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Background Context: The rate of surgical site infection (SSI) following elective spine surgery ranges from 0.5%‒10%. Published reports suggest a higher SSI rate in non-elective spine surgery such as spine trauma; however, there is a paucity of large database studies examining this issue.Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of SSI in patients undergoing spine surgery for thoracic and lumbar fractures in a large population database.Study Design/setting: This is a retrospective study utilizing the PearlDiver Patient Claims Database.Patient Sample: Patients undergoing spine surgery for thoracic and lumbar fractures between 2015-2020 were identified in the PearlDiver Patient Claims Database using ICD-10 codes. Patients were excluded who had another surgery either 14 days before or 21 days after the index spine surgery, or pathologic fracture.Outcome Measures: Rate of surgical site infection.Methods: Clinical data collected from the PearlDiver database based on ICD-10 codes included gender, age, diabetes, smoking status, obesity, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and SSI. Univariate analysis was used to assess the association of potential risk factors and SSI. Multivariable analysis was used to identify independent risk factors of SSI. The authors have no conflicts of interest or funding sources to declare.Results: A total of 11,401 patients undergoing spine surgery for thoracic and lumbar fractures met inclusion criteria, and 1,065 patients were excluded. 860 patients developed SSI (7.5%). Risk factors significantly associated with SSI in univariate analysis included diabetes (OR 1.50; 95% CI, 1.30‒1.73; p<.001), obesity (OR 1.66; 95% CI, 1.44‒1.92; p<.001), increased age (p<.001), ECI (p<.001), and CCI (p<.001). On multivariable analysis, obesity and ECI were independently associated with SSI (p<.001 and p<.001, respectively).Conclusions: Non-elective surgery for thoracic and lumbar fractures is associated with a 7.5% risk of SSI. Obesity and ECI are independent predictors of SSI in this population. Limitations include the reliance on accurate insurance coding which may not fully capture all SSI, and in particular superficial SSI. These findings provide a broad overview of the risk of SSI in this population at a national level and may also help counsel patients regarding risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical site infection (SSI) is relatively uncommon following elective spine surgery with reported rates ranging from 0.5-5%. Published reports have suggested a higher SSI rate in nonelective spine surgery such as spinal trauma though there is a paucity of large database studies examining this issue. The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence and risk factors of SSI in patients undergoing spinal surgery for thoracic and lumbar fractures in a large administrative database. Retrospective. Patients undergoing spinal surgery for thoracic and lumbar fractures between 2015-2020 were identified in the PearlDiver Mariner Patient Claims Database (PearlDiver Technologies, Colorado Springs, CO, USA) using ICD-10 codes. Clinical data was collected based on ICD-10 codes. Collected data included gender, age, diabetes, smoking status, obesity, Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI) and SSI. Patients were excluded who had another surgery either 14 days before or 21 days after the index spinal surgery. Univariate analysis was used to assess the association of potential risk factors and SSI. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent risk factors of SSI. Of 10,769 patients undergoing spinal surgery for thoracic and lumbar fractures, 9,848 met inclusion criteria and 921 were excluded. Of these, 736 patients developed SSI (7.5%). Risk factors significantly associated with SSI in univariate analysis included diabetes (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.33-1.81; P=1.43e-8), obesity (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.30-1.54; P=3.36e-13), increased age (P=0.00015) and ECI (P=2.2e-16). On multivariate analysis, obesity and ECI were independently associated with SSI (P=1.2e-4 and P=2.23e-10 respectively). Nonelective spinal surgery for thoracic and lumbar fractures is associated with a 7.5% risk of surgical site infection. Obesity and ECI are independent predictors of SSI in this patient population. By establishing the rate of SSI in a large, nationwide database this study gives providers a broad overview of the risk of SSI in this population and may also help counsel patients regarding risk. Limitations of the study include its retrospective nature and its dependency on accurate ICD-10 database coding. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its FDA approval in 2002, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has been increasingly used in spinal surgery to promote arthrodesis and avoid the morbidity of autologous iliac crest bone graft harvest. Recent data estimate its utilization in 25% of spinal fusions. Because growth factors such as rhBMP-2 stimulate cellular proliferation, the association of rhBMP-2 with tumorigenesis in spinal fusion is an area of concern. Previous research has generated conflicting conclusions on the risk of cancer in patients receiving rhBMP-2 for spinal fusion. The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of new solid organ and hematopoietic malignancies in patients undergoing spinal arthrodesis with or without BMP in a large administrative database. Retrospective propensity-matched analysis. Patients undergoing thoracolumbar fusion with or without BMP utilization between 2015-2020 were identified from the PearlDiver Mariner Patient Claims Database (PearlDiver Technologies, Colorado Springs, CO, USA) using ICD-10 codes. Patients with pre-existing malignancy diagnosis were excluded. Data were analyzed for incidence of solid organ malignancy (lung, breast, kidney, prostate, thyroid) and hematopoietic malignancy (lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia) diagnosed after spinal surgery. Propensity score matching was performed between patients who did and did not receive BMP. Propensity matched variables were selected a priori and included age, sex, and year of surgery. Among patients without a history of solid organ malignancy undergoing thoracolumbar fusion, BMP was used in 9,593 patients and was not used in 193,713. In the propensity matched group, 1.5% of the BMP group developed solid organ malignancy following surgery compared to 1.9% of the non-BMP group. The odds ratio of developing solid organ malignancy in the BMP group compared to the control group was 0.80 (95% CI 0.64-1.00); P=0.056. Among patients without a history of hematopoietic malignancy undergoing thoracolumbar fusion, BMP was used in 9,913 patients and was not used in 191,006 patients. In the propensity matched group, 0.3% of the BMP group developed hematopoietic malignancy compared to 0.5% of the non-BMP group. The odds ratio of developing hematopoietic malignancy in the BMP group compared to the control group was 0.69 (95% CI 0.44-1.07); P=0.12. BMP use in a large patient population undergoing thoracolumbar fusion was not associated with increased risk of new solid organ or hematopoietic malignancy. Limitations of this study include its reliance on accurate documentation and coding, including documentation of BMP use which may not be as robust as CPT coding since BMP coding may not be reimbursable. However, for the subset of patients with clear documentation of BMP use, this study further supports emerging data on the lack of a causal relationship between BMP use and malignancy. Bone morphogenetic protein: Approved for certain types of spinal fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lateral mass screw fixation is the standard for posterior subaxial cervical fixation. Several freehand surgical techniques for placing lateral mass screws have been described which rely on anatomical landmarks and surgeon mastery of the technique to safely place screws. The accuracy of these freehand techniques is inherently variable and can be influenced by a surgeon's level of clinical experience. A novel technique was developed that utilizes the plane of the facet joint to create lateral mass screw pilot holes parallel with the joint line to improve the safety and accuracy of lateral mass screw placement regardless of experience. To assess the safety and accuracy of lateral mass screw placement using a novel lateral mass drill guide instrument (LM Guide), compared to standard freehand technique. Randomized cadaveric study utilizing multiple surgeon evaluators to compare the safety and accuracy of guided cervical lateral mass placement compared to traditional freehand techniques. Lateral mass screws were placed from C3 to C7 in 20 cadaver specimens by 8 spine surgeons of varying levels of clinical experience (4 attendings, 4 fellows). Screws were placed bilaterally using standard anatomic landmarks ("freehand") randomly allocated on one side and using the LM Guide on the other. Cadaveric specimens were imaged with high-resolution CT to assess screw placement. Zone grading for safety was conducted based on screw tip position and clinical severity of screw breach was based on proximity to surrounding neurovascular anatomy. Screws were graded as safe, at-risk, or critical, with at-risk and critical screws considered malpositioned. To assess the accuracy of screw trajectory placed using the LM Guide compared to freehand, sagittal screw angle was measured and compared to an "ideal" screw path parallel to the facet joint line. Freehand and LM Guide groups were compared using Pearson's chi-square correlation. Screw placement using the LM guide yielded a significantly lower rate of screw malpositioning, with 7 of 91 (7.7%) compared with 18 of 99 (18.2%) screws placed in the At-Risk or Critical Zones, p<.05. Of the 91 screws inserted using the LM Guide, 84 (92.3%) were in the Safe Zone, 7 (7.7%) were At-Risk, and 0 were in Critical zones. There was no incidence of neural or transverse foramen breaches with the LM Guide. In comparison, for the 99 screws inserted freehand, 81 (81.8%) were Safe, 14 (14.1%) were At-Risk, and 4 (4.1%) were in Critical zones. The 4 Critical zone freehand screw breaches included 1 neural foramen breach, 2 transverse foramen breaches, and 1 facet breach. The LM Guide also resulted in higher accuracy of screw trajectory, as indicated by a significant reduction in sagittal screw angle compared with freehand, p<.01. Notably, in the less-experienced surgeon cohort, the LM Guide significantly reduced the sagittal screw angle and resulted in no critical screw breaches compared to 3 critical breaches with freehand technique suggesting there might be a benefit in decreasing the learning curve associated with lateral mass screw placement. Lateral mass screw placement with a novel LM Guide that uses the facet joint to control screw trajectory improved the accuracy and reproducibility of screw placement with a significant reduction in screw breach rate and sagittal screw angle compared to freehand techniques regardless of surgeon experience level. The inherent variability of freehand lateral mass screw placement can increase the risk of clinical complications associated with screw malpositioning. The technique presented in this cadaveric study may be a viable alternative to standard freehand technique that can improve the overall safety of lateral mass screw placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background context: Spondylodesis in the operative management of lumbar spine diseases has been the subject of numerous studies over several decades. The posterolateral fusion (PLF) with pedicle screw fixation is a commonly used procedure. Purpose: To determine whether the addition of bone marrow concentrate (BMC) to allograft bone increases fusion rate after instrumented posterior lumbar fusion. Study design: The study was prospective, randomized, controlled, and blinded. Methods: Eighty patients with degenerative disease of the lumbar spine underwent instrumented lumbar or lumbosacral PLF (22 men, 58 women; body mass index less than 35 for a good visualization of the PLF in the X-rays). In 40 cases, the PLF was done with spongious allograft chips alone (Group I, age 62.7 years in average, range 47–77 years, level of fusion 1–2). In another 40 cases, spongious allograft chips were mixed with BMC (Group II, age 58.5 years in average, range 42–80, level of fusion 1–3), including the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Patients were scheduled for anteroposterior and lateral radiographs 12 and 24 months after the surgery and for computed tomography scanning 24 months after the surgery. Fusion status and the degree of mineralization of the fusion mass were evaluated separately by two radiologists blinded to patient group affiliation. The bony mass was judged as fused if there was uninterrupted bridging of well-mineralized bone between the transverse processes or sacrum, with trabeculation indicating bone maturation on least at one side of the spines. Results: In Group I at 12 months, the bone graft mass was assessed in X-rays as fused in no cases (0%) and at 24 months in four cases (10%). In Group II, 6 cases (15%) achieved fusion at 12 months and 14 cases (35%) at 24 months. The statistically significant difference between both groups was proven for complete fusion at both 12 (p=.041) and 24 months (p=.011). Computed tomography scans showed that 16 cases (40%) in Group I and 32 cases (80%) in Group II had evidence of at least unilateral continuous bridging bone between neighboring vertebrae at 24 months (p<.05). Conclusions: We have confirmed the hypothesis that the autologous BMC together with the allograft is a better alternative for PLF than the allograft alone. The use of autologous MSCs in form of BMC in combination with allograft is an effective option to enhance the PLF healing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background context: Although spinal arthrodesis can improve function by correcting deformity and reducing pain, it also by intention reduces spinal mobility. Increased spinal stiffness may have the potential to impair function and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), independent of pain levels. Purpose: To evaluate the ability to discriminate spinal stiffness from pain in ADLs after lumbar spine arthrodesis using two outcome instruments. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Patient sample: Consecutive cohort of lumbar spine fusion patients from a single surgeon''s practice. Outcome measures: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Lumbar Stiffness Disability Index (LSDI), radiographs. Methods: We developed the LSDI questionnaire to assess the impact of spinal stiffness on ability to perform different ADLs. The LSDI and ODI were administered to 93 patients who underwent lumbar arthrodesis extending from one to five or more motion segments at a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Comparisons of mean LSDI and ODI scores between patients were made using generalized linear regression. A Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was computed to determine the relationship between the LSDI and ODI scores. Results: The sample included 61 women and 32 men, with mean age at surgery of 55.0 years (standard deviation [SD], 13.1) and mean time since surgery of 3.4 years (SD, 1.8). The mean LSDI score was 29.6 (SD, 19.2), and the mean ODI score was 39.7 (SD, 19.1). Comparing one-level and five-level arthrodesis, the LSDI scores were significantly different (p=.05), whereas the ODI scores were not significantly different (p=.36). Comparisons between other levels of arthrodesis did not show significant differences for either the LSDI or the ODI. Within the entire study group, LSDI and ODI scores were positively correlated (r=0.69, p<.001). Conclusions: Difficulty in performing certain ADLs increases for patients with multilevel lumbar fusions as opposed to one-level arthrodesis. The LSDI distinguishes functional difficulties with ADLs accruing because of spinal stiffness, which appear to be independent of the functional limitations resulting from low back pain as measured by ODI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background context: The primary goal of surgical arthrodesis is to eliminate the motion of spinal segments in an effort to alleviate pain, improve deformity, and reduce disability. However, decreased spinal mobility may impair performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) due to the resulting stiffness or the lack of mobility of the fused segment. Current clinical outcome instruments do not seek information regarding the impact of spinal stiffness on functional ability. Therefore, a patient-reported outcome questionnaire measuring the impact of lumbar stiffness on functional abilities was devised and assessed for internal consistency, retest repeatability, and external validity. Purpose: To develop and validate an outcome instrument to measure the collateral effect of stiffness after lumbar fusion on functional ability. Study design: Cross-sectional pilot study. Patient sample: Consecutive cohort of lumbar spine fusion patients from a single surgeon''s practice. Outcome measures: Lumbar Stiffness Disability Index (LSDI) and Cobb angle measurements from digital radiographs. Methods: We developed and evaluated a 10-item questionnaire, referred to as the LSDI, which seeks information on the impact of spinal stiffness on ADLs after lumbar spinal arthrodesis. The questionnaire yields a score from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater difficulty resulting from lumbar spinal stiffness in performing 10 different ADLs. The study sample comprised 32 lumbar arthrodesis patients at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. All patients completed the questionnaire twice via telephone interviews conducted 4 weeks apart. Internal consistency was assessed using the Cronbach alpha, and retest reliability was measured using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). External validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by correlating the scores with lumbar range of motion (LROM) as measured from the angular change between the inferior end plate of T12 and the superior end plate of S1 on standardized digital flexion and extension lateral radiographs. Results: The study sample included 22 women (69%) and 10 men (31%) with an average age of 63 years. The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha=0.89). Retest reliability was also high (ICC=0.87). External validity was demonstrated by a statistically significant inverse relationship between LROM and LSDI scores (r=−0.71; p<.001). Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates that the LSDI questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing functional limitations due to lumbar stiffness among spinal arthrodesis patients. The questionnaire is proposed for use in prospective evaluation of lumbar stiffness impacts after arthrodesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background context: Limited data are available regarding incidence of proximal junctional acute collapse after multilevel lumbar spine fusion. There are no data regarding the cost of prophylactic vertebral augmentation adjacent to long lumbar fusions compared with the costs of performing revision fusion surgery for patients suffering with this complication. Purpose: To perform a cost analysis of prophylactic vertebral augmentation for prevention of proximal junctional acute collapse after multilevel lumbar fusion. Study design: Retrospective chart review and cost analysis. Patient sample: All female patients older than 60 years undergoing extended lumbar fusions were reviewed to establish the incidence of proximal junctional acute collapse. Outcome measures: Cost estimates for two-level vertebroplasty, two-level kyphoplasty, and revision instrumented fusion were calculated using billing data and cost-to-charge ratios. Methods: Cost comparisons of prophylactic vertebral augmentation versus extension of fusion for patients suffering from proximal junctional acute collapse were performed. Results: Twenty-eight female patients older than 60 years underwent lumbar fusions from L5 or S1 extending to the thoracolumbar junction (T9–L2). Fifteen of the 28 patients had prophylactic vertebroplasty cranial to the fused segment. Proximal junctional acute collapse requiring revision surgery occurred in 2 of the 13 patients (15.3%) treated without prophylactic vertebroplasty. None of the 15 patients undergoing cement augmentation experienced this complication. Assuming a 15% decrease in the incidence of proximal junctional acute collapse, the estimated cost to prevent a single proximal junctional acute collapse was $46,240 using vertebroplasty and $82,172 using kyphoplasty. Inpatient costs associated with a revision instrumented fusion averaged $77,432. Conclusions: Prophylactic vertebral augmentation for the prevention of proximal junctional acute collapse may be a cost effective intervention in elderly female patients undergoing extended lumbar fusions. Further efforts are needed to determine more precisely the incidence of proximal junctional acute collapse and the effects of various risk factors on increasing this incidence, as well as methods of prevention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and failure (PJF) are established complications following surgical correction of adult spinal deformity, particularly in patients with low bone density. To mitigate the risk, alternative fixation solutions to traditional pedicle screws (PS) have been proposed. Polyester band tethering at the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) is a popular treatment option; however, the sub-laminar anchor point requires midline excision of ligamentous structures, potentially augmenting biomechanical risk factors thought to play important roles in the development of PJK. Rib/transverse process (R/TP) band tethering is a novel technique that aims to provide a strong bone-implant interface without compromising adjacent segment stability. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the novel use of the rib and TP complex as the anchor point for band fixation at the UIV of a long fusion construct to potentially mitigate the risk of PJK in osteoporotic patients. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Cadaveric biomechanical study using a six-degrees-of-freedom machine. PATIENT SAMPLE A total of 20 specimens. OUTCOME MEASURES Range of motion. METHODS Twenty thoracic spines (C7-L2) with intact rib cages were divided into four groups matched for bone mineral density (BMD). All specimens were instrumented with bilateral PS and rods from T6-L2. Groups were defined by mode of fixation at the cephalad levels (T4–T5): (1) T4–T5 PS (rigid), (2) T4 sub-laminar bands and T5 PS (SL), (3) T4R/TP bands and T5 PS (R/TP), or (4) T4R/TP bands and T5 sub-laminar bands (hybrid). The starting point of the R/TP tethering technique was 5 mm lateral to the costotransverse joint. The band was passed under both the rib and transverse process and then tensioned and secured posteriorly to the rod with a clamp. Specimens were subject to a pure moment of ±5 Nm in flexion–extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR) both before (intact condition) and after instrumentation. Motion data were normalized to the mean intact condition, and comparisons at the adjacent (T3–T4) and first instrumented (T4–T5) levels were made between groups (p≤.05). RESULTS The BMDs of rigid, SL, R/TP, and hybrid groups were 1.03, 1.06, 1.09, and 1.05 g/m2, respectively (p=.983). At the first instrumented level, each group reduced motion in all 3 bending modes compared to intact. However, when comparisons were made between groups, R/TP demonstrated significantly less motion restriction in FE (vs. all groups) and LB (vs. rigid) (p≤.05). Increases in motion compared to intact at the adjacent level were observed in the hybrid and SL groups (FE: 139.2%, 187.6%, LB: 111.4%, 139.9%, and AR: 97.6%, 114.4%, respectively); statistical significance was seen in FE for the hybrid group (p≤0.05). Whereas, no increases in motion at the adjacent level were observed in the R/TP and rigid groups, with the exception of LB (FE: 92.7%, 97.6%, LB: 83.4%, 123.5%, and AR: 98.3%, 99.7%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Band tethering at the UIV is an evolving alternative technique in patients with compromised bone and pedicle anatomy. When compared to other tethering techniques, R/TP bands provide comparable stability in LB and AR at the UIV of long fusion constructs. Moreover, it avoids the sacrifice of midline structures, which, as this study demonstrated, leads to increased adjacent level motion. Utilizing the rib and TP complex as an alternative anchor point for band fixation is a viable tethering technique and may mitigate the risk of PJK in osteoporotic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of study: Significant geographic variation in rates of spine surgery has been previously demonstrated. Factors contributing to this variation may include not only the density of spinal surgeons, but also differences in practice patterns between surgeons. Evaluation of potential contributing factors, such as surgeon age, training background and practice location, have not been evaluated. This study tested surgeons' approaches to simulated case histories of five patients representing common diagnostic categories of degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. We hoped to evaluate both the extent of variation in treatment plans as well as the effect of specific demographic variables on surgical approach. Methods used: Five simulated case presentations, including history, physical examination and imaging studies, were presented to 30 US surgeons of varying ages and geographic regions, with training backgrounds from both neurological and orthopedic surgery. Surgeons responded regarding the need for surgery, surgical approach, indication for fusion and use of instrumentation. Cases included a one-level herniated disc with osteophyte formation (Case 1), a lytic spondylolisthesis (Case 2), a degenerative spondylolisthesis (Case 3), degenerative scoliosis with stenosis (Case 4) and stenosis with prior laminotomies (Case 5). Surgeon age, training background and practice location were tested as predictors of observed variation using an analysis of variance. of findings: The most consistency was found in the approach to Case 1, for whom 100% of respondents indicated a fusion procedure and 93.3% indicated simultaneous posterior instrumentation. Fusion was indicated much less frequently for Cases 1 and 5 (18.5% and 15.4%, respectively). The greatest variation in surgical plan was found for the patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and degenerative scoliosis (Cases 3 and 4). Fifteen of 29 respondents (51.7%) indicated fusion for Case 3, whereas 12 of 25 (48.0%) indicated fusion for Case 4. Several predictive variables reached or tended toward statistical significance. Surgeon age was significantly predictive of the use of instrumentation for Cases 1 and 5 (p = .048 and .014, respectively). There was a similar trend toward increased indication for fusion and use of instrumentation among younger surgeons for the remaining cases. There was also a trend toward increased use of fusion and instrumentation among orthopedists compared with neurosurgeons for all cases, which reached significance for Case 4 (p = .015). Relationship between findings and existing knowledge: Variation in approach to surgical treatment may depend on the clinical problem presented. Among the surgeons in this study, we found impressive consistency in approach to the patient with lytic spondylolisthesis, which may indicate better agreement regarding appropriate treatment of this clinical problem. Significant variation in indication for fusion and instrumentation was found to result from surgical training background and surgeon age. Overall significance of findings: Although concern has been expressed regarding the significant variability in the per capita rate of surgery for degenerative spinal conditions, these variations may occur partly because a lack of consensus on appropriate treatment techniques for certain problems, as well as such surgeon-specific factors as age and training background. Disclosures: No disclosures. Conflict of interest: No conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgery to correct adult spinal deformity (ASD) is performed by both neurological surgeons and orthopedic surgeons. Despite well-documented high costs and complication rates following ASD surgery, there is a dearth of research investigating trends in treatment according to surgeon subspeciality. The purpose of this investigation was to perform an analysis of surgical trends, costs and complications of ASD operations by physician specialty using a large, nationwide sample. Retrospective cohort study using an administrative claims database. A total of 12,929 patients were identified with ASD that underwent deformity surgery performed by neurological or orthopedic surgeons. The primary outcome was surgical case volume by surgeon specialty. Secondary outcomes included costs, medical complications, surgical complications, and reoperation rates (30-day, 1-year, 5-year, and total). The PearlDiver Mariner database was queried to identify patients who underwent ASD correction from 2010 to 2019. The cohort was stratified to identify patients who were treated by either orthopedic or neurological surgeons. Surgical volume, baseline characteristics, and surgical techniques were examined between cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess the cost, rate of reoperation and complication according to each subspecialty while controlling for number of levels fused, rate of pelvic fixation, age, gender, region and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Alpha was set to 0.05 and a Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was utilized to set the significance threshold at p ≤.000521. A total of 12,929 ASD patients underwent deformity surgery performed by neurological or orthopedic surgeons. Orthopedic surgeons performed most deformity procedures accounting for 64.57% (8,866/12,929) of all ASD operations, while the proportion treated by neurological surgeons increased 44.2% over the decade (2010: 24.39% vs 2019: 35.16%; p<.0005). Neurological surgeons more frequently operated on older patients (60.52 vs 55.18 years, p<.0005) with more medical comorbidities (CCI scores: 2.01 vs 1.47, p<.0005). Neurological surgeons also performed higher rates of arthrodesis between one and six levels (OR: 1.86, p<.0005), three column osteotomies (OR: 1.35, p<.0005) and navigated or robotic procedures (OR: 3.30, p<.0005). Procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons had significantly lower average costs as compared to neurological surgeons (orthopedic surgeons: $17,971.66 vs neurological surgeons: $22,322.64, p=.253). Adjusted logistic regression controlling for number of levels fused, pelvic fixation, age, sex, region, and comorbidities revealed that patients within neurosurgical care had similar odds of complications to orthopaedic surgery. This investigation of over 12,000 ASD patients demonstrates orthopedic surgeons continue to perform the majority of ASD correction surgery, although neurological surgeons are performing an increasingly larger percentage over time with a 44% increase in the proportion of surgeries performed in the decade. In this cohort, neurological surgeons more frequently operated on older and more comorbid patients, utilizing shorter-segment fixation with greater use of navigation and robotic assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A total of 18.6% of surgically treated adult spinal deformity patients indicated they were unsure or would not undergo surgery again. • Patients indicating they were unsure or wound not have surgery again had more postoperative complications requiring surgery than patients indicating they would have surgery again. • Patients indicating they were unsure or wound not have surgery again had worse postoperative PROs and fewer percentages reaching minimal clinically important difference for SRS-22r and ODI than patients indicating they would have surgery again. • At minimum 2 year follow up 93.0% of patients indicating they would have surgery again reported they were satisfied with the results of their back management compared 82.3% of unsure if they would have the same surgery again and 72.4% of patients that wound not have surgery again (p<.05). • Surgeons accurately identified patients indicating they would have surgery again (91.1%) but poorly identified patients indicating they wound not have surgery again (13.8%; p<.05). Adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery can improve patient pain and physical function but is associated with high complication rates and long postoperative recovery. Accordingly, if given a choice, patients may indicate they would not undergo ASD surgery again. Evaluate surgically treated ASD patients to assess if given the option (1) would surgically treated ASD patients choose to undergo the same ASD surgery again, (2) would the treating surgeon perform the same ASD surgery again and if not why, (3) evaluate for consensus and/or discrepancies between patient and surgeon opinions for willingness to perform/receive the same surgery, and (4) evaluate for associations with willingness to undergo or not undergo the same surgery again and patient demographics, patient reported outcomes, and postoperative complications. Retrospective review of a prospective ASD study. Surgically treated ASD patients enrolled into a multicenter prospective study. Scoliosis Research Society-22r questionnaire (SRS-22r), Short Form-36v2 questionnaire (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), numeric pain rating for back pain (NRS back) and leg pain (NRS leg), minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for SRS-22r domains and ODI, intraoperative and postoperative complications, surgeon and patient satisfaction with surgery. Surgically treated ASD patients prospectively enrolled into a multicenter study were asked at minimum 2-year postoperative, if, based upon their hospital and surgical experiences and surgical recovery experiences, would the patient undergo the same surgery again. Treating surgeons were then matched to their corresponding patients, blinded to the patients' preoperative and postoperative patient reported outcome measures, and interviewed and asked if (1) the surgeon believed that the corresponding patient would undergo the surgery again, (2) if the surgeon believed the corresponding patient was improved by the surgery and (3) if the surgeon would perform the same surgery on the corresponding patient again, and if not why. ASD patients were divided into those indicating they would (YES), would not (NO) or were unsure (UNSURE) if they would have same surgery again. Agreement between patient and surgeon willingness to receive/perform the same surgery was assessed and correlations between patient willingness for same surgery, postoperative complications, spine deformity correction, patient reported outcomes (PROs). A total of 580 of 961 ASD patients eligible for study were evaluated. YES (n=472) had similar surgical procedures performed, similar duration of hospital and ICU stay, similar spine deformity correction and similar postoperative spinal alignment as NO (n=29; p>.05). UNSURE (n=79) had greater preoperative depression and opioid use rates, UNSURE and NO had more postoperative complications requiring surgery, and UNSURE and NO had fewer percentages of patients reaching postoperative MCID for SRS-22r domains and MCID for ODI than YES (p<.05). Comparison of patient willingness to receive the same surgery versus surgeon perceptions on patient's willingness to receive the same surgery demonstrated surgeons accurately identified YES (91.1%) but poorly identified NO (13.8%; p<.05). If given a choice, 18.6% of surgically treated ASD patients indicated they were unsure or would not undergo the surgery again. ASD patients indicating they were unsure or would not undergo ASD surgery again had greater preoperative depression, greater preoperative opioid use, worse postoperative PROs, fewer patients reaching MCID, more complications requiring surgery, and greater postoperative opioid use. Additionally, patients that indicated they would not have the same surgery again were poorly identified by their treating surgeons compared to patients indicating they would be willing to receive the same surgery again. More research is needed to understand patient expectations and improve patient experiences following ASD surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metals from spinal implants are released into surrounding tissues by various mechanisms. Metal ion release has been associated with clinical implant failure, osteolysis, and remote site accumulation with adverse events. Significant corrosion and associated metal ion release has been described with currently used spinal implant alloys. A novel metal alloy, Molybdenum-47.5Rhenium alloy (MoRe®), was approved for use in medical implants in 2019 by the FDA. To evaluate the metal ion release profile of MoRe alloy after immersion in both a stable physiologic, as well as in an inflammatory environment. In vitro study. The ion release profile of the MoRe alloy was comprehensively evaluated in-vitro after prolonged immersion in physiologic and inflammatory environments. Ion concentration analyses were then conducted using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods. Comparative testing of titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) and cobalt chromium (Co-28Cr-6Mo) was also performed. Under baseline physiologic conditions, the MoRe alloy demonstrates very low molybdenum and rhenium ion release rates throughout the 30-day test period. During the first time interval (day 0–1), low levels of molybdenum and rhenium ions are detected (<0.3 μg/cm2 day) followed by a rapid reduction in the ion release rates to <0.05 μg/cm2 day during the second time interval (days 1–3) followed by a further reduction to very low steady-state rates <0.01 μg/cm2 day during the third time interval (days 3–7), which were maintained through 30 days. In the inflammatory condition (H 2 O 2 solution), there was a transient increase in the release of molybdenum and rhenium ions, followed by a return to baseline ion release rates (days 2–4), with a further reduction to low steady-state rates of ∼0.01 μg/cm2 day (days 4–8). The measured molybdenum and rhenium ion release rates in both steady state (<0.01 μg/cm2 day), and inflammatory environments (0.01 μg/cm2 day) were far below the established FDA-permitted daily exposure (PDE) of 1,900 μg/cm2 day for molybdenum and 4,400 μg/cm2 day for rhenium. In contrast, titanium and cobalt chromium approached or exceeded their established PDE values in an inflammatory environment. The novel biomaterial MoRe demonstrated a lower metal ion release profile in both a physiologic and inflammatory environment and was well below the established PDE. Comparative testing of the cobalt-chromium and titanium alloys found higher levels of ion release in the inflammatory environment that exceeded the PDE for cobalt and vanadium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Patients with severe cervical deformity (CD) often have profound deficits in numerous activities of daily living. The association between health status and postoperative radiographic goals is difficult to quantify.Purpose: We aimed to investigate the radiographic characteristics of patients who achieved optimal health related quality of life scores following surgery for CD.Study Design: We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of patients with spinal deformity.Patient Sample: One hundred and fifty-three patients with cervical deformity OUTCOME MEASURES: Common health-related quality of life scores (HRQOLs) measurements were taken for patients treated operatively for cervical deformity including neck disability index (NDI), modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale (mJOA) for myelopathy and numeric rating scale for neck pain (NRS-neck), METHODS: Surgical patients with severe CD were isolated based upon a previously presented discriminant analysis which outlined a combination of preoperative cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA), T1 slope, maximum focal kyphosis in extension, C2 slope in extension, and number of kyphotic levels in extension. Those with available preoperative and 1-year postoperative HRQL data were included. Based on a previous study, patients were grouped into three distinct sagittal morphotypes of CD: focal deformity (FD), flat neck (FN = large TS-CL and lack of compensation), or cervicothoracic (CT). Postoperative outcomes were defined as "good" if a patient had ≥2 of the three following criteria (1) NDI <20 or meeting MCID, (2) mild myelopathy (mJOA≥14), and (3) NRS-Neck ≤5 or improved by ≥2 points from baseline. Within each distinct deformity group, patients with good outcomes were compared to those with poor outcomes (ie, not meeting the criteria for good) for differences in demographics, HRQOL scores, and alignment, via Chi-squared or student's t tests.Results: Overall, 83 of 153 patients met the criteria of severe CD and 40 patients had complete 1-year follow-up of clinical/radiographic data. Patient breakdown by deformity pattern was: CT (N=13), FN (N=17), and FD (N=17), with 7 patients meeting criteria for both FD and FN deformities. Within the FD cohort, maximal focal kyphosis (ie, kyphosis at one level) was better corrected in patients with a "good" outcome (p=.03). In the FN cohort, patients with "good" outcomes presented preoperatively with worse horizontal gaze (McGregor Slope 21° vs. 6°, p=.061) and cSVA (72 mm vs. 60 mm, p=.030). "Good" outcome FN patients showed significantly greater postop correction of horizontal gaze (-25° vs. -5°, p=.031). In the CT cohort, patients with "good" outcomes had superior global alignment both pre- (SVA: -17 mm vs. 108 mm, p<.001) and postoperatively (50 mm vs. 145 mm, p=.001). CT patients with "good" outcomes also had better postop cervical alignment (cSVA 35 mm vs. 49 mm, p=.030), and less kyphotic segments during extension (p=.011). In the FD cohort, there were no differences between "good" and "poor" outcomes patients in preoperative alignment; however, "good" outcome patients showed superior changes in postoperative focal kyphosis (-2° vs. 5°, p=.030). Within all three deformity pattern categories, there were no differences between "good" and "poor" outcome patients with respect to demographics or surgical parameters (levels fused, surgical approach, decompression, osteotomy, all p>.050).Conclusions: The results of this study show each CD patient's unique deformity must be carefully examined in order to determine the appropriate alignment goals to achieve optimal HRQOLs. In particular, the recognition of the sagittal morphotype can help assist surgeons to aim for specific alignment goals for CT, FN and FD. Distinct deformity specific intra-operative goals include obtaining proper sagittal global/cervical alignment for cervicothoracic patients, correcting maximal focal kyphosis in focal deformity patients, and correcting horizontal gaze for flatneck patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: The postoperative recovery patterns of cervical deformity patients, thoracolumbar deformity patients, and patients with combined cervical and thoracolumbar deformities, all relative to one another, is not well understood. Clear objective benchmarks are needed to quantitatively define a "good" versus a "bad" postoperative recovery across multiple follow-up visits, varying deformity types, and guide expectations.Purpose: To objectively define and compare the complete 2-year postoperative recovery process among operative cervical only, thoracolumbar only, and combined deformity patients using area-under-the-curve (AUC) methodology.Study Design/setting: Retrospective review of 2 prospective, multicenter adult cervical and spinal deformity databases.Patient Sample: One hundred seventy spinal deformity patients.Outcome Measures: Common health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessments across both databases included the EuroQol 5-Dimension Questionnaire and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) back pain assessment. In order to compare disability improvements, the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were merged into one outcome variable, the ODI-NDI. Both assessments are gauged on the same scale, with minimal question deviation. Sagittal Radiographic Alignment was also assessed at pre- and all postoperative time points.Methods: Operative deformity patients >18 years old with baseline (BL) to 2-year HRQOLs were included. Patients were stratified by cervical only (C), thoracolumbar only (T), and combined deformities (CT). HRQOL and radiographic outcomes were compared within and between deformity groups. AUC normalization generated normalized HRQOL scores at BL and all follow-up intervals (6 weeks, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 year). Normalized scores were plotted against follow-up time interval. AUC was calculated for each follow-up interval, and total area was divided by cumulative follow-up length, determining overall, time-adjusted HRQOL recovery (Integrated Health State, IHS). Multiple linear regression models determined significant predictors of HRQOL discrepancies among deformity groups.Results: One hundred seventy patients were included (27 C, 27 T, and 116 CT). Age, BMI, sex, smoking status, osteoporosis, depression, and BL HRQOL scores were similar among groups (p >. 05). T and CT patients had higher comorbidity severities (CCI: C 0.696, T 1.815, CT 1.699, p = .020). Posterior surgical approaches were most common (62.9%) followed by combined (28.8%) and anterior (6.5%). Standard HRQOL analysis found no significant differences among groups until 1-year follow-up, where C patients exhibited comparatively greater NRS back pain (4.88 vs. 3.65 vs. 3.28, p = .028). NRS Back pain differences between groups subsided by 2-years (p>.05). Despite C patients exhibiting significantly faster ODI-NDI minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement (33.3% vs. 0% vs. 23.0%, p < .001), all deformity groups exhibited similar ODI-NDI MCID achievement by 2-years (51.9% vs. 59.3% vs. 62.9%, p = 0.563). After HRQOL normalization, similar results were observed relative to the standard analysis (1-year NRS Back: C 1.17 vs. T 0.50 vs. CT 0.51, p < .001; 2-year NRS Back: 1.20 vs. 0.51 vs. 0.69, p = .060). C patients exhibited a worse NRS back normalized IHS (C 1.18 vs. T 0.58 vs. CT 0.63, p = .004), indicating C patients were in a greater state of postoperative back pain for a longer amount of time. Linear regression models determined postoperative distal junctional kyphosis (adjusted beta: 0.207, p = .039) and osteoporosis (adjusted beta: 0.269, p = .007) as the strongest predictors of a poor NRS back IHS (model summary: R2 = 0.177, p = .039).Conclusions: Despite C patients exhibiting a quicker rate of MCID disability (ODI-NDI) improvement, they exhibited a poorer overall recovery of back pain with worse NRS back scores compared with BL status and other deformity groups. Postoperative distal junctional kyphosis and osteoporosis were identified as primary drivers of a poor postoperative NRS back IHS. Utilization of the IHS, a single number adjusting for all postoperative HRQOL visits, in conjunction with predictive modelling may pose as an improved method of gauging the effect of surgical details and complications on a patient's entire recovery process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Non-operative management is a common initial treatment for patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) despite reported superiority of surgery with regard to outcomes. Ineffective medical care is a large source of resource drain on the health system. Characterization of patients with ASD likely to elect for operative treatment from non-operative management may allow for more efficient patient counseling and cost savings.Purpose: This study aimed to identify deformity and disability characteristics of patients with ASD who ultimately convert to operative treatment compared with those who remain non-operative and those who initially choose surgery.Study Design/setting: A retrospective review was carried out.Patient Sample: A total of 510 patients with ASD (189 non-operative, 321 operative) with minimum 2-year follow-up comprised the patient sample.Outcome Measures: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short-Form 36 Health Assessment (SF-36), Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire (SRS-22r), and spinopelvic radiographic alignment were the outcome measures.Methods: Demographic, radiographic, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) from a cohort of patients with ASD prospectively enrolled into a multicenter database were evaluated. Patients were divided into three treatment cohorts: Non-operative (NON=initial non-operative treatment and remained non-operative), Operative (OP=initial operative treatment), and Crossover (CROSS=initial non-operative treatment with subsequent conversion to operative treatment). NON and OP groups were propensity score-matched (PSM) to CROSS for baseline demographics (age, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index). Time to crossover was divided into early (<1 year) and late (>1 year). Outcome measures were compared across and within treatment groups at four time points (baseline, 6 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years).Results: Following PSM, 118 patients were included (NON=39, OP=38, CROSS=41). Crossover rate was 21.7% (41/189). Mean time to crossover was 394 days. All groups had similar baseline sagittal alignment, but CROSS had larger pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch than NON (11.9° vs. 3.1°, p=.032). CROSS and OP had similar baseline PROM scores; however, CROSS had worse baseline ODI, PCS, SRS-22r (p<.05). At time of crossover, CROSS had worse ODI (35.7 vs. 27.8) and SRS Satisfaction (2.6 vs. 3.3) compared with NON (p<.05). Alignment remained similar for CROSS from baseline to conversion; however, PROMs (ODI, PCS, SRS Activity/Pain/Total) worsened (p<.05). Early and late crossover evaluation demonstrated CROSS-early (n=25) had worsening ODI, SRS Activity/Pain at time of crossover (p<.05). From time of crossover to 2-year follow-up, CROSS-early had less SRS Appearance/Mental improvement compared with OP. Both CROSS-early/late had worse baseline, but greater improvements, in ODI, PCS, SRS Pain/Total compared with NON (p<.05). Baseline alignment and disability parameters increased crossover odds-Non with Schwab T/L/D curves and ODI≥40 (odds ratio [OR]: 3.05, p=.031), and Non with high PI-LL modifier grades ("+"/'++') and ODI≥40 (OR: 5.57, p=.007) were at increased crossover risk.Conclusions: High baseline and increasing disability over time drives conversion from non-operative to operative ASD care. CROSS patients had similar spinal deformity but worse PROMs than NON. CROSS achieved similar 2-year outcome scores as OP. Profiling at first visit for patients at risk of crossover may optimize physician counseling and cost savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Current metrics to assess patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) may not reflect a true change in the patients' specific perception of what is most important to them.Purpose: This study aimed to describe the initial experience of a Patient Generated Index (PGI) in which patients create their own outcome domains.Study Design: This is a single-center prospective study.Patient Sample: Patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) comprise the study sample.Outcome Measures: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short Form-36 (SF-36 Physical Component Score [PCS] and Mental Component Score [MCS]), Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r), and PGI.Methods: Oswestry Disability Index, SF-36, SRS-22r, and PGI were administered preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 and 2 years. PGI correlations with ODI, SF-36, SRS total score, free-text frequency analysis of PGI exact response with text in ODI and SRS-22r questionnaires, and the responsiveness (effect size [ES]) of the HRQOL metrics were analyzed. No funding was used for this study and there are no conflicts of interest.Results: A total of 59 patients with 209 clinical encounters produced 370 PGI written response topics that included affect or emotions, relationships, activities of daily life, personal care, work, and hobbies. Mean preoperative PGI score was 18.6±13.5 (0-71.7 out of 100 [best]), and mean scores significantly improved at every postoperative time point (p<.05). Preoperative PGI scores significantly correlated with preoperative ODI (r=-0.28, p=.03), MCS (r=0.48, p<.01), and SRS total (r=0.57, p<.01). Postoperative PGI scores correlated with all HRQOL measures (p<.0001): ODI (r=-0.65), PCS (r=0.50), MCS (r=0.55), and SRS total (r=0.63). PGI responses exactly matched ODI and SRS-22r text at 47.8% and 35.4%, respectively, and at 63.2% and 58.9%, respectively, for categories. Patient Generated Index ES at a minimum of 1-year follow-up was -2.39, indicating substantial responsiveness (|ES|>0.8). Effect sizes for ODI, SRS-22r total, SF-36 PCS, and SF-36 MCS were 2.16, -2.06, -2.05, and -0.80, respectively.Conclusions: The PGI is easy to administer and offers additional information about the patients' perspective not captured in standard HRQOL metrics. Patient Generated Index scores correlated with all of the standard HRQOL scores and were more responsive than ODI, SF-36, and SRS-22r, suggesting that the PGI may be a step closer to one HRQOL measure that better encompasses concerns and goals of the individual patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous reports indicate postoperative complications have minimal impact on long-term outcomes after ASD surgery. Little data has evaluated the impact of complications on specific heath domains during postoperative period. To evaluate the impact of specific complications on patient reported health domains compared to patients with no complications. Prospective, multicenter, propensity score matched analysis. ASD patients enrolled into a prospective multi-center study. Oswestry Disability Index, Scoliosis Research Society-22r questionnaire (SRS-22r), Short Form-36v2 questionnaire (SF-36), postoperative complications. Surgically treated ASD patients enrolled into a multicenter study were assessed for postoperative complications requiring surgery including wound (WOUND), pseudoarthrosis (PSEUDO), neurologic (NEURO) and malalignment (MAL) and matched to patients with no complications (NOCOMP) using inverse probability weighting for demographic, radiographic and surgical variables. Health domains for SRS-22r, and SF-36 were evaluated at regular time intervals, domain scores normalized to the date of revision surgery, and compared to patients with no complications at minimum 2-year follow-up. A total of 566 of 1130 were analyzed, average 3.6 yrs (range: 1.9 to 9). WOUND (n=12) compared to NOCOMP (n=390) had worse SF-36 physical function(21.7 vs 27.4), social function(19.6 vs 28.9), general health (-7.3 vs 8.9) and vitality (-0.9 vs 26.6,p < 0.05). PSEUDO (n=64) was worse than NOCOMP for SRS-22r function, 1.4 vs 2.1, and SF-36 social function, (17.1 vs 28.9) (p < 0.05). NEURO (n=28) was worse than NOCOMP for SRS-22r (0.9 vs 2.1), SF-36 bodily pain (14.7 vs 35.7) and social function (13.4 vs 28.9) (p < 0.05). MAL (n=72) was worse than NOCOMP for SRS-22r pain, (2.7 vs 3.4), function (1.2 vs 2.1), self-image (3.0 vs 3.9), SF-36 bodily pain (27.6 vs 35.7), physical function (18.7 vs 27.4), and social function (11.6 vs 28.9) (p < 0.05). Counter to previous reports, specific postoperative complications requiring surgery uniquely impact specific health domains, resulting in worse patient reported quality of life compared to ASD patients with no complications. Social function was negatively impacted for all complications, while wound complications negatively impacted patient perceived general health and vitality and patients with malalignment requiring surgery reported worse self-image. These data highlight new findings that postoperative complications have a negative impact on specific aspects of ASD quality of life that can undermine the potential benefits of ASD surgery. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult cervical deformity (ACD) can have profound impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL). Operative treatment for ACD is associated with high complication rates due to the complexity of surgery and the frailty of the patients affected. Very few studies have focused on outcomes of operative ACD treatment. To assess whether operative treatment for ACD significantly improves HRQL at minimum 2-yr followup. Multicenter, prospective cohort study. Operatively treated ACD patients. Neck Disability Index (NDI), modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), and numeric rating scale (NRS) for neck and back pain. Operatively treated ACD patients were assessed at baseline, standardized follow-up intervals and through direct mailings. Patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) included: NDI, mJOA, EQ-5D and NRS for neck and back pain. Complications were classified as perioperative (=30 days) or delayed (>30 days). Analyses focused on patients with minimum 2-yr followup. Of 169 ACD patients, the 102 (60%) with minimum 2-yr followup (mean=3.4 yrs, SD=1.9 yrs, range=2 to 8.1 yrs) had a mean age of 62 yrs (SD=11) and 64% were women. Surgical approaches included anterior-only (22.8%), posterior-only (39.6%) and combined (37.6%). The mean numbers of vertebrae fused anteriorly and posteriorly were 4.3 (SD=1.1) and 9.4 (SD=3.4), respectively, with 16% having a 3-column osteotomy. PROMs significantly improved from baseline to last follow-up, including NDI (47.3 to 33.0), mJOA (12.0 to 12.8; for patients with baseline score 0.05). Overall, 58 (56.9%) patients had at least 1 complication, 41 (40.2%) had at least 1 perioperative complication, and 35 (34.3%) had at least 1 delayed complication. The most common complications included dysphagia (18.6%), distal junctional kyphosis (6.9%), instrumentation failure (6.9%), cardiac events (6.9%), dysphonia (4.9%), nerve sensory deficit (3.9%) and respiratory failure (3.9%). For patients with at least 2-yr follow-up, 12 patients underwent a total of 15 reoperations (9 had 1 and 3 had 2). Notably, the 67 patients who did not achieve 2-yr follow-up were similar to study patients based on demographics, comorbidities and baseline PROMs. Reflective of the frailty of this patient population, there were 18 deaths among the 67 patients without minimum 2-yr followup. These deaths occurred between 0.2 and 34.8 months following surgery. Although most occurred at least 6 months after surgery and likely were not directly related to surgery, 4 occurred within 4 months of surgery, including 1 due OSA/narcotics, 1 due to pneumonia, and 2 with unknown causes. This multicenter, prospective analysis demonstrates that operative treatment for ACD provides significant improvement of HRQL at minimum 2-yr (mean 3.4-yr) followup. These findings may prove useful for patient counseling in the context of the substantial impact of ACD. Further studies will be needed to assess the long-term durability and cost-effectiveness of surgical treatment for ACD. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preoperative risk stratification is critical to determining which adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients may develop postop complications and to maximize surgical success. Currently it is unknown if a preoperative inflammatory state results in a higher risk for postop complications. This information can be used in risk stratification models to aid in complication avoidance. To determine if patients with preoperative elevated serum markers for inflammation have higher rates of postoperative complications Retrospective review of multicenter prospective ASD database. ASD patients. C-reactive protein (CRP), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), complications by type and by severity of intervention: none, mild, moderate and severe. Demographic and surgical variables: age, estimated blood loss (EBL), operating room (OR) time, body mass index (BMI), America Society of Anesthesia physical classification scale (ASA), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), Edmonton frailty scale (EF), 3-column osteotomy (3CO), number of post fusion levels. Preoperative labs were drawn on ASD patients and the inflammatory markers were CRP and ESR. CRP thresholds for cardiac risk: normal = 3. The CRP moderate and elevated values were combined into one group named elevated. Normal ESR thresholds: Male age 50, =20, Female >50, =30. Patients were stratified by having normal or elevated markers and rates of complications were compared between the groups. A multivariate model with CRP/ESR and demographic/surgical variables for postoperative complications. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) metrics were compared The total number of patients with preoperative CRP was 159 and ESR was 158. CRP: normal=114 patients (71.7%), moderate elevation=28 (17.6%), severe elevation=17 (10.7%). Combined elevated=45/159(28.3%). Elevated ESR=25(15.8%), normal=133(84.2%). The elevated CRP group had significantly higher rate of moderate complication 13/45(28.9%) vs 16/114(14.0%), p=0.03 and severe complication 15/45 (33.3%) vs 17/114(14.9%, p=0.009. Elevated ESR patients had significantly higher rate of moderate complication 9/25 (36.0%) vs 20/133 (15.0%), p=0.01. In multivariable logistic regression elevated CRP had odds ratio for moderate complication of 3.3 (95% CI 1.4-7.6, p=0.006), and for severe complication of 2.3 (95% CI 1.05-5.1, p=0.037). Multivariable logistic regression for elevated ESR and moderate complication had odds ratio of 2.9 (95%CI 1.04-7.8, p=0.041). Elevated CRP also had significantly higher rate of wound complications (15.6% vs 3.5%, p=0.007) and MSK complications (11.1% vs 1.8%, p=0.01). Elevated ESR had significantly higher rate of cardiac complications (32.0% vs 13.5%, p=0.02) and neurological complications (24.0% vs 9.0%, p=0.03). Elevated CRP had worse preoperative leg pain, SRS Activity and VR12 PCS(p<0.05). Elevated ESR had worse baseline ODI (p=0.03). A preoperative inflammatory state as defined by elevated CRP and ESR is an independent risk factor for the development of moderate and severe postop complications. Having elevated preop CRP is 3.3 and 2.3 times more likely to have a moderate and severe complication, respectively. Elevated ESR is 2.9 times more likely to have a moderate complication. This data can be used in risk stratification models to aid in minimizing postoperative complications. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As adult spinal deformity (ASD) prevalence increases in our ever-aging population there is a concomitant increase in poor bone quality. ASD surgery is expensive and carries a high complication profile. It is important to optimize modifiable preoperative risk factors, such as osteopenia or osteoporosis. Additional diagnostic modalities such as a DEXA can add cost, delay diagnosis, and can be an additional insurance hurdle. Some studies suggest HU's can be utilized as a proxy for frailty, but it is unclear if this is useful in risk stratification. Our goal was to evaluate the relationship between bone health as measured by HU's and PJK and identify a HU threshold in which PJK risk is increased. We hypothesize that HU will correlate with occurrence of PJK after ASD surgery. Retrospective review of a prospective, multicenter ASD database. Of 1,330 pts eligible, 997 (74.9%) had complete 2Y follow-up. Of these, 605 meet inclusion criteria with 110 (18.18%) patients having a PJK. Development of PJK within 2 years of surgery. Operative ASD patients (scoliosis >20, SVA>5cm, PT>25, or TK>60) with available baseline (BL) and 2-year (2Y) radiographic and HRQL data were included if they had a preop CT. HU were measured from axial views within the cancellous body (x3) at both L1 and UIV with the mean value calculated for each. Threshold linear regression with Bayesian information criteria was utilized to identify optimal cut-offs of risk factors for PJK. Multivariable analysis (MVA) controlled for PJK prophylaxis and surgeon. Additionally, risk factors identified were controlled against each other. Threshold regression identified that cut-offs of <125 HU for UIV, >63 years for age, >0.31 for ASD-FI, and >47° for preoperative T4-12 thoracic kyphosis, and <10 levels fused were predictive of PJK on bivariate analysis (P<0.05 for all). On MVA, age > 63 years old (OR 4.7; P = 0.003), female gender (OR 3.33; P=0.035), HU at UIV vertebrae <125 (2.83; P=0.008), ASD-FI >0.31 (OR 4.02; P=0.011), TK > 46° (OR 3.75; P=0.003), and < 10 levels fused (OR 3.31; P=0.0310) were associated with increased odds of PJK. Bone health as measured by HU appears to be an independent predictor of PJK after ASD surgery, specifically values <125 at the UIV. It also parallels frailty in prediction of PJK and can potentially be used as a proxy for frailty assessment. This can be easily measured and could help with risk stratification in the future. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical intervention has been shown to be an effective treatment modality for adult cervical deformity (CD), yet patient-reported outcomes vary even when patients are optimally realigned. While patients with higher baseline disability have more room for improvement, we propose there may be a threshold beyond which greater disability limits health-related quality of life (HRQL) improvement due to elevated risks and a point of no return. To assess impact of baseline disability on HRQL outcomes. Retrospective study of prospectively enrolled CD patients in a multicenter CD database. A total of 116 CD patients were included. HRQL, neck disability index (NDI), modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA), EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ5D). CD patients with baseline (BL) and 2-year follow-up (2Y) were included. The cohort was ranked into quartiles by baseline NDI, from lowest/best score (Q1) to highest/worst score (Q4). Means comparison tests analyzed differences between disability groups. Multivariate Analyses (MVA) assessed differences in outcomes of interest controlling for covariates including BL deformity, HRQLs, surgical details and complications. A total of 116 patients met inclusion criteria (age: 60.97±10.45 yrs, BMI: 28.73±7.59kg/m2, CCI: 0.94±1.31). The cohort presented with mean BL cSVA was 38.54 ± 19.43mm, TS-CL: 37.34 ± 19.73, and mJOA: 13.62 ± 2.71. Surgically, patients had an average of 8.44 ± 3.41 levels fused, with 53.5% of patients undergoing decompression and 48.3% undergoing osteotomy. Mean BL NDI and numerical rating scale (NRS) of the cohort were 48.33 ± 17.99 and 6.74 ± 2.48 respectively. Mean BL NDI by disability group was as follows: Q1: 25.04 ± 8.19, Q2: 41.61 ± 2.77, Q3: 53.31 ± 4.32, and Q4: 69.52 ± 8.35. MVA assessing improvement in NRS neck and NRS back, found significant differences between disability groups (both p=.007). Patients in Q2 demonstrated the greatest improvement in NRS neck at 2 years (-3.93), which was greater than those in Q3 (-1.61, p=.032) and Q4 (-1.41, p=.015). Patients in Q2 demonstrated greater improvement in NRS back at 2 years (-1.71), compared to those in Q4 (+0.84, p=.010). Rates of MCID in NRS neck were also significantly different across disability groups (p=.023). Patients in Q2 met MCID at the highest rates (69.9%) of all groups, higher than those in Q4 (30.3%), p=.039. MVA found patients in Q2 demonstrated the greatest improvement in EQ5D at 2 years (+0.082), compared to Q1 (+0.073), Q3 (+0.022), and Q4 (+0.014), p=.034. Finally, patients in Q2 demonstrated the greatest improvement in mJOA score from baseline (+1.517), p=.042. Patients in Q2, with mean baseline NDI of 42, consistently demonstrated the greatest improvement in HRQLs whereas those in Q4, with mean baseline NDI of 70, saw the least improvement. Thus, baseline NDI between 39 and 44 may represent a disability "wweet spot," within which operative intervention maximizes patient reported outcomes. Furthermore, delaying intervention until patients are severely disabled, beyond an NDI of 61, limits benefits of surgical correction in cervical deformity patients. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sacralization of L5 is a condition that affects 15% of the population. Because of the increased L5 articulations to the sacrum, it is unclear how pelvic incidence and spinopelvic parameters should be measured. Determine whether patients with L5 sacralization should be radiographically measured with relation to the L5 or S1 vertebrae. Retrospective analysis. Prospective multicenter adult spinal deformity database. ODI, SF36 PCS, radiographic spinopelvic parameters. Linear regression modeling was used to determine normative TPA and PI-LL based on PI and age in a database of asymptomatic subjects. In an adult spinal deformity database, patients with radiographic evidence of L5 sacralization, had PI, LL and TPA measured from the superior endplate S1 and then also from L5. Patients with instrumentation below L4 at baseline were excluded. The differences in TPA and PI-LL from normative were calculated in the sacralization cohort relative to L5 and S1 and correlated to ODI. Patients were grouped based on PI-LL Schwab modifier (0, +, ++) utilizing their L5 PI-LL and S1 PI-LL. Baseline ODI and SF36 PCS were compared across and within groups and their respective SRS Schwab class. Among 1,179 ASD patients, 276 (23.4%) had transitional anatomy, 176 with sacralized L5 (14.9%) and 100 (8.48%) with lumbarization of S1. The 176 with sacralized L5 were analyzed. PI (24.5 ± 11.0 vs 55.7 ± 12.0, p=0.001), TPA (11.2 ± 12.0 vs 20.3 ± 12.5, p=0.001) and PI-LL (0.67 ± 21.1 vs 11.4 ± 20.8, p=0.001) measured utilizing the L5 superior endplate were significantly smaller than those who were measured relative to S1. When measured from S1, 76 (43. %) of patients were SRS Schwab 0, 45 (25.6%) were Class +, and 55 (31.3%) were class ++ compared to 124 (70.5%), 22 (12.5%), and 30 (17.0%) measured from L5 respectively. There were significant differences in ODI and PCS as the Schwab grade increased regardless of L5 or S1 measurement. The L5 group had higher PCS functional scores for Schwab 0 and ++ relative to same grades in the S1 group. Offset from normative TPA (0.5 ± 11.1 vs 9.6 ± 10.8, p=0.001) and PI-LL (0.67 ± 21.1 vs 11.4 ± 20.8, p=0.001) were smaller when measuring from L5. Moreover, S1 measurements were more correlated with disability by ODI (TPA offset from normative, S1: R=0.326 vs L5: R=0.285; PI-LL Offset from normative, S1: R=0.318 vs L5: R=0.274). Measuring the PI at L5 in sacralized anatomy results in underestimating the PILL Schwab grade in a percentage of patients and less correlation with HRQLs. Patients with sacralized L5s should have spinopelvic parameters measured relative to S1. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite studies reporting the efficacy of BMP to promote surgical spinal fusion, hospital systems and third-party payors continue to deny use of BMP, claiming high cost and lack of long term follow up. Perform a propensity score matched analysis of complications and cost-effectiveness for surgically treated adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients receiving BMP vs no BMP. Prospective, multicenter, propensity score matched analysis. ASD patients enrolled into a prospective multicenter study. Numeric rating scale (NRS) back and leg pain, Scoliosis Research Society-22r questionnaire (SRS-22r), Short Form-36v2 questionnaire (SF-36), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), cost of care, cost/QALY, postoperative complications. Surgically treated ASD patients prospectively enrolled into a multicenter study from 2009-2018 were assessed for receiving BMP or NOBMP (iliac crest bone graft and allograft only) at the time of surgery. BMP and NOBMP cohorts were propensity score matched (PSM) for age, BMI, frailty, total levels fused, fusion to the pelvis, osteotomies, interbody fusion and supplemental rod use. Postoperative alignment, complications, rod fractures, patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), cost of care (based on DRG reimbursements adjusted to 2021 US dollars), were evaluated at minimum 3-year follow-up, and cost/QALY calculated at 1-,2-, and minimum 3-year follow-up. Of 888 patients, 483 (mean 4.2 years follow-up, range 2.9 to 8.8) were evaluated. Mean BMP dosage was 27.6 mg total (range 1 to 200), 2.2 mg/level posterior (range 0 to 25) and 1.7 mg/level interbody (range 0 to 18). BMP (n=407) had similar demographics, osteotomies, total and interbody levels fused, preop PROMs, follow-up duration, and pre- and postoperative spinal alignment as NOBMP (n=76; p>0.05). BMP had fewer implant failures (0.17/patient vs 0.33/patient; p 0.05). At last follow-up, BMP had better SF-36 social function (46.7 vs 43.9) and SF-36 mental component scores (51.5. vs 47.8) than NOBMP (p <0.05, respectively). BMP had lower mean total cost of care/patient ($78,679.61 vs $103,388.78) and lower cost/QALY ($22,455.48 vs $32,947.68) at last follow-up vs NOBMP, respectively (p < 0.05). Revision surgery rates were similar for BMP vs NOBMP (0.32 vs 0.42/patient, p=0.11); however, costs of revision surgery were less for BMP ($11,114.33) vs NOBMP ($22,912.53, p <0.05). Propensity score matched analysis demonstrated BMP use in ASD surgery at mean 4-year follow-up was associated with decreased implant fracture rates, lower treatment costs and better cost/QALY than NOBMP. Hospital systems, administrators and third-party payors should consider that the initial cost of BMP use at index surgery may be offset by decreased total cost of care and improve cost/QALY for ASD patients. Bone morphogenetic protein: Investigational. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malalignment following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery can negatively impact clinical outcomes and increase risk of mechanical complications. Despite improved definition of ideal alignment for ASD surgery and increasingly sophisticated preoperative alignment planning tools, it remains unclear whether the preoperative goals for alignment are actually achieved with surgery. The objective of this study was to assess whether preoperative goals for sagittal alignment following ASD surgery are consistently achieved. Multicenter, prospective cohort study. Operatively treatedASD patients. Sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence to lumbar lordosis mismatch (PI-LL), T4-T12 thoracic kyphosis (TK). From 2018-2021, ASD patients were enrolled into a prospective ASD study based on three criteria: deformity severity (PI-LL>25°, TPA>30°, SVA>15cm, TCobb>70° or TLCobb>50°), procedure complexity (>12 levels fused, 3CO or ACR), and/or patient age (>65 and >7 levels fused). The operating surgeon documented sagittal alignment goals prior to surgery, including SVA, PI-LL mismatch and TK. Alignment goals were compared with achieved alignment at 6 weeks postop and the overall mean and SD were calculated for the offset (achieved minus goal) for each measure. Goal alignment was considered attained if the offset was within +/-1 SD of the goal. Demographic, surgical and baseline radiographic measures demonstrating significant association with achieving alignment goal on univariate analysis were used for multivariate regression analysis. The 266 enrolled patients had a mean age of 61.0 yrs (SD=14.6 yrs) and 68% were women. Mean number of instrumented levels was 13.6 (SD=3.8) and 24% had a 3-column osteotomy (3CO). Mean (SD) offsets were: SVA=-8.5 mm (45.6 mm), PI-LL=-4.6° (14.6°), TK=7.2° (14.7°), reflecting a tendency to undercorrect SVA and PI-LL relative to goal and to increase TK relative to goal. Surgeons achieved goal alignment (within 1 SD) for SVA, PI-LL, and TK in 74.4%, 71.4%, and 68.8% of cases, respectively. On regression analysis: goal SVA was more likely to be achieved with lower baseline SVA (OR=0.993, 95%CI=0.988-0.997, p=0.001) and greater baseline TK (OR=1.016, 95%CI=1.002-1.031, p=0.029); goal PI-LL was more likely to be achieved with greater patient age (OR=1.021, 95%CI=1.002-1.039, p=0.026) and history of previous TL spine surgery (OR=2.028, 95% CI=1.136-3.621, p=0.017); and goal TK was more likely to be achieved with lower baseline SVA (OR=0.995, 95%CI=0.991-0.999; p=0.014). The proportions of patients with achieved alignment within 1 SD of goal were not significantly different for patients with a UIV above T7 vs those with a UIV at or below T7 for SVA (p=0.20), PI-LL (p=0.49) or TK (p=0.06). Notably, patient-specific rods were used in 21 patients and were not associated with greater achievement of goal alignment for any parameter (p>0.8), with similar tendencies to undercorrect SVA and PI-LL and increase TK (p>0.6). Surgeons failed to achieve goal alignment of each sagittal parameter in ∼25% of patients operated for ASD, with a tendency to undercorrect SVA and PI-LL and increase TK. Patients at greatest risk tended to be those with more severe baseline deformity. Further advancements are needed to enable more consistent translation of preoperative alignment planning to the operating room. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence on long-term surgical recovery in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients who are both frail and have an invasive procedure is limited. This study aims to evaluate frail and invasive patients with 5-year recovery kinetics. We hypothesize that patients who are both frail and have invasive surgeries will have adverse postoperative recovery kinetics Retrospective review. A total of 133 ASD patients with complete HRQOL data at preoperative, 1-year, 2-year, 5-year follow-up were included. Integrated Health State Scores (IHS) in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short-form 36 (SF-36) physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component score, and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22r measures ASD-FI scores were used to stratify non-frail (0.3) patients. ASD-SR scores were used to stratify low invasive (90) surgeries. Using ASD-FI and ASD-SR, patients were separated into four cohorts: non-frail low invasive (NFLI), frail low invasive (FLI), non-frail high invasive (NFHI), and frail high invasive (FHI). HRQOLs at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years were normalized against preoperative values. AUC was calculated across time points to generate an integrated health state score (IHS). Multivariable linear regression was used to compare IHS scores of FLI, NFHI, and FHI to NFLI while controlling for age, gender, comorbidity, and radiographic alignment. Of 633 eligible ASD patients, 339 had 5-year follow-up. Of those, 125 patients with complete HRQOL data at preoperative, 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year visits were included; 27.2% (34) were NFLI, 20.0% (25) were FLI, 26.4% (33) were NFHI, and 26.4% (33) were FHI. Using NFLI as the referent, FLI and NFHI did not have differences in ODI, MCS, PCS or SRS-22r IHS scores (P >0.05). On multivariable analysis of integrated health scores, FHI had higher MCS (7.6 vs 5.47; P=0.0188), SRS activity (6.97 vs 5.67; P=0.0004), SRS pain (8.49 vs 6.4; P=0.001), SRS appearance (8.97 vs 6.81; P=0.0014), SRS satisfaction (11.71 vs 7.97; P=0.0033), and SRS total (7.49 vs. 6.09; P=0.0002), indicating more improved recovery over a 5-year period. Patients who were FHI had higher rates of complications (P <0.05). Despite having more complications, patients who were frail and underwent more invasive surgeries were more likely to have greater overall improvement in activity, pain, and satisfaction over a 5-year period relative to preoperative baseline. Our results suggest that frailty in combination with invasiveness do not hinder long-term postoperative recovery kinetics, in comparison to frailty or invasiveness alone. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Adult spinal deformity (ASD) represents a constellation of complex malalignments affecting the spinal column. Corrective surgical procedures aimed at improving ASD can be equally challenging, and commonly require multiple index procedures and potential revisions before definitive management. There is a paucity of data comparing the outcomes of same-day(simultaneous [SIM]) and 2-day (staged [STA]) procedures for long spinal fusions for ASD. Using a large patient cohort with surgeon- and patient-reported outcomes will be particularly useful in determining the utility and effect of staging long spinal fusions for ASD.Purpose: This study aimed to compare intraoperative, perioperative, and 2-year outcomes of STA and SIM procedures correcting ASD.Study Design: This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective multicenter database.Patient Sample: A total of 142 patients (71 STA, 71 SIM) were included.Outcome Measures: Primary outcome measures were intra- and perioperative (6 weeks) complication rates. Secondary outcome measures were 2-year thoracolumbar and spinopelvic radiographic parameters, 2-year health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] and Short Form-36 [SF-36]), and 2-year complication rates.Methods: Inclusion criteria included patients with ASD ≥18 years with 6-week and 2-year follow-up. Propensity score matching identified similar patients undergoing STA or SIM long spinal fusions based on surgical invasiveness, pelvic tilt, and sagittal vertical axis (SVA). Complications, HRQoL scores (Scoliosis Research Society-22 Patient Questionnaire [SRS-22r], SF-36, ODI), and patient characteristics were compared across and within treatment groups at follow-up with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t tests at three surgical stages: intraoperatively, perioperatively (6 weeks), and postoperatively (>6 weeks).Results: A total of 142 patients were included (71 STA, 71 SIM). Matching STA and SIM groups based on degree of deformity and surgical invasiveness created two groups similar in overall correction of the surgery. Patients undergoing STA underwent more anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) procedures, whereas patients undergoing SIM had longer fusions. Charlson comorbidity index and revision status were similar between groups (p>.05). Staging procedures had significantly more complications causing reoperation (STA: 47% vs. SIM: 8%, p=.021), and had a greater number of perioperative complications requiring a return to the operating room (OR) (STA: 9.9% vs. SIM: 1.4%, p=.029). There was no difference in intraoperative complications, mortality, or perioperative infection or wound complications (p>.05) between the two procedures. At 2-year follow-up, incidence of revision surgery was higher in STA (STA: 21.1% vs. SIM: 8.5%, p=.033).Conclusion: Staged spinal fusions, which add ALIFs and LLIFs to the procedure, compared with similar-correction SIM procedures, result in similar intraoperative complication incidence, but significantly higher rates of peri- and postoperative complications leading to revision. Functional outcomes, radiographic parameters, and mortality were similar. This will aid surgeons in their determination of the optimal treatment for such complex procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Various surgical factors affect the incidence of postoperative medical complications following elective spinal arthrodesis. Because of the inter-relatedness of these factors, it is difficult for clinicians to accurately risk-stratify individual patients.Purpose: Our goal was to develop a scoring system that predicts the rate of major medical complications in patients with significant preoperative medical comorbidities, as a function of the four perioperative parameters that are most closely associated with the invasiveness of the surgical intervention.Study Design/setting: This study used level 2, Prognostic Retrospective Study.Patient Sample: The patient sample consisted of 281 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores of 3-4 who underwent elective thoracic, lumbar, or thoracolumbar fusion surgeries from 2007 to 2011.Outcome Measures: Physiologic risk factors, number of levels fused, complications, operative time, intraoperative fluids, and estimate blood loss were the outcome measures of this study.Methods: Risk factors were recorded, and patients who suffered major medical complications within the 30-day postoperative period were identified. We used chi-square tests to identify factors that affect the medical complication rate. These factors were ranked and scored by quartiles. The quartile scores were combined to form a single composite score. We determined the major medical complication rate for each composite score, and divided the cohort into quartiles again based on score. A Pearson linear regression analysis was used to compare the incidence of complications to the score.Results: The number of fused levels, operative time, volume of intraoperative fluids, and estimated blood loss influenced the complication rate of patients with ASA scores of 3-4. The quartile ranking of each of the four predictive factors was added, and the sum became the composite score. This score predicted the complication rate in a linear fashion ranging from 7.6% for the lowest risk group to 34.7% for the highest group (r=0.998, p<.001).Conclusions: Taken together, the four factors, though not independent of one another, proved to be strongly predictive of the major medical complication rate. This score can be used to guide medical management of thoracic and lumbar spinal arthrodesis patients with preexisting medical comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients may gain minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in one or more of the health-related quality-of-life instruments without surgical intervention. The present study identifies the baseline characteristics of this subset of nonoperative patients and proposes predictors of those most likely to benefit.Purpose: The study aims to determine the factors that affect likelihood of nonoperative patients to reach MCID.Study Design/setting: This is a retrospective review of a prospective, multicenter database.Patient Sample: The study includes nonoperative ASD patients.Outcome Measures: Health-related quality-of-life measures, including the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire, were used.Methods: The study used a multicenter database of 215 nonoperative patients with ASD and with minimum 2-year follow-up. Using a multivariate analysis, two groups were compared to identify possible predictors: those who reached MCID in the SRS pain or activity (N=86) at 2 years and those who did not reach MCID (N=129). A subgroup multivariate analysis of patients with a deficit (potential improvement) in both SRS pain and activity (N=84) was performed. Data collection was supported by a grant from DePuy for the International Spine Study Group Foundation.Results: At baseline, the nonoperative patients who reached MCID had a significantly lower SRS pain score (3.0 vs. 3.6), smaller thoracolumbar Cobb (TL Cobb) angle (29.6° vs. 36.5°; 87 patients with SRS-Schwab classification of lumbar or double), lower sacral slope (33.1° vs. 36.4°), and less lumbar lordosis (46.5° vs. 52.8°) (all p<.05). The SRS pain and TL Cobb were significant predictors for reaching MCID. The pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) was significant on univariate analysis but not on multivariate analysis (7.5° vs. 2.6°; p=.14). In the subset of severely disabled patients, worse vertebral obliquity was a predictor for not achieving MCID (p<.05).Conclusions: Nonoperative ASD patients who achieved MCID in SRS activity or pain had a lower baseline SRS pain score and less coronal deformity in the TL region. Greater baseline pain offers significant room for potential improvement, which may be important in identifying ASD patients who have the potential to reach MCID nonoperatively. Coronal deformities in the TL region and associated vertebral obliquity may negatively impact potential for improvement in nonoperative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have suggested that Hounsfield units (HU) in the spine are associated with increased complications for adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients. The aim of this study is to assess whether there exists a threshold for HU that is associated with increased blood loss following ASD surgery. We hypothesize that HU below thresholds on spinal CT are predictive of increased blood loss during surgery and implant complications within 90 days after surgery for ASD. Retrospective analysis. ASD patients who had HU measured in the spine were identified from a multicenter database. High Intraoperative blood loss and implant complications within 90 days of surgery. HU at L1, upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) and total averages were assessed. Threshold linear regression with Bayesian information criteria was utilized to identify optimal cut-offs for predicting high blood loss (>2100mL, top 25% by volume) or any implant complications within 90 days. Implant complications included loosening, breakage and dislocation of rods or screws. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized controlling for age, gender, comorbidity, osteotomy and levels fused. Of 527 patients included, the mean age was 61±14. Mean L1 HU was 154.59±87, UIV HU was 175.1±304, and total average HU was 165±168. There were 59 patients with high blood loss (mean 5,026±233ml) and 467 with low blood loss (1,331±39.5ml). Threshold regression analysis identified that a cut-off of =140.33 was optimal for predicting high blood loss and =99.75 total average HU was optimal for predicting implant complications within 90 days of surgery. On multivariable analysis, L1 HU less than 140 was associated with 1.57x higher odds of high blood loss (P=0.032). Total average HU less than 100 was associated with a 3.6x higher odds of having an implant related failure within 90 days of surgery (P=0.035). In this prospective multi-center study, Those with L1 HU=140 had a 1.52x higher odds of high blood loss. Patients with an average HUof =100 have 3.6x higher odds of implant related complication within 90 days of surgery. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence on long-term maintenance of health status in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients who improve above MCID threshold (MCID+) at 2 years following surgery is limited. This study aims to: (1) evaluate whether patients who reached MCID+ status at two years postoperatively will maintain MCID+ status at 5 years, (2) identify risk factors associated with maintaining MCID+ status, and (3) Assess whether maintaining MCID+ status at 5 years is associated with satisfaction with surgery. Retrospective review. Patients who underwent adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery with minimum 5-year follow-up who achieved 2-year MCID in ODI were identified. Maintenance of MCID+ status at 5 years for Oswestry Diability Index (ODI). Patients who maintained MCID+ status at 5 years and those who did not formed the comparison groups. Multivariable logistic regression, controlling for age, complications after two years and two-year alignment, was used to identify risk factors associated with the inability to maintain MCID+ status. In a separate multivariable logistic regression, whether maintaining MCID+ status was associated with 5-year surgical satisfaction was assessed. Of 633 eligible patients, 339 had 5-year data. Of 133 with both 2- and 5-year data, 70 who achieved 2-year MCID in ODI were included. 30% (21) failed to maintain MCID+ status at 5 years. Preoperatively, 33% (23) were narcotic users, 47% (33) were frail and mean surgical invasiveness was 96.6±36.02. On multivariable logistic regression, preoperative variables were assessed: CCI > 3 (OR 5.75; p=0.026), ASA grade > 2 (OR 5.25; p=0.015), anemia (OR 19.74; p=0.009), and cancer (OR 6.46; p=0.015) were associated with increased odds of failure to maintain MCID+ status at 5-year follow-up. Patients who failed to maintain MCID+ status at 5 years had a higher odds of being unsatisfied with the surgery (OR 15.66; p=0.001). Frailty and surgical invasiveness had no significant impact on MCID+ status at 5 years. Preoperative comorbid conditions significantly impact patient's long-term ability to maintain the positive gains in health-related quality of life measures from the surgery. Surgeons should continue to monitor and treat the chronic conditions to ensure maintenance of long-term recovery. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship of sagittal malalignment to outcomes has been emphasized in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery and it is known that sagittal parameters have some correlation to HRQOL measures overall. However, the specific relationship of HRQOL to postop sagittal alignment and changes in the strength of the relationship from preop to postop for deformity surgery has not been well defined. To determine how postop health-related quality of life (HRQOL) correlates to sagittal alignment. Retrospective analysis of a large prospective multicenter ASD database. This study included 925 ASD patients. HRQOL: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short-Form-36 (SF-36), and Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r). Radiographic sagittal alignment thresholds for C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic tilt (PT), mismatch between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis (PI-LL). Adult (=18yrs), Cobb angle =20°, SVA=5cm, PT=25°, and/or thoracic kyphosis=60°, 2-yr follow up. Pts were grouped by having met 2/3 of the sagittal alignment thresholds (SVA,PT, and/or PI-LL) at 2 years postop for either the SRS-Schwab values (+SS0) or age-adjusted values (+AGE). The age-adjusted values were calculated within +/-10 years of their actual age. The groups –SS0 and –AGE were patients who didn't meet 2/3 of the SRS-Schwab or the age-adjusted values, respectively. Baseline/2-year HRQOL were evaluated via linear regression for all groups based on 2-year correction. Total 925 pts, mean age 60.1±14.2yrs, 602(65.1%)+SS0, 323(35.9%)-SS0, 199(21.5%)+AGE, and 283(30.6%)–AGE pts. The remaining age-adjusted pts were either overcorrected or did not have 2/3 sagittal values matched (n=443). All pts had significant improvement in all HRQOL at 2 years and for each of the subgroups (p <0.001 for all). The overall baseline R2 values for all pts for SVA, PI-LL and PT with ODI were (0.110, 0.072, 0.043, respectively) and at 2 years they were lower (0.049, 0.016, 0.008, respectively). Of the pts with pelvic fixation (n=635,68.6%), the same 2-year R2 values increased slightly but were still very weak (0.058, 0.028, 0.021, respectively). Of the pts who developed PJK, the 2-year R2 values were (PJK: 0.007, 0.024, 0.004, noPJK: 0.057, 0.017, 0.006, respectively). This same trend of low values was observed in +/-SS0 and +/-AGE pts. However, the R2 for 2-year ODI vs MCS, SRS appearance, and SRS mental, increased postop (0.19, 0.43, 0.22, respectively) compared with preop (0.17, 0.25, 0.17, respectively). Sagittal alignment correlates weakly with preop HRQOL and postop HRQOL is improved. Preop SVA explains only 11% of preop ODI scores based on the R2 value and this decreases postop to 5%. After alignment correction, other patient factors become increasingly important such as the relationship between ODI and SRS appearance, SRS mental, and MCS. More work is necessary to better understand the postop HRQOL relationships including the possibility of a better measurement tool for surgical success. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rod failure and pseudarthrosis are common complications following the surgical treatment of adult spinal defomity (ASD). Many strategies have been employed in mitigating these problems, such as interbody fusion, multiple rods, use of more effective biologics, and optimizing spinal alignment. We aimed to study the frequency and type of rod failures in a large ASD population over time. To study the frequency and type of rod failures in a large ASD population over time. Retrospective review of prospective data. This study included 647 adult spinal deformity patients surgically treated between 2008 and 2018. Rod failures. ASD patients with a fusion extended from minimum L1 to pelvis and min 2-year follow-up were included. Radiographs and records were examined to identify characteristics of the rod failures: timing, unilateral vs bilateral, vertebral level, unilateral progressing to bilateral failure, revision and failure rates over time. Among the study population, 647/1052 patients met inclusion criteria (age: 64±10 yrs., 78% F, BMI: 28.3±5.7, Mean follow-up: 37 months ±13). Surgeries for these patients were performed from 2008 to 2018. The UIV was T7 or above in 306 and T8 or below in 338 patients, most frequent UIV: T4 (121) and T10 (208). A total of 146 patients had a 3COs; 435 had interbody fusion with 187 ALIF, 202 TLIF,135 XLIF; 286 patients had BMP use post only and 203 had BMP use interbody and posteriorly. Overall rod failure rate was 135/647 (21%), of which 9.3% occurred before by 2 years postop. Mean days to failure was 795 day +/- 485 (Median 733). Most frequent failures were in the lower lumbar spine L3-4 (32) 24%, L4-5 (34) 25% and L5-S1 (44) 32%. Of the 97 Unilateral failures, 35 (36.1%) were revised and only 8 progressed to bilateral failure of which 6/8 were revised; 46 Bilateral failure, 24 (52.2%) were revised.Kaplan-Meier analysis shows a survival rate of 89.7% at 2 years with decrease of 5% per year. No significant difference was found between the first 5 years and last 5 years. Comparison of primary vs revision index procedures did not reveal any differences in time to failure nor time to revision. Use of BMP improved survival rate to 91.2% compared to no BMP 83.4% at 2 years. Rod failures remain a common complication when treating ASD with a rate of 21%. Among those rod failures, 9.3% occurred within 2 years. The most frequent sites of failure were in the lower lumbar spine. Unilateral failures underwent a lower rate of revision than bilateral. BMP increased rod survivability. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a survival rate of 89.7% at 2 years with a decrease of 5% per year. The failure rate has not improved when comparing the first 5 years. to last 5 years. We must continue to seek solutions to improve rod durability challenges to improve long-term outcomes. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns exist regarding disease transmission and cost associated with postoperative nonroutine discharge. Few data exist evaluating impact of nonroutine vs home discharge on readmissions, complications and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. Evaluate 30-day readmissions, 90-day return to surgery, postoperative complications, and postoperative PROMs for matched ASD patients receiving nonroutine discharge vs home discharge following surgery. Propensity score matched (PSM) analysis of ASD patients prospectively enrolled into a multicenter study. Surgically treated ASD patients prospectively enrolled into multicenter study. Numeric rating scale (NRS) back and leg pain, Scoliosis Research Society-22r questionnaire (SRS-22r), Short Form-36v2 questionnaire (SF-36), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), duration of hospital stay, 30-day readmission, 90-day return to surgery, postoperative complications. Surgically treated ASD patients prospectively enrolled in a multicenter ASD study were divided into two discharge disposition groups, nonroutine (NON) and home (HOME). NON was further divided into acute rehab (REHAB) or skilled nursing facility (SNF) discharge. Study inclusion criteria; (1) surgery ≥5 levels fused, (2) ≥2-year follow-up. PSM was used to match NON vs HOME for age, frailty and total levels fused. 30-day hospital readmission, 90-day return to surgery, postoperative complications, one and minimum 2 year PROM data was compared for NON vs HOME, and REHAB vs SNF vs HOME. From 2015 to 2019, 241 of 374 eligible treated patients were evaluated and 158 included in this study after PSM (mean 2.7 year follow-up). NON (n=106) and HOME (n=52) had similar age (67.6 vs 67.6 years), ASD-frailty index (3.9 vs 3.9), levels fused at surgery (13.8 vs 13.7), and preop PROMs, respectively (p>0.05). Duration of hospital stay (9.7 vs 10.4 days), 30-day readmission (6.6% vs 6.6%), 90-day return to surgery (9.4% vs10.4%), total complications/patient (2.0 vs 1.5), major complications/patient (0.8 vs 0.5), were similar NON vs HOME, respectively (p>0.05). At last follow-up, HOME demonstrated better ODI (21.6 vs 28.2), SRS-total (3.8 vs 3.5), and SRS-activity (3.7 vs 3.3) than NON, respectively (p<0.05). Sub-analysis of REHAB (N=63) vs SNF (N=41) vs HOME showed similar findings, including similar 30-day readmissions, 90-day return to surgery, and complications (p>0.05) and improved PROMs for HOME vs REHAB and SNF (p<0.05). Analysis of 158 operatively treated ASD patients prospectively enrolled into a multicenter study and matched for age, frailty, and surgery performed demonstrated that postoperative discharge to skilled nursing or acute rehab facilities did not reduce 30-day readmissions, 90-day return to surgery, or postoperative complications. At one and minimum two years postop, patients discharged home had better PROMs scores than nonroutine discharge. These data should be considered in conjunction with postoperative needs and the cost and disease transmission risks for nonroutine discharge. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As surgical methods and technology advance, so should improvements in patient outcomes and cost effectiveness. To assess whether patient outcomes and cost effectiveness have improved over the past 10 years. Retrospective. This study included 1,236 adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients. Complications, reoperations, health related quality of life measures (HRQL), total cost, utility gained, quality adjusted life years (QALYs). ASD patients with baseline (BL) and up to 2-year (2Y) HRQL data between the years of 2008-2019 were included. Incomplete yearly data from 2008 and 2019 were combined with 2009 and 2018, respectively. ANCOVA established estimated marginal means for outcome measures (complication rates, reoperations, HRQLs, total cost, utility gained, QALYs, cost efficiency [cost per QALY]) by year of initial surgery adjusting for covariates including age, gender, decompression or osteotomy, surgical approach, invasiveness, and BL deformity (pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis). Trend-line slope indicated yearly changes. Cost was calculated using the PearlDiver database and assessed for complications/major complications and comorbidities according to CMS.gov definitions. These costs represented national averages of Medicare pay-scales for services within a 30-day window including length of stay and death differentiated by complication/comorbidity, revision, and surgical approach. Internal cost data were based on individual patient DRG codes, limiting revisions to those within 2 years of the initial surgery. A total of 1,236 patients (2009: 117 patients, 2010: 97, 2011: 75, 2012: 45, 2013: 106, 2014: 127, 2015: 115, 2016: 204, 2017: 202, 2018: 148) were included with no significant differences in baseline ODI by year. There was an overall decrease in rates of any complication (0.78 vs 0.61), any reoperation (0.25 vs 0.10), and minor complication (0.54 vs 0.37) between 2009 and 2018 (all p<0.05). Minor complications decreased by 2.48% per year (R2=0.5179), with a 1.84% yearly decrease in any complication (R2=0.8322), 1.33% decrease in any reoperation (R2=0.2211), and 0.82% decrease in major complication (R2=0.1435). BL to 2Y difference in SF-36 PCS had the greatest improvement (0.2526 increase per year, R2=0.3985) and ODI BL to 2Y difference improved by 0.3687 per year (R2=0.3683). National average 2Y cost decreased at a yearly rate of $3,194 (R2=0.6602), 2Y utility gained had a yearly increase of 0.0041 (R2=0.57), 2Y QALYs gained increased yearly by 0.008 (R2=0.57), and 2Y cost per QALY decreased yearly by $39,953 (R2=0.6778). Adjusting for inflation since 2009, internal DRG data verified the trend of national average costs, as overall costs (including revisions within 2Y) have decreased at a rate of $793 each year (R2=0.0483). This resulted in a decrease in cost per QALY at 2Y of $19,903 per year (R2=0.3181). Between 2008 and 2019, rates of complications have decreased concurrently with improvements in patient reported outcomes, resulting in improved cost effectiveness according to national Medicare average and individual patient cost data. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previous study by Pellisé et al identified that a lowest instrumented vertebrae (LIV) at the pelvis, frailty, and sagittal deformity (global sagittal alignment [SVA], lordosis gap [PI-LL], T1 sagittal tilt [T1Slope]) were strong preoperative predictors of major complications. In addition to the preoperative predictors, blood loss and surgical time were strong predictors that occur operatively. It is unknown whether being at risk by these criteria has an effect on cost of surgery. To determine whether previously established risk stratification criteria will reduce operative costs. Retrospective cohort study of a prospectively collected multicenter ASD database. This study included 952 ASD patients. Health-related quality of life measures (HRQLs), quality adjusted life years (QALYs), utility gained, ODI, total cost. Adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients with complete baseline (BL) and 2-year (2Y) HRQLs and radiographic data were included. Frailty score, sagittal deformity measures, blood loss, and surgical time were divided into tertiles, with the highest tertile being high risk. Published methods converted ODI to SF-6D. QALYs utilized a 3% discount rate for residual decline to life expectancy (LE, 78.7 years). Cost was calculated using the PearlDiver database and assessed for complications/major complications and comorbidities according to CMS.gov definitions. Cost per QALY at 2Y and LE were calculated for additive risk factors (LIV at pelvis, high frailty, any high sagittal deformity measure, high blood loss, high surgical time). These costs represented national averages of Medicare pay-scales for services within a 30-day window including length of stay and death differentiated by complication/comorbidity, revision, and surgical approach. Internal cost data were based on individual patient DRG codes. Of 926 patients included, 118 did not meet any risk criteria, 171 met 1, 207 met 2, 151 met 3, 56 met 4, and 3 met 5 (these 3 patients were excluded due to small sample size). There was a significant trend (R2=0.897) in terms of national average cost at 2-years with increasing amount of risk measures met, as cost increased by $11,566 with each additional risk factor. Amount of risk factors met had a positive correlation to baseline ODI (0: 30.89; 1: 39.66; 2: 46.96; 3: 51.59; 4: 54.69; p<0.001) and 2Y ODI (0: 18.06; 1: 22.55; 2: 27.53; 3: 34.23; 4: 38.54; p<0.001). When analyzing initial surgical cost by DRG code, there was a $3,844 increase in cost per risk factor (R2=0.8703). Patients meeting 2 risk factors had the highest ODI improvement from BL to 2Y (p=0.06). QALYs gained at LE decreased by 0.0756 per risk factor (R2=0.8153). National average cost per QALY at 2Y increased by $45,852 per risk factor (R2=0.4151), and cost per QALY at LE increased by $15,759 per risk factor (R2=0.8822). Increasing risk factors involving frailty, baseline deformity, and operative factors reduce cost effectiveness by increasing total cost and reducing QALYs. Preoperative or intraoperative measures to reduce a patient's amount of applicable risk factors would concurrently reduce operative cost and improve cost-effectiveness. Awareness of non-modifiable risk factors may also help educate surgical approach. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-column osteotomies (3CO), in the form of pedicle subtraction or vertebral column resection, have become common in adult spinal deformity (ASD) in cases of severe deformity or iatrogenic sagittal malalignment. Although a powerful surgical intervention, 3COs can increase the risks associated with correction. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether more appropriate usage of 3CO is occurring over time. To investigate the evolution of 3CO usage. Retrospective cohort study of a prospective adult thoracolumbar deformity database. This study included 762 ASD patients. Complications, patient-reported outcome measures (ODI, SRS, SF-36). Operative ASD patients (scoliosis >20º, SVA >5cm, PT >25º, or TK >60º) with available baseline and 2-year radiographic and HRQL data were included. Patients were stratified into 2 groups by DOS: Group I (2008-2013) and Group II (2013-2018). Patients who underwent a 3CO in Group I and Group II were then isolated for outcomes analysis. Severe sagittal deformity was defined by a SVA >9.5cm and "match" was defined by meeting ideal age-adjusted alignment. Best clinical outcome (BCO) was defined as ODI <15 and SRS >4.5 as per Smith et al. Univariate, bivariate (BVA) and multivariate analysis (MVA) was used to assess differences in surgical, radiographic, and clinical parameters. A total of 762 ASD patients met inclusion criteria (59.9yrs±14.0, 79%F, BMI: 27.7 kg/m2 ±6.0, ASD-FI: 3.3±1.6, CCI: 1.8 ±1.7). Controlling for baseline SVA, mismatch, revision status, age, and CCI, Group II was less likely to have a 3CO (.6[.4-.97] compared with Group I (21% vs 31%, both p<0.05). Controlling for age, CCI, and baseline deformity, patients who achieved a match in SVA or PI-LL in Group II showed a lower rate of 3CO (.510[.27-.98], (p<0.05). In an isolated cohort of patients with severe sagittal deformity, controlling for age and CCI showed a lower likelihood of Group II receiving a 3CO (0.5[.3-.94], p<0.05). The following analysis is based solely on patients who had a 3CO from each Group (79 patients in Group I and 59 patients in Group II). MVA controlling for age, deformity, CCI, and invasiveness showed Group II trended towards a higher usage of hooks, tethers, and cement prophylaxis (2[.86-4.7], p=.11), a higher usage of supplemental rods 21.8[7.8- 61], (p=.001), and lower likelihood of PJF 0.23[.07-.76], PJK by 3Y 0.23[.1-.55], rod breakage 0.30[.1-.9], and overall hardware complications 0.28[.1-.8], (all p<0.05). Group II had a lower 2Y ODI and higher SF-36 Mental/Physical/Social/Emotional, SRS Activity/Mental/Pain and SRS-Total, p<0.05. Controlling for BL ODI, Group II was more likely to reach BCO ODI 2.8[1.2-6.4] and SRS 4.6[1.3-16], p<0.05. Over a seven-year period, the rates of 3CO usage have declined, including in cases of severe deformity, with an increase in the usage of PJK prophylaxis. A better understanding of the utility of 3CO, along with a greater implementation of preventative measures, has led to a decrease in complications, PJF, PJK, and a significant improvement in patient reported outcome measures. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]