Stephen J Lewis, Lawrence G Lenke, Christopher I Shaffrey, Kenneth MC Cheung, Leah Y Carreon, Mark B Dekutoski, et al. (2018). An Analysis of the Incidence and Outcomes of Major Versus Minor Neurological Decline After Complex Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Subanalysis of Scoli-RISK-1 Study. Spine, 43(13). pp. 905–912. 10.1097/brs.0000000000002486 Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/28252.

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Scholars@Duke

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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