Effect of long spinal fusion including the pelvis on activities of daily living related to lumbar spinal function in adults with spinal deformity

BackgroundSpinal sagittal malalignment is managed by long spinal fusion including the pelvis, which reduces lumbar spine range of motion and impairs the activities of daily living. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in activities of daily living after long spinal fusion in adults with spinal deformity, and clarify the improvement or deterioration in the specific activities of daily living postoperatively.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 40 adults who underwent long spinal fusion in a single institution between 2014 and 2016 (female/male, 39/1; mean age, 68.5 years; range, 52–79 years). Each patient undertook three self-assessed health-related quality of life measures preoperatively and again at 2-years postoperatively: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association back pain evaluation questionnaire (JOABPEQ). Radiographic outcomes were measured preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively.ResultsTotal ODI and all SRS-22 domains were improved at 2 years postoperatively. The JOABPEQ scores were also improved in all domains, except lumbar function. The change in pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis correlated with improvements in total ODI, SRS-22 function, and self-image scores. At 2 years postoperatively, satisfaction was correlated with total ODI, all SRS-22 domains, and the JOABPEQ pain domain. Subclass analysis of the JOABPEQ lumbar function domain at 2 years postoperatively revealed that 65% of patients had difficulty ‘putting on socks or stockings’, 42% had great difficulty ‘bending forward, kneeling, or stooping’, 32% reported improvement in ‘sit to stand’, and 32% reported deterioration in ‘putting on socks or stockings’ after surgery compared with before surgery. The JOABPEQ lumbar function domain was not correlated with the SRS-22 satisfaction domain.ConclusionsDespite restricting lumbar function, spinopelvic fusion improves health-related quality of life. Surgeons and patients should discuss potential changes and limitations in the activities of daily living after long spinal fusion including the pelvis.     

Relationship of the character of rod fractures on outcomes following long thoracolumbar fusion to the sacrum for adult spinal deformity

BACKGROUND CONTEXTRod fractures (RF) and pseudarthrosis are a frequent occurrence after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery and may be problematic. However, not all RF signal nonunion and cause clinical concern. An improved understanding of the sequelae after RF occurrence is valuable for further management.PURPOSETo characterize the radiographic findings, clinical outcomes, and revision rates between patients who developed unilateral RF (URF) and bilateral RF (BRF) following thoracolumbar posterior spinal fusions to the sacrum for ASD and identify patient characteristics associated with clinically significant RF that lead to subsequent revision surgeries and detection of nonunion.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGA retrospective single-center cohort study was performed.PATIENT SAMPLEPatients undergoing long-construct posterior spinal fusions to the sacrum performed at a single institution from 2004 to 2014 and developed a RF postoperatively were included.OUTCOME MEASURESPatient demographics, radiographic parameters, surgical data, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22), and revision rates.METHODSInclusion criteria were ASD patients age >18 who had ≥5 vertebrae instrumented and fused posteriorly to the sacrum and development of RF. Data were compared among patients: who developed unilateral-nondisplaced RF (UNRF), unilateral-displaced RF (UDRF), bilateral-nondisplaced RF and bilateral-displaced RF (BDRF) at baseline and follow-up. ODI and SRS-22 scores were assessed at baseline, 1 year postoperatively, the time of RF occurrence, and latest follow-up.RESULTSOf 526 patients who met inclusion criteria, 96 (18.3%) developed RF (URF n=70 [73%]; BRF n=26 [27%]). Preoperative demographics and surgical parameters were similar between the groups. BRF patients had substantial loss of sagittal correction from 1-year postoperatively to the time of RF, including loss of sagittal vertical axis (4.8 cm vs. 2.2 cm; p<.001), loss of lumbar lordosis (14.8° vs. 4.9°; p=.010) and loss of pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis mismatch (PI-LL) mismatch (5.0° vs. 14.6°; p=.020) compared with those of URF patients. The BDRF group had more loss of ODI scores (13.4 vs. 4.2; p=.013), SRS pain score (0.8 vs. 0.2; p=.024), SRS function score (0.3 vs. 0; p=.020) and SRS subscore (0.4 vs. 0.1; p=.148) from 1-year postoperatively to the time of RF and underwent revision surgery more often than the UNRF group (87.5% vs. 4.8%; p<.0001). At final follow-up (median 2.8 years, range 1–10.3 years after RF detection), URF patients who did not undergo revision surgeries still maintained equivalent sagittal alignment correction (sagittal vertical axis, LL and PI-LL; all p>.05) and had similar, not worse, mean ODI scores, SRS Subscore and SRS pain compared with the time at RF and 1-year follow-up.CONCLUSIONSRF are not uncommon after ASD operations. Asymptomatic, UNRF in our study did not jeopardize clinical outcomes or radiographic alignment parameters and, in most cases, did not represent a nonunion, as opposed to BRF. BRF patients exhibited loss of sagittal correction, loss of clinical outcome improvements, as measured by ODI, SRS pain and SRS Subscore at the time of RF, and were revised more often than URF patients.     

经后路一次切除半椎体治疗先天脊柱畸形

目的　回顾性分析 9例由先天性半椎体造成的脊柱侧弯和后凸畸形经后路一次半椎体切除植骨固定矫正术的手术治疗效果。方法　 9例患者 ,半椎体的位置在胸腰段或腰椎 ,手术采用后路切口 ,切除半椎体后 ,内固定矫正畸形 ,植骨融合 ,术后平均随访时间为 2 0 .6月 ,术前、术后拍摄站立位的脊柱正侧位片。结果　所有患者均有不同程度的侧弯和后凸畸形 ,侧弯角由术前的 37.7°矫正至 10° ,后凸角由术前 30 .5°矫正至 6°,躯干位移从 2 3mm恢复至 5mm ,无任何手术并发症 ,无内固定断裂脱落 ,均融合。结论　此手术方法对发育前期的患儿且半椎体位于胸腰椎或腰椎造成的先天性脊柱畸形 ,是一有效、安全的方法。     

胸腰段特发性脊柱侧凸的前路矫正术

目的评价胸腰段/腰段特发性脊柱侧凸经前路矫正术的临床效果。方法1998年1月~2004年1月,76例胸腰段/腰段特发性脊柱侧凸患者接受前路选择性矫正融合术。患者共76例,男19例,女57例,平均年龄为16.2岁(13~27岁)。按照Lenke分型,Ⅴ型41例,Ⅵ型35例。其中Lenke Ⅴ型术前胸腰段侧凸Cobb角平均51.3°(38°~65°),胸段侧凸Cobb角平均35.5°(23°~41°);Lenke Ⅵ型术前胸腰段侧凸Cobb角平均53.4°(46°~68°),胸段侧凸Cobb角平均39.2°(27°~51°)。所有患者均接受侧前路矫正选择性胸腰段融合。术后以及随访中对胸腰段侧凸矫正以及胸段代偿矫正情况进行分析对比,同时采用SRS-22评分评价患者手术前后的功能状况。结果患者均安全完成手术,无严重并发症发生。所有患者均随访2年以上(2~5年)。Lenke Ⅴ型组术后胸腰段侧凸Cobb角平均11.2°(3°~15°),胸段侧凸Cobb角平均8.3°(2°~11°),最终随访时分别为13.2°(5°~17°)和10.1°(4°~15°),无躯干冠状面失代偿发生;LenkeⅥ型组术后Cobb角平均16.3°(8°~21°),胸段侧凸Cobb角平均13.7°(11°~19°),最终随访时分别为17.5°(11°~24°)和15.2°(14°~21°);仅1例发生躯干冠状面失代偿,但不需要进一步治疗。两组之间无统计学差异。所有患者均在术后以及最终随访时填写了SRS-22评分表,结果显示两组患者均对治疗结果表示满意。结论胸腰段/腰段特发性脊柱侧凸经前路矫正、选择性融合可以获得良好矫正,术后胸段弯曲能够获得较好的代偿矫正,并在远期随访中维持矫正效果和躯干冠状面的平衡。     

Anterior surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Anterior open scoliosis surgery using the dual rod system is a safe and rather effective procedure for the correction of scoliosis (50–60 %). Thoracic hypokyphosis and rib hump correction with open anterior rather than posterior instrumentation appear to be the better approaches, although the latter is somewhat controversial with current posterior vertebral column derotation devices. In patients with Risser grade 0, hyperkyphosis and adding-on may occur with anterior thoracic spine instrumentation. Anterior thoracoscopic instrumentation provides a similar correction (65 %) with good cosmetic outcomes, but it is associated with a rather high risk of instrumentation (pull-out, pseudoarthrosis) and pulmonary complications. Approximately 80 % of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) curves of >70° have restrictive lung disease or smaller than normal lung volumes. AIS patients undergoing anterior thoracotomy or anteroposterior surgery will demonstrate a significant decrease in percentage of predicted lung volumes during follow-up. The thoracoabdominal approach and thoracoscopic approach without thoracoplasty do not produce similar changes in detrimental lung volume. In patients with severe AIS (>90°), posterior-only surgery with TPS provides similar radiographic correction of the deformity (44 %) with better pulmonary function outcomes than anteroposterior surgery. Vascular spinal cord malfunction after segmental vessel ligation during anterior scoliosis surgery has been reported. Based on the current literature, the main indication for open anterior scoliosis instrumentation is Lenke 5C thoracolumbar or lumbar AIS curve with anterior instrumentation typically between T11 and L3.     

Lumbar curve response to selective thoracic fusion in adult idiopathic scoliosis

Background contextTo date, no study has critically examined the radiographic characteristics of the lumbar curve after selective thoracic fusion for the adult idiopathic scoliosis patient population.PurposeTo evaluate the radiographic response of the lumbar curve to selective thoracic fusion in the adult scoliosis population with correlative clinical outcomes.Study designRetrospective case series.Patient sampleThirty patients with idiopathic scoliosis surgically treated at a mean age of 40 years (range, 20–66) using a posterior translational technique.Outcome measuresRadiographic review and functional outcome assessment.MethodsA retrospective, minimum 2-year follow-up, radiographic, and clinical review. All patients underwent selective thoracic posterior fusion with end-instrumented vertebra at T11 (1), T12 (7), L1 (14), and L2 (8).ResultsAt a mean follow-up of 39 (range, 24–87) months, spontaneous lumbar curve Cobb improvement (36°–18°=50% correction) was less than the bending radiograph (12°, 68% correction). Lowest-instrumented vertebra (LIV) tilt angle improved from 24 to 9 degrees and LIV disc angle improved from 8 to 4 degrees (p<.001). Lumbar apical disc angle improved from 10 to 7 degrees (p<.001). Lumbar apical vertebral translation remained unchanged from pre-op (17 mm) to latest follow-up (17 mm) (p=.23). Lumbar curve rotation increased from 8 to 10 degrees (p=.11). One patient had coronal imbalance of greater than 3 cm and two patients had greater than 3 cm of negative sagittal imbalance. Mean subgroup scores of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire improved (p<.01) for pain (3.0–3.8) and self-image (2.5–4.0) but remained the same for function and mental health. Only one patient required extension of fusion to include the lumbar curve 6 years postoperatively.ConclusionsThe lumbar curve response in adult, selective thoracic scoliosis surgery is characterized by 1) moderate correction but less than the bending film Cobb; 2) greater change in LIV tilt and disc angle than apical vertebra disc angle; 3) no change in lumbar apical translation or rotation; 4) more significant disc height preservation at the LIV compared with lumbar apex. Good clinical outcomes can be achieved with posterior translational instrumentation in adult scoliosis patients.     

Effect of clinical and radiological parameters on the quality of life in adult patients with untreated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a cross-sectional study

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the factors that affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in untreated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients in adulthood. We investigate the effect of clinical and radiological parameters on the SRS-22 results.

Methods

A total of 286 untreated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients at adult age between April 2021 and April 2022 who were admitted to our clinic were included in the study. Rotational deformities were evaluated with a scoliometer. Cobb angles, coronal balance, clavicle angle, coronal pelvic tilt, trunk shift, and apical vertebral translation were measured in standing anteroposterior X-rays. The effect of each clinical and radiological parameter on SRS-22 results was evaluated.

Results

No correlation was found between gender, age, curve type, presence of gibbosity or diagnosis time, and SRS-22 scores. A negative correlation was found between the BMI of the patients and the self-image scores (r =  − 0.246, p < 0.01) and function scores (r =  − 0.193, p < 0.05). Main thoracic (MT) gibbosity negatively correlates with self-image and total SRS-22 scores. Also, negative correlations were found between lumbar/thoracolumbar (LTL) gibbosity, function, and pain scores. MT Cobb angle magnitude was negatively correlated with self-image, mental health, and total SRS-22 scores. There were negative correlations between clavicle angle and mental health score, coronal pelvic tilt and self-image score, and apical vertebral translation and pain score.

Conclusion

BMI, MT gibbosity, LTL gibbosity, MT Cobb angle, clavicle angle, coronal pelvic tilt, and apical vertebral translation were negatively correlated with SRS-22 domains in untreated AIS patients in adulthood.

     

Morbidity and radiographic outcomes of severe scoliosis of 90° or more: a comparison of hybrid with total pedicle screw instrumentation

Objectives

Untreated severe scoliosis is associated with increased mortality and remains a significant surgical challenge. Few studies have reported mortality after the surgical treatment of severe scoliosis beyond a 2-year follow-up. The objectives of this study were to evaluate mortality beyond standard 2-year follow-up and compare radiographic outcomes using hybrid or pedicle screw instrumentation for severe scoliosis.

Methods

We evaluated 32 consecutive patients [11 males, mean age at surgery 15.3 (range 10.7–20.7) years] operated for a scoliosis of 90° or more using either hybrid (n = 15) or pedicle screw (n = 17) instrumentation. The follow-up time averaged 2.9 (2.0–6.6) years for radiographic and quality of life measurements and 5.5 years (2.0–9.0) years for mortality data. Of these patients, one had adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, three secondary scoliosis, and 28 neuromuscular scoliosis. Twelve patients in the hybrid and two patients in the pedicle screw groups underwent anteroposterior surgery (p < 0.001), and three patients in both groups had an apical vertebral column resection.

Results

One (3.1 %) patient died during follow-up for severe pneumonia. Preoperatively, the mean magnitude of the major curve was 109° (90°–127°) in the hybrid and 100° (90°–116°) in the pedicle screw groups (p = 0.015), and was corrected to 45° (19°–69°) in the hybrid and 27° (18°–40°) in the pedicle screw groups at the 2-year follow-up (p < 0.001), with a mean correction of the major curve of 59 % (37–81 %) in the hybrid versus 73 % (60–81 %) in the pedicle screw groups, respectively (p = 0.0023). There were six postoperative complications, including one transient spinal cord deficit necessitating reoperation in the hybrid group as compared with five complications in the pedicle screw group (p = 0.53).

Conclusions

The mid-term mortality rate after the surgical treatment of severe scoliosis was low. Severe scoliosis can be treated safely with significantly better correction of the spinal deformity using pedicle screws than hybrid instrumentation.     

Comparison of adjacent segment degeneration after successful posterolateral fusion with unilateral or bilateral pedicle screw instrumentation: a minimum 10-year follow-up

Background context

In the instrumented fusion, adjacent segment facet joint violation or impingement by pedicle screws is unavoidable especially in cephalad segment, despite taking specific intraoperative precautions in terms of surgical approach. In such circumstances, unlike its original purpose, unilateral pedicle screw instrumentation can contribute to reduce the degeneration of cephalad adjacent segment by preventing contralateral cephalad adjacent facet joint from the unavoidable injury by pedicle screw insertion. However, to our knowledge, no long-term follow-up study has compared adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) between unilateral and bilateral pedicle screw instrumented fusion.

Purpose

To compare ASD after successful posterolateral fusion using either unilateral or bilateral pedicle screw instrumentation for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and/or Grade 1 spondylolisthesis.

Study design

Retrospective case-control study.

Patient sample

One hundred forty-seven patients who had undergone one- or two-level posterolateral fusion with unilateral or bilateral pedicle screw instrumentation for lumbar spinal stenosis with or without low-grade spondylolisthesis and achieved successful fusion, with a minimum 10-year follow-up.

Outcome measure

The occurrence of radiologic ASD, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, and revision rates.

Methods

A total of 194 consecutive patients were contacted and encouraged to visit our hospital and to participate in our study. Radiologic ASD was evaluated at three motion segments: cephalad adjacent segment (first cephalad adjacent segment), one cephalad to cephalad adjacent segment (second cephalad adjacent segment), and caudal adjacent segment. Clinical outcomes were compared by ODI scores and revision rates.

Results

In total, 147 of 194 (75.8%) patients were available for at least 10 years of radiologic and clinical follow-up. Adjacent segment degeneration (in first cephalad or caudal adjacent segment) was noted in 55.9% (33 of 59 patients) of the unilateral group and 72.7% (64 of 88 patients) of the bilateral group (p=.035). The occurrence of ASD in each first cephalad and caudal adjacent segment was not significantly different between groups but that in second cephalad adjacent segment was significantly different between groups (p=.004). Clinical outcomes according to ODI showed significant difference between groups (p=.016), especially when ODI scores were compared in patients with ASD (p=.004).

Conclusions

In a minimum 10-year follow-up retrospective study of posterolateral fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis and/or Grade 1 spondylolisthesis, unilateral pedicle screw instrumentation showed a lower rate of radiologic ASD, especially in second cephalad adjacent segment, and a better clinical outcome by ODI.     

Prognosis of spontaneous thoracic curve correction after the selective anterior fusion of thoracolumbar/lumbar (Lenke 5C) curves in idiopathic scoliosis

Background contextPrognosis of minor lumbar curve correction after selective thoracic fusion in idiopathic scoliosis is well defined. However, the prognosis of minor thoracic curve after isolated anterior fusion of the major lumbar curve has not been well described.PurposeTo define the prognosis of spontaneous thoracic curve correction after selective anterior fusion of the lumbar/thoracolumbar curve in idiopathic scoliosis.Study designA retrospective cohort study on the prognosis of the minor curve after selective anterior correction and fusion of the lumbar/thoracolumbar curve in idiopathic scoliosis.Patient sampleIdiopathic lumbar scoliosis patients treated with anterior spinal fusion.Outcome measuresThe Scoliosis Research Society 22 questionnaire was used as an outcome measure at the final follow-up.MethodsTwenty-eight patients were included in this study. Four patients were male, 24 patients were female, and average age at the time of surgery was 16 years. Mean follow-up was 48 months. According to the Lenke Classification, 22 patients were 5CN, 5 were 5C?, and 1 was 5C+. All operations were performed in the same institution. Standing long posterior-anterior and lateral radiographs were taken just before surgery, 1 week after surgery, and at final follow-up.ResultsThe mean preoperative Cobb angle of the lumbar (major) curve was 53° (standard deviation [SD]=8.6) and that of the thoracic (minor) curve was 38.4° (SD=6.24). The lumbar and thoracic curves were corrected to 10° (SD=7.6) and 25° (SD=8.3) postoperatively and measured 17° (SD=10.6) and 27° (SD=7.7), respectively, at the last follow-up. There was a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative measurements of the minor curves (p<.05). However, there was no significant difference between the early postoperative and the final follow-up measurements (p>.05). Regarding the overall sagittal balance, there was no significant difference between preoperative, early, and late postoperative measurements (p>.05).ConclusionsSelective anterior fusion of the major thoracolumbar/lumbar curve was an effective method for the treatment of Lenke Type 5C curves. Minor thoracic curves did not progress after selective fusion of thoracolumbar/lumbar curves in minimum 2-year follow-up.     

选择性前路和后路手术治疗胸腰段或腰段脊柱侧凸的疗效分析

目的 比较选择性前路和后路手术治疗胸腰段或腰段青少年特发性脊柱侧凸的疗效.方法 1998年3月～2004年9月,共64例胸腰段或腰段特发性脊柱侧凸患者接受手术,其中36例采用选择性前路手术(A组),28例采用选择性后路手术(B组),随访时间为2～4 年.结果 A组术前胸腰段或腰段弯曲角度平均 42°,术后平均 18°;B组术前平均46°,术后平均18°.2 组患者术后弯曲都得到了明显改善,且2组患者改善率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),术中的出血量差异也无统计学意义(P>0.05),而B组手术时间(179 min) 相似文献   

Occult infection in pseudarthrosis revision after spinal fusion

Background ContextPseudarthrosis after attempted spinal fusion is yet not sufficiently understood and presents a surgical challenge. Occult infections are sometimes observed in patients with pseudarthrosis and no inflammatory signs of infection. The prevalence of such occult infection and its association with patient demographics and inflammatory markers are largely unknown.PurposeTo determine the prevalence of unexpected low-grade infection in spinal pseudarthrosis revision surgery, and to evaluate whether such infection is associated with patient demographics and inflammatory markers.Study DesignRetrospective observational study.Patient SampleOne-hundred-and-twenty-eight patients who underwent thoracolumbar revision surgery due to presumed aseptic pseudarthrosis after spinal instrumentation.Outcome MeasuresCulture-positive infections or noninfectious pseudarthrosis.MethodsSamples were routinely taken for microbiological examination from all adults (n=152) who underwent revision surgery for presumed aseptic thoracolumbar pseudarthrosis between 2014 and 2019. A full intraoperative microbiological workup (at least three intraoperative tissue samples) was done for 128 (84%) patients, and these patients were included in further analyses. Patient characteristics, medical history, inflammatory markers, and perioperative data were compared between those with and without microbiologically-confirmed infection based on samples obtained during pseudarthrosis revision.ResultsThe microbiological workup confirmed infection in 13 of 128 cases (10.2%). The predominant pathogen was Cutibacterium acnes (46.2%), followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci (38.5%). The presence of infection was associated with the body mass index (30.9±4.7 kg/m² [infected] vs. 28.2±5.6 kg/m² [controls], p=.049), surgery in the thoracolumbar region (46% vs. 18%, p=.019), and a slightly higher serum C-reactive protein level on admission (9.4±8.0 mg/L vs. 5.7±7.1 mg/L, p=.031). Occult infection was not associated with age, sex, prior lumbar surgeries, number of fused lumbar levels, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, presence of diabetes mellitus, and smoking status.ConclusionsOccult infections were found in 10% of patients undergoing pseudarthrosis revision after spinal fusion, even without preoperative clinical suspicion. Occult infection was associated with higher body mass index, fusions including the thoracolumbar junction, and slightly higher C-reactive protein levels. Intraoperative microbiological samples should be routinely obtained to exclude or identify occult infection in all revision surgeries for symptomatic pseudarthrosis of the spine, as this information can be used to guide postoperative antibiotic treatment.     

Comparison of open and minimally invasive techniques for posterior lumbar instrumentation and fusion after open anterior lumbar interbody fusion

Background contextMinimally invasive techniques for spinal fusion have theoretical advantages for the reduction of iatrogenic injury. Although this topic has been investigated previously for posterior-only interbody surgery, such as transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, similar studies have not evaluated these techniques after anteroposterior spinal fusion, a study design that can more accurately determine the effect of pedicle screw placement and decompression via a minimally invasive technique without the confounding effect of simultaneous interbody cage placement.PurposeTo compare process measures that provide insight into the morbidity of surgery, such as surgical time and the length of postoperative hospital stay between open and minimally invasive anteroposterior lumbar fusion; and to compare the complications during the intraoperative and early postoperative period between open and minimally invasive anteroposterior lumbar fusion.Study designRetrospective case-control study.Patient sampleOne hundred sixty-two patients.Outcome measuresEstimated blood loss, length of surgery, intraoperative fluoroscopy time, length of postoperative hospital stay, malpositioned instrumentation on postoperative imaging, and postoperative complications, including pulmonary embolus and surgical site infection.MethodsPatients who underwent open anterior lumbar interbody fusion followed by either traditional open posterior fusion (Open group) or minimally invasive posterior fusion (minimally invasive surgery [MIS] group) were matched by the number of surgical levels. A chart review was performed to document the intraoperative and postoperative process measures and associated complications in the two groups. Secondary analyses were performed to compare the subgroups of patients, who did and did not undergo a posterior decompression at the time of posterior instrumentation to determine the effect of decompression.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar between the Open and MIS groups. Estimated blood loss and postoperative transfusion rate were significantly higher in the Open group, differences that the subanalyses suggested were largely because of those patients who underwent concomitant decompression. Length of stay was not significantly different between the groups but was significantly shorter for MIS patients treated without decompression than for Open patients treated without decompression. Intraoperative fluoroscopy time was significantly longer in the MIS group. There was no difference in the infection or complication rates between the groups.ConclusionsOur case-control study comparing patients who underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion followed by open posterior instrumentation with those who underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion followed by minimally invasive posterior instrumentation demonstrated that patients undergoing MIS fusion without decompression had less blood loss, less need for transfusion in the perioperative period, and a shorter hospital stay. In contrast, most outcome measures were similar between MIS and Open groups for patients who underwent decompression.     

退行性脊柱侧凸对MIS-TLIF治疗腰椎管狭窄症疗效影响

目的:评估退行性脊柱侧凸对微创经椎间孔入路腰椎椎体间融合术(minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion,MIS-TLIF)治疗腰椎管狭窄症的手术难度及术后疗效的影响。方法:自2016年9月至2019年9月,采用MIS-TLIF手术治疗腰椎管狭窄症患者52例,男16例,女36例,年龄42～71(63.44±5.96)岁,病程1.5～6.5(3.69±1.10)年。52例患者均有下肢根性痛或麻木症状,其中41例患者有间歇性跛行症状。51例均为单节段狭窄,狭窄节段:L4,5节段31例,L5S1节段21例。依据是否合并退行性脊柱侧凸分为侧凸组18例(退行性脊柱侧凸合并腰椎管狭窄),狭窄组34例(单纯腰椎管狭窄)。记录围手术期相关数据和术后并发症,通过CT评估术后椎间植骨融合情况,采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)和Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry Disability Index,ODI)评估患者疼痛和腰椎功能改善情况。结果:51例患者均获随访,随访时间12～36(19.58±5.33)个月。手术时间、术中出血量狭窄组优于侧凸组(P0.05);两组间术后引流量、术后血红蛋白及C-反应蛋白、术后下地时间、出院时间、出院及随访时VAS评分、术后3个月及随访时ODI评分、术后并发症和椎间植骨融合率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:对于行MIS-TLIF手术的腰椎管狭窄症患者,退行性脊柱侧凸三维畸形,可导致手术时间延长,出血增多。但是对患者术后症状的缓解,并发症的发生和腰椎功能的恢复并无明显影响。     

Comparison of minimal access and traditional anterior spinal surgery in managing infectious spondylitis: a minimum 2-year follow-up

Background contextTraditional anterior spinal surgery (TASS) for the thoracolumbar spine is associated with significant morbidities. To avoid excessive tissue damage, minimal access spinal surgery (MASS) has been developed to treat a variety of anterior spinal disorders at the authors' institution. No previous reports comparing the outcomes of MASS and TASS for the treatment of infectious spondylitis were noted in the literature, to our knowledge.PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of MASS in managing infectious spondylitis and compare the results to TASS with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.Study designA retrospective comparative cohort study in a single center.Patient sampleForty patients with thoracic or lumbar infectious spondylitis who underwent anterior spinal surgery were enrolled.Outcome measuresPerioperative data including operative time, estimated blood loss, packed red blood cell transfusion, postoperative tube drainage, need for intensive care, and length of hospital stay. Postoperative complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo system. Fusion grade was assessed by plain radiographs on the basis of Burkus criteria.MethodsBetween January 2002 and June 2010, all enrolled patients were collected via the Spine Operation Registry of the authors' institution. There were 23 MASS patients and 17 TASS patients. The average follow-up was 4.2 years (range, 2–9 years).ResultsThe mean estimated blood loss in MASS and TASS groups was 521.7 versus 979.4 mL (p=.007), intraoperative transfusion of packed red blood cells was 0.9 versus 2.7 units (p=.019), the amount of postoperative tube drainage was 235.2 versus 454.3 mL (p=.005), the number of patients requiring postoperative intensive care was 2 versus 7 (p=.023), and length of hospital stay was 15.4 versus 22.9, respectively (p=.043). The overall complication rate in the MASS group was 17% and 59% in the TASS group (p=.007). No major complications occurred in the MASS group, whereas four occurred in the TASS group (p=.026). Bone graft union was achieved in 38 of 39 survival patients (97%), with no difference between the groups. One patient in TASS had a pseudarthrosis and needed a posterior instrumented fusion.ConclusionsMinimal access spinal surgery has been suggested to be an effective and safe technique in treating thoracic and lumbar infectious spondylitis. Minimal access spinal surgery did not need endoscopic equipments or complex surgical instruments. Furthermore, in comparison to TASS, MASS resulted in a reduced blood transfusion amount, decreased intensive care unit stay, reduced overall length of stay, and reduced surgical complication rate. Nevertheless, the risks may be increased in performing MASS on patients with multilevel involvement, which could be associated with high vascularity, alternated vascular anatomy, increased soft-tissue edema, and adhesion.     

Scoliosis and interspinous decompression with the X-STOP: prospective minimum 1-year outcomes in lumbar spinal stenosis

Background context

The X-STOP interspinous decompression device, as a treatment for neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC) because of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), has been shown to be superior to nonoperative control treatment. Current Food and Drug Administration labeling limits X-STOP use to NIC patients with a maximum of 25° concomitant lumbar scoliosis. This value was arrived at arbitrarily by the device developers and is untested.

Purpose

To determine X-STOP utility for NIC in patients with concomitant lumbar scoliosis.

Study design

A prospective, single institution, clinical outcome study comparing patients with scoliosis with patients without scoliosis who underwent X-STOP interspinous decompression for NIC because of LSS.

Patient sample

A cohort of 179 consecutive patients, 63 with scoliosis (Cobb angle 11° or more) and 116 without scoliosis, with symptoms attributable to NIC treated between January 2006 and May 2007, were included in the study.

Outcome measures

All patients completed self-reported preoperative and minimum 1-year postoperative outcome forms. Functional measures included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and maximum walking and standing times in minutes. Three questions measured patient satisfaction: How satisfied were you with the procedure (very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied); Would you have the procedure again? (yes or no); Would you recommend the procedure to a friend? (yes or no).

Methods

Before analysis, the 179 consecutive X-STOP patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 (controls without scoliosis, n=116); Group 2 (low scoliosis: 11–25°, n=41), and Group 3 (high scoliosis: 26° or more, n=22). The three groups were not statistically different for any preoperative functional scores. Groups were analyzed for pre- to postoperative functional change and level of satisfaction. Segmental scoliosis at the treated level was also analyzed.

Results

Fifty-six percent of Group 1 and Group 2 patients, but only 18% of Group 3 patients, achieved the success criterion of an ODI improvement of 15 or more points (Group 3 the outlier, p=.004). The satisfaction rate was Group 1, 76%; Group 2, 78%; Group 3, 59% (Group 3 the outlier, p=.0001). On average, all three groups improved for each outcome: Group 1 (ODI 17.3, VAS 2.0, standing time 39 minutes, and walking time 43 minutes), Group 2 (ODI 20.0, VAS 1.9, standing time 65 minutes, and walking time 64 minutes), Group 3 (ODI 7.2, VAS 0.9, standing time 18 minutes, and walking time 16 minutes). There was no statistical relationship between any outcome and segmental scoliosis.

Conclusions

The outcome success rate for the X-STOP procedure to treat NIC is lower in patients with overall lumbar scoliosis more than 25° but is unaltered by segmental scoliosis at the affected level. Although patients and surgeons must be aware that the presence of more than 25° of scoliosis portends less favorable results with X-STOP implantation for NIC because of LSS, success in these patients is not precluded, and selection of treatment must be put into the context of individual patient risk and other treatment options.     

Partially Overlapping Limited Anterior and Posterior Instrumentation for Adult Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Scoliosis: A Description of Novel Spinal Instrumentation, “The Hybrid Technique”

Progressive and/or painful adult spinal deformity in the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine is sometimes treated surgically by long posterior fusions from the thoracic spine down to the pelvis, especially where there is a major thoracic curve component. Recent advances in anterior spinal instrumentation and spinal surgery technique have demonstrated the improved corrective ability offered by anterior stabilization systems, and the added benefit of limiting the number of vertebral fusion levels required for control of the deformity. The "hybrid technique" is a novel use of anterior instrumentation that applies limited anterior instrumentation down to the low lumbar spine (rods and screws), and partially overlapping short-segment posterior instrumentation to the sacrum (pedicle screws and rods). These constructs avoid posterior thoracic instrumentation and fusions, and avoid extension of posterior instrumentation to the pelvis. In the first 10 patients treated using this technique, thoracolumbar and lumbar major curve correction has averaged 71 and 82% in the immediate postoperative period (n = 7), respectively, and 59 and 68% at 2-year follow-up, respectively. The technique is an appealing and attractive alternative for treatment of thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis in the adult population, and avoids the requirement for applying spinal fixation to the thoracic spine and the pelvis.     

Segmental pedicle screw instrumentation in idiopathic thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis

The role of posterior correction and fusion in thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis as well as pedicle screw instrumentation in scoliosis surgery are matters of debate. Our hypothesis was that in lumbar and thoracolumbar scoliosis, segmental pedicle screw instrumentation is safe and enables a good frontal and sagittal plane correction with a fusion length comparable to anterior instrumentation. In a prospective clinical trial, 12 consecutive patients with idiopathic thoracolumbar or lumbar scolioses of between 40° and 60° Cobb angle underwent segmental pedicle screw instrumentation. Minimum follow-up was 4 years (range 48– 60 months). Fusion length was defined according to the rules for Zielke instrumentation, normally ranging between the end vertebrae of the major curve. Radiometric analysis included coronal and sagittal plane correction. Additionally, the accuracy of pedicle screw placement was measured by use of postoperative computed tomographic scans. Major curve correction averaged 64.6%, with a loss of correction of 3°. The tilt angle was corrected by 67.0%, the compensatory thoracic curve corrected spontaneously according to the flexibility on the preoperative bending films, and led to a satisfactory frontal balance in all cases. Average fusion length was the same as that of the major curve. Pathological thoracolumbar kyphosis was completely corrected in all but one case. One patient required surgical revision with extension of the fusion to the midthoracic spine due to a painful junctional kyphosis. Eighty-five of 104 screws were graded “within the pedicle”, 10 screws had penetrated laterally, 5 screws bilaterally and 4 screws medially. No neurological complications were noted. In conclusion, despite the limited number of patients, this study shows that segmental pedicle screw instrumentation is a safe and effective procedure in the surgical correction of both frontal and sagittal plane deformity in thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis of less than 60°, with a short fusion length, comparable to anterior fusion techniques, and minimal loss of correction. Received: 23 September 1999 Revised: 20 January 2000 Accepted: 26 January 2000     

Adult scoliosis: age-related deformity and surgery

Purpose

We retrospectively analyzed our results in thoracolumbar and lumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated during adulthood.

Methods

Fifty-two thoracolumbar and 30 lumbar idiopathic scoliosis surgically treated were reviewed. Mean follow-up was 9.5 ± 6.6 years. All the subjects were analyzed by visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and SF-36 scores before and after surgery and at follow-up. The scoliotic curve, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope, and C7 plumb line were measured. For the statistical analysis, multivariate multiple regression models were formulated, considering as significative a P < 0.05.

Results

A statistically significant clinical and radiological amelioration was noted after surgery and at final follow-up. According to the logistic regression model, ODI was related to lumbar lordosis and spino-pelvic parameters at follow-up. The only determinant of failure was age.

Conclusions

Spino-pelvic recovery is easier in patients aged less than 60 years with PI < 55° and PT < 25°.

     

Degenerative lumbar scoliosis in elderly patients: dynamic stabilization without fusion versus posterior instrumented fusion

Background contextPosterolateral fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation is currently the most widely accepted technique for degenerative lumbar scoliosis in elderly patients. However, a high incidence of complications has been reported in most series. Dynamic stabilization without fusion in patients older than 60 years has not previously been compared with the use of posterior fusion in degenerative lumbar scoliosis.PurposeTo compare dynamic stabilization without fusion and posterior instrumented fusion in the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis in elderly patients, in terms of perioperative findings, clinical outcomes, and adverse events.Study designA retrospective study.Patient sampleFifty-seven elderly patients were included. There were 45 women (78%) and 12 men (22%) with a mean age of 68.1 years (range, 61–78 years). All patients had degenerative de novo lumbar scoliosis, associated with vertebral canal stenosis in 51 cases (89.4%) and degenerative spondylolisthesis in 24 patients (42.1%).Outcome measuresClinical (Oswestry Disability Index, visual analog scale, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) and radiological (scoliosis and lordosis corrections) outcomes as well as incidence of complications.MethodsPatients were divided into two groups: 32 patients (dynamic group) had dynamic stabilization without fusion and 25 patients (fusion group) underwent posterior instrumented fusion. All the patients' medical records and X-rays were reviewed. Preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up questionnaires were obtained to evaluate clinical outcomes.ResultsAt an average follow-up of 64 months (range, 42–90 months), clinical results improved similarly in both groups of patients. Statistically superior scoliosis and final lordosis corrections were achieved with posterior fusion (56.9% vs. 37.3% and ?46.8° vs. ?35.8°, respectively). However, in the dynamic group, incidence of overall complications was lower (25% vs. 44%), and fewer patients required revision surgery (6.2% vs. 16%). Furthermore, lower average values of operative duration (190 vs. 240 minutes) and blood loss (950 vs. 1,400 cc) were observed in the dynamic group than in the fusion group.ConclusionsIn elderly patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis, pedicle screw–based dynamic stabilization was less invasive with shorter operative duration, less blood loss, and lower adverse event rates than instrumented posterior fusion. Scoliosis curve reduction and lumbar lordosis were superior after fusion; however, dynamic stabilization achieved satisfying values of both these parameters, and these results were stable after an average follow-up of more than 5 years. Furthermore, there was no difference between the two techniques in terms of functional clinical outcomes at the last follow-up.