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Background: Incidental intradural tumors of the spine in the pediatric population are rare lesions whose management remains unclear. Surgeons must balance the risks of iatrogenic deficits and complications after surgical resection against the risks from progressive growth of the tumor. Moreover, the natural history of an incidental finding can be difficult to predict. Here, we review the literature on incidental intradural tumors of the spine and present considerations for their management. Summary: Growth of the tumor or changes in radiographic features are usually indications for resection. Asymptomatic lesions can be found in patients with genetic syndromes that predispose to tumor formation, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 and 2, schwannomatosis, and Von-Hippel-Lindau syndrome, and careful workup of a genetic cause is warranted in any patient presenting with multiple tumors and/or cutaneous features. Close follow-up is generally favored given the heavy tumor burden; however, some recommend pre-emptive resection to prevent permanent neurological deficits. Incidental intradural tumors can also occur in association with hydrocephalus, significant syringomyelia, and cord compression, and surgical treatment is usually warranted. Tumors may also be discovered as part of the workup for scoliosis, where they are not truly incidental to the scoliosis but rather are contributing to curve deformation. Key Messages: Thorough workup of patients for associated genetic syndromes or comorbidities should be undertaken in pediatric patients with incidental intradural tumors. Further research is needed into the natural history of these incidental lesions. Incidental tumors can often be managed conservatively with close follow-up, with surgical intervention warranted for expanding tumors or new-onset symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Following spine surgery, delays in referral to rehabilitation facilities leads to increased length of hospital stay (LOS), increases costs, more risk of hospital acquired complications, and decreased patient satisfaction.Purpose: We sought to create a prediction calculator to determine the expected LOS after spine surgery and identify patients most likely to need postoperative nonhome discharge. The goal would be to facilitate earlier referral to rehabilitation and thereby ultimately shorten LOS, reduce costs, and improve patient satisfaction.Study Design: Retrospective.Patient Sample: We retrospectively reviewed all adult patients who underwent spine surgery for all indications between January and June 2018.Outcome Measures: Length of stay and discharge disposition.Methods: Demographic variables, insurance status, baseline comorbidities, narcotic use, operative characteristics, as well as postoperative length of stay and discharge disposition data were collected. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of LOS and discharge disposition.Results: Two hundred fifty-seven patients were included. Mean age was 59 years, 46% were females, and 52% had private insurance vs 7% with Medicaid and 41% with Medicare. The most commonly performed procedure was lumbar fusion (31.9%). Mean LOS after surgery was 4.8 days and 18% had prolonged LOS >7 days. Age, insurance type, marriage status, and surgical procedure were significantly associated with LOS and discharge disposition. The final model had an area under the curve of 89% with good discrimination. A web based calculator was developed: https://jhuspine1.shinyapps.io/RehabLOS/ CONCLUSIONS: This study established a novel pilot calculator to identify those patients most likely to be discharged to rehabilitation facilities and to predict LOS after spine surgery. Our calculator had a high predictive accuracy of 89% compared to others in the literature. With validation this tool may ultimately facilitate streamlining of the postoperative period to shorten LOS, optimize resource utilization, and improve patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the main surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy. Controversy exists about the need to resect the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) to directly decompress the nerve roots, or if it is sufficient to indirectly decompress with diskectomy and graft placement. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of PLL resection after ACDF. A retrospective review was performed of all patients that underwent first-time ACDF for cervical radiculopathy at a single tertiary care institution between 1999 and 2013. Comparative analyses and multivariable logistic regression were performed. Two hundred patients were included with a mean follow-up of 39 months. Average age was 54 years, 62% were women, and diabetes and current smoking status were noted in 11% and 15%, respectively. PLL resection was performed in 127 patients (64%), and no significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed between the 2 cohorts. One durotomy occurred in the resected PLL cohort, and none were seen in the unresected PLL group. No differences were seen in perioperative complications. At the time of last follow-up, improvement in radiculopathy was observed in 94% of the resected PLL group compared with 81% of the unresected PLL group (P = 0.008). After controlling for confounders, PLL resection had 3.8 times greater odds of leading to postoperative improvement in radiculopathy. ACDF leads to a high rate of success in improvement of preoperative radiculopathy. Excision of PLL during surgery leads to 3.8 times greater odds of improvement in this symptom, with no significant difference in the complication rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Of the more than 30,000 posterior cervical spine fusions performed annually, 7%-12% will be complicated by postoperative C5 palsy, a condition characterized by new-onset deltoid weakness with or without C5 dermatomal findings and biceps weakness. Posterior translation of the cervical spinal cord has been proposed as a risk factor for this complication.Purpose: To evaluate if C5 palsy can be predicted by spinal cord float back.Study Design/setting: Retrospective cohort.Patient Sample: Patients ≥18 years of age undergoing posterior cervical decompression between 2002 and 2017 for degenerative cervical spine pathologies.Outcome Measures: Occurrence of C5 palsy as evaluated by manual motor testing (MMT).Methods: We recorded baseline neurological status, operative notes, details of postoperative course, and both pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging images. Float back was defined by the change in the distance between the spinal cord and posterior face of the C4/5 annulus from preoperative to postoperative imaging. C5 palsy was defined by new-onset deltoid weakness on MMT.Results: We identified 242 patients with a mean age of 62.4 years and mean follow-up of 27.9 months. Forty-two (17.4%) experienced postoperative C5 palsy. On univariable analysis, significant predictors of postoperative C5 palsy were mean C4/5 foraminal diameter (2.8 vs. 3.2 mm; p<.001), anterior projection of the C5 superior articular process (4.12 vs. 3.70 mm; p=.04), cord float back (0.35 vs. 0.28 cm; p=.02), undergoing laminectomy of the C5 (p=.02) or C4 and C5 levels (p=.02), and undergoing instrumented fusion extending one level above and below the C4/5 level. Foraminotomy of the C4/5 level was not predictive of postoperative palsy. On multivariable analysis mean C4/5 foraminal diameter (odds ratio=0.38 per mm; p<.01) predicted C5 palsy; cord float back at the C4/5 level was not predictive of C5 palsy.Conclusions: Spinal cord float back was not an independent predictor of C5 palsy on multivariable analysis. Only smaller foraminal diameter was independently predictive of postoperative C5 palsy. This suggests that chronic preoperative compression of the C5 roots, not postdecompression float back may be the biggest contributor to the etiology of postoperative C5 palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective Review.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine medical, radiographic, and surgical risk factors for the development of adjacent segment disease (ASD) after lumbar fusion.Summary Of Background Data: ASD is a recognized outcome of spinal fusion that leads to increased costs and debilitating symptoms for patients. However, a comprehensive understanding of risk factors for the development of this surgical outcome does not exist.Methods: The medical records of patients who received their first lumbar fusion for any indication were retrospectively examined for preoperative medical comorbidities and medications, as well as surgical approach and perioperative complications. A blinded reviewer assessed radiographs for each patient to examine sagittal alignment after fusion. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the risk of developing ASD on the basis of one or more predictors.Results: A total of 137 patients fit the inclusion criteria; 9% required a follow-up operation for degeneration at segments adjacent to the fusion. The ASD group had a mean follow-up of 21.1 months prior to revision surgery and an overall follow-up of 41.0 months. The average follow-up in the control group was 14.0 months. Statistically significant independent predictors of developing ASD included antidepressant use [odds ratio (OR) = 5.4], diagnosis of degenerative scoliosis (OR = 34.2), fusion of L4-S1 (OR = 56.5), having no decompressions adjacent to the fusion, and low sacral slope (OR = 0.9). No patient who developed ASD received a decompression adjacent to the fusion such that an OR could not be generated for this independent predictor.Conclusion: This study is the first to use a combination of medical, surgical, and postoperative sagittal balance as risk factors for the development of adjacent segment disease after lumbar fusion. The awareness of these risk factors may allow for better patient selection and surgical technique to decrease the probability of acquiring this adverse outcome.Level Of Evidence: 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background context In select patients, posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) result in similar clinical outcomes when used to treat cervical radiculopathy. Nonetheless, ACDF is performed more frequently, in part because of surgeon perception that PCF requires operative revisions more frequently. The present study investigates the rate of ACDF reoperation at the index level after initial PCF. Purpose To determine the rate of ACDF after initial PCF and to further describe any patient characteristics or preoperative or operative data that increase the rate of reoperation after PCF. Study design Retrospective chart review. Methods Demographic, operative, and reoperation information was collected from the electronic medical records for all patients who underwent PCF at one institution between 2004 and 2011. All patients were subsequently contacted by telephone to identify postoperative complications and more conclusively determine whether any revision operation was performed at the index level. Results One hundred seventy-eight patients who underwent a PCF were reviewed, with an average follow-up of 31.7 months. Nine (5%) patients underwent an ACDF revision operation at the index level. The reason for reoperation in these patients included cervical radiculopathy, foraminal stenosis, disc herniation, and cervical spondylosis. Patients who subsequently underwent ACDF at the index level were significantly younger (25 vs. 35 years, p=.03), had lower body mass index (25 vs. 29, p=.01), and more likely to take anxiolytic (56% vs. 22%, p=.04) or antidepressant medication (67% vs. 27%, p=.02), compared with those that did not have a revision operation. Conclusions This is the first study to determine conversion to ACDF after PCF. The present study demonstrates that PCF is associated with a low reoperation rate, similar to the historical reoperation for ACDF. Accordingly, spine surgeons can operate via a PCF approach without a significant increased risk for ACDF revision surgery at the index level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background context C5 palsy is a debilitating postoperative complication of cervical decompression surgery. Although the prognosis is typically good, patients may be unable to perform basic activities of daily living, resulting in a decreased quality of life. No studies have investigated the quality-of-life and financial implications. Purpose The aim of the study was to determine the impact on quality-of-life and costs of C5 palsy after posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF). Study design/setting A 2:1 matched retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary-care institution between 2007 and 2012. Patient sample Individuals who had undergone PCDF were included. Outcome measures Self-reported: Euroqol-5 Dimensions quality-of-life survey. Physiologic: postoperative change in deltoid and biceps strength via manual muscle testing. Functional: cost of interventions and missed workdays postoperatively. Methods Individuals with postoperative C5 palsy were matched to controls based on age, gender, body mass index, and diagnosis. Demographic, operative, postoperative, quality-of-life, and cost data were collected for both the C5 palsy and control groups, with 1-year follow-up. Results We reviewed 245 patients who underwent PCDF and 17 were identified (6.9%) with C5 palsy and matched to 34 controls. No significant differences in demographic or operative characteristics were observed between groups. The C5 palsy group had a significantly reduced capacity for self-care in the immediate postoperative (2.0±0.71 vs. 1.2±0.4, p<.001) and long-term (1.6±0.6 vs. 1.2±0.4, p=.004) periods and a significantly reduced capacity for completion of usual activities (2.4±0.7 vs. 1.9±0.6, p=.014) compared with controls. Furthermore, the C5 group had a significantly greater cost of physical/occupational therapy, an increase of $2,078 ($4,386±$2,801 vs. $2,307±$1,907, p=.013). There were no significant differences between groups in the cost of hospital stay, surgery, or other direct or indirect costs. Overall, there was a significantly greater cost ($1,918) for the C5 palsy group compared with the control group ($7,584±$3,992 vs. $5,666±$2,359, respectively, p=.038). Conclusions This study represents the first quantification of the impact of C5 palsy on patients' quality of life and the associated costs for care. We found that C5 palsy adds a significant burden on patients' quality of life and presents a financial burden to the health-care system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preoperative patient optimization is increasingly recognized as key to good surgical outcomes. Preoperative hyponatremia is a modifiable risk factor linked to poorer postoperative outcomes in other surgical fields. We provide the first investigation of the association of preoperative hyponatremia with morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery. We queried the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry for patients who underwent cervical spine fusion. Preoperative serum sodium levels were classified as normal (135–145 mEq/L) or hyponatremic (<135 mEq/L); hypernatremic patients were excluded from the analysis. Multivariable logistic analyses using a multiple imputations methodology were performed to determine significant predictors of major morbidity and mortality (MMM). We included 20,817 patients, of whom 5.2% were hyponatremic at presentation. Preoperative hyponatremia was a significant predictor of MMM (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.39), mortality (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.03–1.77), major morbidity (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.10–1.40), and odds of prolonged hospitalization (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.04–1.23). Other significant predictors of MMM included age, undergoing an emergent versus nonemergent operation, having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, having disseminated malignancy, being functionally dependent, presenting with sepsis or septic shock, and having an American Society of Anesthesiologists status of 3, 4, or 5. Similar results were seen in analyses using only complete cases and in sensitivity analyses. Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, hyponatremia is observed in approximately 1 in every 20 patients undergoing cervical spine fusion. More importantly, it is a predictor of mortality, major morbidity, and prolonged hospitalization. From a systems-level perspective, preoperative hyponatremia may therefore represent a point of intervention for preoperative patient optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) are rare tumors associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical resection is often indicated for symptomatic lesions but may result in new neurological deficits and decrease quality of life. Identifying predictors of these adverse outcomes may help target interventions designed to reduce their occurrence. Nonetheless, most prior studies have employed population-level datasets with limited granularity.Purpose: To determine independent predictors of nonroutine discharge, prolonged length of stay (LOS), and 30 day readmission and reoperation, and to deploy these results as a web-based calculator.Study Design: Retrospective cohort study PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 235 patients who underwent resection of IMSCTs at a single comprehensive cancer center.Outcome Measures: Nonroutine discharge, prolonged LOS, 30 day readmission, and 30 day reoperation METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery from June 2002 to May 2020 at a single tertiary center were included. Data was collected on patient demographics, clinical presentation, tumor histology, surgical procedures, and 30 day readmission and reoperation. Functional status was assessed using the Modified McCormick Scale (MMS) and queried preoperative neurological symptoms included weakness, urinary and bowel dysfunction, numbness, and back and radicular pain. Variables significant on univariable analysis at the α≤0.15 level were entered into a stepwise multivariable logistic regression model.Results: Of 235 included cases, 131 (56%) experienced a nonhome discharge and 68 (29%) experienced a prolonged LOS. Of 178 patients with ≥ 30 days of follow-up, 17 (9.6%) were readmitted within 30 days and 13 (7.4%) underwent reoperation. Wound dehiscence (29%) was the most common reason for readmission. Nonhome discharge was independently predicted by older age (OR=1.03/year; p<.01), thoracic location of the tumor (OR=2.36; p=.01), presenting with bowel dysfunction (OR=4.09; p=.03), and longer incision length (OR=1.44 per level; p=.03). Independent predictors of prolonged LOS included presenting with urinary incontinence (OR=2.65; p=.05) or a higher preoperative white blood cell count (OR=1.08 per 103/μL); p=.01), while GTR predicted shorter LOS (OR=0.40; p=.02). Independent predictive factors for 30 day unplanned readmission included experiencing ≥1 complications during the first hospitalization (OR=6.13; p<.01) and having a poor (A-C) versus good (D-E) baseline neurological status on the ASIA impairment scale (OR=0.23; p=.03). The only independent predictor of unplanned 30 day reoperation was experiencing ≥1 inpatient complications during the index hospitalization (OR=6.92; p<.01). Receiver operating curves for the constructed models produced C-statistics of 0.67-0.77 and the models were deployed as freely available web-based calculators (https://jhuspine5.shinyapps.io/Intramedullary30day).Conclusions: We found that neurological presentation, patient demographics, and incision length were important predictors of adverse perioperative outcomes in patients with IMSCTs. The calculators can be used by clinicians for risk stratification, preoperative counseling, and targeted interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background context Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) is a motion-preserving procedure that is an alternative to fusion. Proponents of arthroplasty assert that it will maintain cervical motion and prevent or reduce adjacent segment degeneration. Accordingly, CDA, compared with fusion, would have the potential to improve clinical outcomes. Published studies have varying conclusions on whether CDA reduces complications and/or improves outcomes. As many of these previous studies have been funded by CDA manufacturers, we wanted to ascertain whether there was a greater likelihood for these studies to report positive results. Purpose To critically assess the available literature on cervical arthroplasty with a focus on the time of publication and conflict of interest (COI). Study design/setting Review of the literature. Methods All clinical articles about CDA published in English through August 1, 2013 were identified on Medline. Any article that presented CDA clinical results was included. Study design, sample size, type of disc, length of follow-up, use of statistical analysis, quality-of-life (QOL) outcome scores, COI, and complications were recorded. A meta-analysis was conducted stratifying studies by COI and publication date to identify differences in complication rates reported. Results Seventy-four studies were included that investigated 8 types of disc prosthesis and 22 met the criteria for a randomized controlled trial (RCT). All Level Ib RCTs reported superior quality-of-life outcomes for CDA versus anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at 24 months. Fifty of the 74 articles (68%) had a disclosure section, including all Level Ib RCTs, which had significant COIs related to the respective studies. Those studies without a COI reported mean weighted average adjacent segment disease rates of 6.3% with CDA and 6.2% with ACDF. In contrast, the reverse was reported by studies with a COI, for which the averages were 2.5% with CDA and 6.3% with ACDF. Those studies with a COI (n=31) had an overall weighted average heterotopic ossification rate of 22%, whereas those studies with no COI (n=43) had a rate of 46%. Conclusions Associated COIs did not influence QOL outcomes. Conflicts of interest were more likely to be present in studies published after 2008, and those with a COI reported greater adjacent segment disease rates for ACDF than CDA. In addition, heterotopic ossification rates were much lower in studies with COI versus those without COI. Thus, COIs did not affect QOL outcomes but were associated with lower complication rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Sacral tumors are incredibly rare lesions affecting fewer than one in every 10,000 persons. Reported perioperative morbidity rates range widely, varying from 30% to 70%, due to the relatively low volumes seen by most centers. Factors affecting perioperative outcome following sacrectomy remain ill-defined.Purpose: To characterize perioperative outcomes of sacral tumor patients undergoing sacrectomy and identify independent risk factors of perioperative morbidity STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort study at a single comprehensive cancer center PATIENT SAMPLE: Consecutively treated sacral tumor patients (primary or metastatic) undergoing sacrectomy for oncologic resection between April 2013 and April 2020 OUTCOME MEASURES: Perioperative complications, hospital length of stay, non-home discharge, 30-day readmission, and 30-day reoperation METHODS: Details were gathered about tumor pathology and morphology, surgery performed, baseline medical comorbidities, preoperative lab data, and patient demographics. Stepwise multivariable regressions were conducted to identify independent risk factors of perioperative outcomes while evaluating predictive accuracy.Results: 57 sacral tumor patients were included (mean age 55.5±13.0 years; 60% female). The complication, non-home discharge, 30-day readmission, and 30-day reoperation rates were 39%, 56%, 16%, and 14%, respectively. Independent predictors of perioperative complications included ASA>2 (OR=10.7; 95%CI [1.3, 86.0]; p=0.026), radicular pain (OR=10.9; p=0.014), platelet count (OR=0.989 per 10³/μL; p=0.049), and instrumentation (OR=10.7; p=0.009). Independent predictors of length of stay included iliac vessel involvement (β=15.8; p=0.005), larger tumor volume (β=0.027 per cm³; p<0.001), a staged procedure (β=10.0; p=0.018), and S1 nerve root sacrifice (OR=15.8; p=.011). The optimal model predictive of non-home discharge included bilateral S3-S5 or higher nerve root sacrifice (OR=3.9; p=0.054), instrumentation (OR=8.6; p=0.005), and vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap closure (OR=5.3; p=0.067). 30-day readmission was independently predicted by history of chronic kidney disease (OR=26.7; p=0.021), radicular pain (OR=8.1; p=0.039), and preoperative saddle anesthesia (OR=12.6; p=0.026). All multivariable models achieved good discrimination (AUC>0.8 and R2>0.7).Conclusion: Clinical and operative factors were important predictors of complications and 30-day readmission, while tumor-related and operative factors accounted for most of the variability in length of stay and non-home discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the impact of multidisciplinary intraoperative teams on surgical complications in patients undergoing sacral tumor resection. We reviewed all patients with primary or metastatic sacral tumors managed at a single comprehensive cancer center over a 7-year period. Perioperative complication rates were compared between those treated by an unassisted spinal oncologist and those treated with the assistance of at least 1 other surgical specialty. Statistical analysis involved univariable and stepwise multivariable logistic regression models to identify predictors of multidisciplinary management and 30-day complications. A total of 107 patients underwent 132 operations for sacral tumors; 92 operations involved multidisciplinary teams, including 54% of metastatic tumor operations and 74% of primary tumor operations. Patients receiving multidisciplinary management had higher body mass indexes (29.8 vs. 26.3 kg/m2; P = 0.008), larger tumors (258 vs. 55 cm³; P < 0.001), and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (3 vs. 2; P = 0.049). Only larger tumor volume (odds ratio [OR], 1.007 per cm³; P < 0.001) and undergoing treatment for a malignant primary versus a metastatic tumor (OR, 23.4; P < 0.001) or benign primary tumor (OR, 29.3; P < 0.001) were predictive of multidisciplinary management. Although operations involving multidisciplinary teams were longer (467 vs. 231 minutes; P < 0.001) and had higher blood loss (1698 vs. 774 mL; P = 0.004), 30-day complication rates were similar (37 vs. 27%; P = 0.39). On multivariable analysis, only larger tumor volume (OR, 1.004 per cm³; P = 0.005) and longer surgical duration (OR, 1.002 per minute; P = 0.03) independently predicted higher 30-day complications. Although patients managed with multidisciplinary teams had larger tumors and worse baseline health, 30-day complications were similar. This finding suggests that the use of multidisciplinary teams may help to mitigate surgical morbidity in those with high baseline risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Intraoperative blood loss (IOBL) is unavoidable during surgery; however, high IOBL is associated with increased morbidity and increased risk for requiring allogenic blood transfusion, itself associated with poorer outcomes.Purpose: Here we sought to develop and validate a predictive calculator for IOBL that could be used by surgeons to estimate likely blood loss.Study Design/setting: Retrospective cohort.Patient Sample: Series of consecutive patients who underwent elective lumbar spine surgery for degenerative pathologies over a 27-month period at a single tertiary care center.Outcome Measures: Primary outcome was IOBL. Secondary outcome was the occurrence of "major intraoperative bleeding," defined as IOBL exceeding 1 L.Methods: Charts of included patients were reviewed for medical comorbidities, preoperative laboratory data, surgical plan, and anesthesia records. Univariate linear regressions were performed to find significant predictors of IOBL, which were then subjected to a multivariate analysis to identify the final model. Model training was performed using 70% of the included cohort and external validation was performed using 30% of the cohort. Results of the model were deployed as a freely available online calculator.Results: We identified 1,281 patients who met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Mean age was 60±15 years, mean Charlson Comorbidity score was 1.1±1.6, and 51.8% were male. There were no significant differences between the training and validation cohorts with regard to any of the demographic variables or intraoperative variables; tranexamic acid use and surgical invasiveness were also similar in both cohorts. Multivariate analysis identified body mass index (βₙ=7.14; 95% confidence interval [3.15, 11.13]; p<.001), surgical invasiveness (βₙ=29.18; [24.62, 33.74]; p<.001), tranexamic acid use (βₙ=-0.093; [-0.171, -0.014]; p=.02), and surgical duration (βₙ=2.13; [1.75, 2.51]; p<.001) as significant predictors of IOBL. The model had an overall fit of r=0.693 in the validation cohort. Construction of a receiver-operating curve for predicting major IOBL showed a C-statistic of 0.895 within the validation cohort.Conclusion: Here we identify and validate a model for predicting IOBL in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. The model was a moderately strong predictor of absolute IOBL and was demonstrated to predict the occurrence of major IOBL with a high degree of accuracy. We propose it may have future utility when counseling patients about surgical morbidity and the probability of requiring transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preoperative malnutrition is associated with increased postoperative complication rate and hospital length of stay. However, the degree to which these risks can be mitigated by nutritional consultation has not been well described. To address this, we sought to determine if a preoperative nutrition consult was associated with decreased 30-day complication rate and hospital length of stay. Adult patients who underwent neurosurgical intervention for spinal metastases at a tertiary care institution between 2008 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Stepwise multivariable linear regression analyses were used to identify associations with 30-day complication rate and hospital length of stay. Among 95 patients who met inclusion criteria, the average length of stay was 8.9 days and 40 patients (42.1%) experienced one or more postoperative complications. On multivariable analysis, 30-day complication rates were higher in patients with the absence of a preoperative nutrition consult, a Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index score of greater than 2 points, greater operative blood loss, and malnutrition (Nutritional Risk Index score <97.5). Furthermore, hospitalization duration was increased with the absence of a nutrition consult, malnutrition, congestive heart failure, and prior systemic therapy in the multivariable analysis. On multivariable analysis, receipt of a preoperative nutrition consult was associated with both decreased 30-day complication rate and shorter hospitalization. We therefore posit that greater implementation of nutritional counseling may help to decrease complication rates and expedite discharge in patients undergoing surgical intervention for spinal metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Lumbar fusion is a common and costly procedure in the United States. Reimbursement for surgical procedures is increasingly tied to care quality and patient safety as part of value-based reimbursement programs. The incidence of adverse quality events among lumbar fusion patients is unknown using the definition of care quality (patient safety indicators [PSI]) used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The association between insurance status and the incidence of PSI is similarly unknown in lumbar fusion patients.Purpose: This study sought to determine the incidence of PSI in patients undergoing inpatient lumbar fusion and to quantify the association between primary payer status and PSI in this population.Study Design: A retrospective cohort study was carried out.Patient Sample: The sample comprised all adult patients aged 18 years and older who were included in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) that underwent lumbar fusion from 1998 to 2011.Outcome Measure: The incidence of one or more PSI, a validated and widely used metric of inpatient health-care quality and patient safety, was the primary outcome variable.Methods: The NIS data were examined for all cases of inpatient lumbar fusion from 1998 to 2011. The incidence of adverse patient safety events (PSI) was determined using publicly available lists of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association between primary payer status (Medicaid and self-pay relative to private insurance) and the incidence of PSI.Results: A total of 539,172 adult lumbar fusion procedures were recorded in the NIS from 1998 to 2011. Patients were excluded from the secondary analysis if "other" or "missing" was listed for primary insurance status. The national incidence of PSI was calculated to be 2,445 per 100,000 patient years of observation, or approximately 2.5%. In a secondary analysis, after adjusting for patient demographics and hospital characteristics, Medicaid and self-pay patients had significantly greater odds of experiencing one or more PSI during the inpatient episode relative to privately insured patients (odds ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.27).Conclusions: Among patients undergoing inpatient lumbar fusion, insurance status is associated with the adverse health-care quality events used to determine hospital reimbursement by the CMS. The source of this disparity must be studied to improve the quality of care delivered to vulnerable patient populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: The incidence of adverse care quality events among patients undergoing cervical fusion surgery is unknown using the definition of care quality employed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The effect of insurance status on the incidence of these adverse quality events is also unknown.Purpose: This study determined the incidence of hospital-acquired conditions (HAC) and patient safety indicators (PSI) in patients with cervical spine fusion and analyzed the association between primary payer status and these adverse events.Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort design.Patient Sample: All patients in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) aged 18 and older who underwent cervical spine fusion from 1998 to 2011 were included.Outcome Measures: Incidence of HAC and PSI from 1998 to 2011 served as outcome variables.Methods: We queried the NIS for all hospitalizations that included a cervical fusion during the inpatient episode from 1998 to 2011. All comparisons were made between privately insured patients and Medicaid or self-pay patients because Medicare enrollment is confounded with age. Incidence of nontraumatic HAC and PSI was determined using publicly available lists of International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes. We built logistic regression models to determine the effect of primary payer status on PSI and nontraumatic HAC.Results: We identified 419,424 hospitalizations with cervical fusion performed during an inpatient episode. The estimated national incidences of nontraumatic HAC and PSI were 0.35% and 1.6%, respectively. After adjusting for patient demographics and hospital characteristics, Medicaid or self-pay patients had significantly greater odds of experiencing one or more HAC (odds ratio [OR] 1.51 95% conflict of interest [CI] 1.23-1.84) or PSI (OR 1.52 95% CI 1.37-1.70) than the privately insured cohort.Conclusions: Among patients undergoing inpatient cervical fusion, primary payer status predicts PSI and HAC (both indicators of adverse health-care quality used to determine hospital reimbursement by CMS). As the US health-care system transitions to a value-based payment model, the cause of these disparities must be studied to improve the quality of care delivered to vulnerable patient populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Patients with comorbid disease may experience suboptimal quality of life (QOL) improvement following decompression spinal surgery. Prior studies have suggested the deleterious effect of diabetes upon postoperative QOL; however, these studies have not used minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) or multivariable statistical techniques.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of preoperative diabetes upon postoperative change in QOL.Study Design/setting: A retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary-care center was carried out.Patient Sample: Patients who underwent lumbar decompression between 2008 and 2014 were included in the study. Inclusion necessitated a minimum follow-up of 6 months.Outcomes Measures: Postoperative changes in the EuroQol 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D), Pain Disability Questionnaire (PDQ), and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) at last follow-up were the primary outcome measures. The secondary outcome variable was postoperative change in QOL measures exceeding the MCID.Methods: Quality of life data were collected using the institutional prospectively collected database of patient-reported health status measures. Simple and multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess the impact of diabetes upon normalized change in QOL and improvement exceeding the MCID.Results: There were 212 patients who met inclusion criteria. Whereas non-diabetics experienced significant improvements in EQ-5D, PDQ, and PHQ-9 (p<.01), diabetics experienced no significant changes in any measures. More non-diabetics achieved the EQ-5D MCID compared with diabetics (55% vs. 23%, p<.01). Following multivariable regression, chronic kidney disease (CKD, β=-0.15, p=.04) and diabetes (β=-0.05, p=.04) were identified as significant independent predictors of diminished improvement in EQ-5D postoperatively. Furthermore, diabetes was also identified as a significant independent predictor of failure to achieve an EQ-5D MCID (OR 0.20, p<.01), whereas CKD trended toward predicting diminished improvement (OR<0.01, p=.09).Conclusion: The burden of comorbidities may impact the QOL benefit of decompression spine surgery. In the present study, diabetes was found to independently predict diminished improvement in QOL after lumbar decompression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: A consecutive retrospective cohort study from 2008 to 2013 at a single tertiary-care institution was conducted.Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize recovery from pain and neurologic deficit after surgery for vertebral osteomyelitis (VO), and identify incidence of postoperative adverse events.Summary Of Background Data: A minority of patients with VO require surgery. Although prior studies have characterized outcomes after medical management, the morbidity after surgery is poorly defined.Methods: The primary outcome was change from baseline in a Modified McCormick Scale (MMS, 1-5 scale), whereas secondary outcomes included reoperation and change in self-reported pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0-10 scale). MMS and VAS were collected throughout the postoperative course as surrogates for neurologic function and degree of pain. Intraoperative, short-term postoperative (<30 d), and long-term neurologic complications were recorded. New-onset neurologic deficits in the postoperative period were considered neurologic complications.Results: Fifty patients were included; a majority (52%) presented with a neurologic deficit. The median length of follow-up was 18 months. A statistically significant improvement in MMS was observed by 12 months postoperatively, whereas an improvement in VAS was observed by 3 months. The mean improvement in MMS at last follow-up was 0.35, whereas the mean improvement in VAS was 3.40. One quarter of patients required reoperation. At 24 months postoperatively, 10% died, 26% underwent reoperation, 42% experienced a neurologic complication, and 60% experienced at least one of these 3 adverse events.Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate neurologic complications, reoperation, and pain in a longitudinal manner after surgery for VO. We observed statistically significant improvements in MMS and VAS in the postoperative period. Despite these improvements, the 24-month incidence of overall adverse events was 60%. Patients and clinicians should be aware of the clinical improvement but high incidence of adverse events after surgical management of VO.Level Of Evidence: 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We systematically reviewed the literature to compare risk factors for postoperative complications at the surgical wound site in primary and metastatic tumor operations. We screened English-language publications on the outcomes of primary and metastatic spinal tumor operations. Pooled analyses and meta-analyses with random-effects modeling were performed comparing patients with and without wound complications, which were defined as surgical site infection or sterile wound dehiscence. Our search identified 5471 unique citations, from which we included 23 studies describing 5104 patients. A total of 1936 patients underwent surgery for primary tumors, with a wound complication rate of 8.1%. Subgroup analysis of benign and malignant primary tumors yielded significantly different wound complication rates of 7.8% and 26.9%, respectively. The metastatic tumor cohort included 168 patients and a complication rate of 6.6%. In a pooled analysis of primary tumors, higher wound complication rates were associated with sacral operations and the use of instrumentation. In the metastatic tumor cohort, higher complication rates were associated with female sex, smoking history, preoperative chemotherapy, preoperative radiotherapy, corticosteroid use, and previous spine surgery. Instrumentation remained a statistically significant risk factor for primary tumors with the addition of random-effects meta-analysis. Risk factors for wound complications after primary tumor operations were related to tumor histology and the spinal location of the operation. Risk factors for metastatic tumors may be related to several systemic preoperative treatments and baseline comorbidities. Random-effects meta-analysis showed the limited generalizability of these findings because of the small heterogenous primary literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]