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Purpose: We aimed to investigate surgical outcomes in octogenarians with subaxial cervical spine injuries and determine the predictors of complications and mortality. Methods: Eligible for inclusion were all patients surgically treated between 2006 and 2018, with either anterior or posterior fixation for subaxial spine injuries. A cohort of octogenarians was identified and matched 1:1 to a corresponding cohort of younger adults. Primary outcomes were perioperative complications and mortality. Results: Fifty-four patients were included in each of the octogenarian and younger groups (median age: 84.0 vs. 38.5). While the risks for surgical complications, including dural tears and wound infections, were similar between groups, the risks of postoperative medical complications, including respiratory or urinary tract infections, were significantly higher among the elderly (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were no differences in operative time (p = 0.625) or estimated blood loss (p = 0.403) between groups. The 30 and 90-day mortality rates were significantly higher among the elderly (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001). These differences were due to comorbidities in the octogenarian cohort as they were revoked when propensity score matching was performed to account for the differences in American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade. Multivariable logistic regression revealed age and ASA score to be independent predictors of complications and the 90-day mortality, respectively. Conclusions: Octogenarians with comorbidities were more susceptible to postoperative complications, explaining the increased short-term mortality in this group. However, octogenarians without comorbidities had similar outcomes compared to the younger patients, indicating that overall health, including comorbidities, rather than chronological age should be considered in surgical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) on dysphagia, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and return to work after occipitocervical fixation (OCF). Postoperative radiographic measurements were evaluated to identify possible predictors of dysphagia. Methods: All individuals (≥ 18 years) who underwent an OCF at the study center or were registered in the Swedish spine registry (Swespine) between 2005 and 2019, and were still alive when the study was conducted, were eligible for inclusion. There was no overlap between the cohorts. Prospectively collected data on dysphagia (Dysphagia Short Questionnaire DSQ), HRQoL (EQ5D-3L) and return to work were used. Radiological and baseline patient data were retrospectively collected. In addition, HRQoL data of a matched sample of individuals was elicited from the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006. Results: In total, 54 individuals were included. At long-term follow-up, 26 individuals (51%) had no dysphagia, and 25 (49%) reported some degree of dysphagia: 11 (22%) had mild dysphagia, and 14 (27%) had moderate to severe dysphagia. On a group level, the OCF sample scored significantly lower EQVAS and EQ-5Dindex values compared to the general population (60.0 vs. 80.0, p = 0.016; 0.43 vs. 0.80, p < 0.001). Individuals working preoperatively returned to work after surgery. Of those responding, 88% stated that they would undergo the OCF operation if it was offered today. No predictors of dysphagia based on radiographic measurements were identified. Conclusion: Occipitocervical fixation results in a high frequency of long-term dysphagia. The HRQoL of OCF patients is significantly reduced compared to matched controls. However, most patients are satisfied with their surgery. No radiographic predictors of long-term dysphagia could be identified. Future prospective and systematic studies with larger samples and more objective outcome measures are needed to elucidate the causes of dysphagia in OCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), and titanium (Ti) after instrumented fusion for scoliosis. Methods: Serum samples were collected at median 2.24 (range 0.1–38.8) years after fusion surgery for scoliosis in 91 individuals, of which 71 had been treated with steel implants and 20 with titanium implants. 91 sex and age-matched non-surgically treated individuals with scoliosis were used as controls. Levels of Cr, Co, and Ti were measured. Results: In the 91 surgically treated individuals median levels of Cr were 0.54 µg/l vs 0 µg/l in the 91 controls, p < 0.001. Corresponding results for Co were 0.29 µg/l vs. 0.24 µg/l, p = 0.19, and for Ti were 0 µg/l vs. 0 µg/l, p < 0.001. In the individuals with steel implants and their corresponding controls median Cr levels were 0.63 µg/l vs. 0.00 µg/l, p < 0.001 and Co levels 0.27 µg/l vs. 0.23 µg/l, p = 0.36. No Ti was detected. In the individuals with titanium implants, median Cr levels were 0 µg/l vs. 0 µg/l in their corresponding controls, p = 0.38. Corresponding results for Co was 0.39 µg/l vs. 0.31 µg/l, p = 0.27 and for Ti 4.31 µg/l vs. 0 µg/l, p < 0.001. In the individuals with steel implants a negative correlation between implant time in situ and levels of Cr was found (ρ = − 0.52, p < 0.001) but not with Co (ρ = − 0.14, p = 0.23). Ti was not detected. In the individuals with titanium implants, there was no correlation between implant time in situ and levels of Cr (ρ = 0.36, p = 0.12), Co (ρ = − 0.12, p = 0.60) or Ti (ρ = 0.22, p = 0.35). Conclusion: The use of stainless steel and titanium implants in spinal fusion surgery is associated with elevated metal ion concentrations several years after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To compare health-related quality of life and radiographic outcomes in patients treated with either anterior or posterior fusion surgery for Lenke 5C type idiopathic scoliosis. Methods We used data from the Swedish spine registry and identified 59 patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated with fusion for Lenke 5C type curves; 27 patients underwent anterior surgery and 32 underwent posterior surgery. All patients had pre- and postoperative radiographic data and postoperative clinical data at a minimum of two years after surgery. Patient-reported outcomes measures included the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22r, EuroQoL 5 dimensions 3 levels (EQ-5D-3L), EQ-visual analogue scale (VAS) and VAS for back pain. Radiographic assessment included measurement of the angle of the major curve, disc angulation below the lowest instrumented vertebra, curve flexibility, rate of curve correction, differences in sagittal parameters, number of fused vertebrae and length of fusion. Results The mean age at surgery was 16 years in both groups. The mean follow-up time was 3.8 years. There were no significant differences in the SRS-22r score and EQ-5D-3L index at follow-up (all p ≥ 0.2). Postoperatively, both the anterior and posterior fusion group demonstrated a significant correction of the major curve (p ≤ 0.001) with no significant difference of the correction rate between the groups (p = 0.4). The posterior fusion group had shorter operative time (p < 0.001) and higher perioperative blood loss (p = 0.004) while the anterior group had lower number of fused vertebrae (p< 0.001). Conclusion The type of surgical approach for Lenke 5C curves is not associated with differences in health-related quality of life, despite the lower number of fused vertebrae after anterior surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To identify factors contributing to persistent postoperative pain in patients treated surgically for idiopathic scoliosis. Methods In total, 280 patients aged ten through 25 years at surgery, were identified in the Swedish Spine registry; all having preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) for back pain scores. The patients were divided into a high and low postoperative pain group based on the reported postoperative VAS for back pain scores (by using 45 mm on the 0 mm to 100 mm VAS scale as a cut-off). The patient-reported questionnaire included VAS for back pain, the 3-level version of EuroQol 5-dimensional (EQ-5D-3L) instrument, the EuroQol VAS (EQ-VAS) and the Scoliosis Research Society 22r instrument (SRS-22r). Predictors of postoperative back pain were searched in the preoperative data. Results The 67 (24%) patients that reported high postoperative VAS back pain (> 45 mm) also reported lower postoperative EQ-5D-3L, EQ-VAS and SRS-22r than patients with low postoperative VAS back pain (all p < 0.001). Two preoperative variables were independently associated with postoperative pain; each millimetre increase in preoperative VAS back pain (on the 0 mm to 100 mm scale) was associated with a higher risk of being in the high postoperative back pain group (odds ratio (OR) 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02 to 1.05) and each 1 point decrease on the preoperative SRS-22r mental health (scale from 1 to 5) was associated with a higher risk of being in the high postoperative back pain group (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.73). Conclusion High preoperative back pain and low preoperative mental health are independent predictors of back pain after surgery for idiopathic scoliosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that intraoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) using the Allura augmented reality surgical navigation (ARSN) system in a dedicated hybrid operating room (OR) matches computed tomography (CT) for identification of pedicle screw breach during spine surgery. Methods: Twenty patients treated with spinal fixation surgery (260 screws) underwent intraoperative CBCT as well as conventional postoperative CT scans (median 12 months after surgery) to identify and grade the degree of pedicle screw breach on both scan types, according to the Gertzbein grading scale. Blinded assessments were performed by three independent spine surgeons and the CT served as the standard of reference. Screws graded as Gertzbein 0 or 1 were considered clinically accurate while grades 2 or 3 were considered inaccurate. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value were the primary metrics of diagnostic performance. Results: For this patient group, the negative predictive value of an intraoperative CBCT to rule out pedicle screw breach was 99.6% (CI 97.75–99.99%). Among 10 screws graded as inaccurate on CT, 9 were graded as such on the CBCT, giving a sensitivity of 90.0% (CI 55.5–99.75%). Among the 250 screws graded as accurate on CT, 244 were graded as such on the CBCT, giving a specificity of 97.6% (CI 94.85–99.11%). Conclusions: CBCT, performed intraoperatively with the Allura ARSN system, is comparable and non-inferior to a conventional postoperative CT scan for ruling out misplaced pedicle screws in spinal deformity cases, eliminating the need for a postoperative CT. Key Points: • Intraoperative cone beam computed tomography (CT) using the Allura ARSN is comparable with conventional CT for ruling out pedicle screw breaches after spinal fixation surgery. • Intraoperative cone beam computed tomography can be used to assess need for revisions of pedicle screws making routine postoperative CT scans unnecessary. • Using cone beam computed tomography, the specificity was 97.6% and the sensitivity was 90% for detecting pedicle screw breaches and the negative predictive value for ruling out a pedicle screw breach was 99.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health-related quality of life in adults with idiopathic scoliosis diagnosed before maturity has been reported to be similar between brace-treated and surgically treated individuals. The aim of this study was to compare health-related quality of life in untreated, brace-treated, and surgically treated adults with idiopathic scoliosis diagnosed before skeletal maturity. Subgroup analyses were performed on the basis of age at the time of the study, age of onset, surgical characteristics, and curve magnitude.Methods: We included 1,187 adults with juvenile or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 38.8 ±12.7 years. Of these, 347 were untreated, 459 had been brace-treated, and 381 had been surgically treated. The Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r) and EuroQol 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D) were used. Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of covariance.Results: The mean SRS-22r subscore was 4.15 ± 0.59 points for the untreated group, 4.10 ± 0.57 points for the previously braced group, and 4.01 ± 0.64 points for the surgically treated group (p = 0.007 adjusted for age and sex). The EQ-5D index was 0.82 ± 0.20 for the untreated group, 0.82 ± 0.20 for the previously brace-treated group, and 0.79 ± 0.24 for the surgically treated group (p = 0.026, adjusted for age and sex). Brace cessation was at the mean age of 16.2 ± 1.5 years, and the surgical procedure had been performed at the mean age of 15.3 ± 2.1 years. A more caudal fusion was associated with a lower SRS-22r subscore and EQ-5D index. No differences were observed when comparing individuals with juvenile or adolescent onset scoliosis (all p > 0.05).Conclusions: Untreated adults with idiopathic scoliosis had similar health-related quality of life to previously brace-treated individuals, and they had marginally higher health-related quality of life compared with surgically treated individuals. Therefore, both surgical and brace treatments for idiopathic scoliosis could be considered successful from a health-related quality-of-life point of view in adulthood. The age of onset of idiopathic scoliosis does not seem to influence quality of life in adulthood.Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various methods for the treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis are available. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after posterolateral fusion without instrumentation, posterolateral fusion with instrumentation, and interbody fusion.Methods: The Swedish Spine Register was used to identify 765 patients who had been operated on for isthmic spondylolisthesis and had at least preoperative and 2-year outcome data; 586 of them had longer follow-up (a mean of 6.9 years). The outcome measures were a global assessment of leg and back pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) Questionnaire, the Short Form-36 (SF-36), a visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, and satisfaction with treatment. Data on additional lumbar spine surgery was searched for in the register, with the mean duration of follow-up for this variable being 10.6 years after the index procedure. Statistical analyses were performed with analysis of covariance or competing-risks proportional hazards regression, adjusted for baseline differences in the studied variables, smoking, employment status, and level of fusion.Results: Posterolateral fusion without instrumentation was performed in 102 patients; posterolateral fusion with instrumentation, in 452; and interbody fusion, in 211. At 1 year, improvement was reported in the global assessment for back pain by 54% of the patients who had posterolateral fusion without instrumentation, 68% of those treated with posterolateral fusion with instrumentation, and 70% of those treated with interbody fusion (p = 0.009). The VAS for back pain and reported satisfaction with treatment showed similar patterns (p = 0.003 and p = 0.017, respectively), whereas other outcomes did not differ among the treatment groups at 1 year. At 2 years, the global assessment for back pain indicated improvement in 57% of the patients who had undergone posterolateral fusion without instrumentation, 70% of those who had posterolateral fusion with instrumentation, and 71% of those treated with interbody fusion (p = 0.022). There were no significant outcome differences at the mean 6.9-year follow-up interval. There was an increased hazard ratio for additional lumbar spine surgery after interbody fusion (4.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.71 to 11.03) and posterolateral fusion with instrumentation (2.56; 95% CI = 1.02 to 6.42) compared with after posterolateral fusion without instrumentation (1.00; reference).Conclusions: Fusion with instrumentation, with or without interbody fusion, was associated with more improvement in back pain scores and higher satisfaction with treatment compared with fusion without instrumentation at 1 year, but the difference was attenuated with longer follow-up. Fusion with instrumentation was associated with a significantly higher risk of additional spine surgery.Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A longer duration of patient follow up arguably provides more reliable data on the long-term effects of a treatment. However, the collection of long-term follow up data is resource demanding and often complicated by missing data and patients being lost to follow up. In surgical fixation for cervical spine fractures, data are lacking on the evolution of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) beyond 1-year of follow up. We hypothesized that the PROMs would remain stable beyond the 1-year postoperative follow up mark, regardless of the surgical approach. To assess the trends in the evolution of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 1, 2-, and 5-years following surgery in patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries. Nation-wide observational study on prospectively collected data. Individuals treated for subaxial cervical spine fractures with anterior, posterior, or combined anteroposterior approaches, between 2006 and 2016 were identified in the Swedish Spine Registry (Swespine). PROMs consisting of EQ-5D-3L index and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were considered. PROMs data were available for 292 patients at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Five-years PROMs data were available for 142 of these patients. A simultaneous within-group (longitudinal) and between group (approach-dependent) analysis was performed using mixed ANOVA. The predictive ability of 1-year PROMs was subsequently assessed using linear regression. Mixed ANOVA revealed that PROMs remained stable from 1- to 2-years as well as from 2- to 5-years postoperatively and were not significantly affected by the surgical approach (p<0.05). A strong correlation was found between 1-year and both 2- and 5-years PROMs (R>0.7; p<0.001). Linear regression confirmed the accuracy of 1-year PROMs in predicting both 2- and 5-years PROMs (p<0.001). PROMs remained stable beyond 1-year of follow up in patients treated with anterior, posterior, or combined anteroposterior surgeries for subaxial cervical spine fractures. The 1-year PROMs were strong predictors of PROMs measured at 2, and 5 years. The 1-year PROMs were sufficient to assess the outcomes of subaxial cervical fixation irrespective of the surgical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design.: Observational study on prospectively collected data. Objectives.: To compare patient-reported outcomes and complications after anteroposterior surgery or anterior surgery in subaxial cervical spine fractures. Summary of Background Data.: There is no consensus regarding the optimal surgical approach for subaxial cervical spine fractures. Although anterior surgery is often sufficient to restore stability, anteroposterior surgery is sometimes preferred in severe instability. The effects of a more extensive procedure on patient-reported outcomes have not been investigated. We hypothesized that patient-reported outcomes and complication rates were similar between these surgical approaches. Materials and Methods.: Individuals treated with either a combined anteroposterior or anterior surgery alone between 2006 and 2016 and with at least 1-year follow-up were identified in the Swedish Spine Registry. Cases were matched 1:2 for age (±5 y). Outcomes were Neck Disability Index (NDI), EQ-5D-3L index, satisfaction, reoperations, and surgeon-reported and patient-reported complications within 90 days. Mann-Whitney U -tests and χ2 tests were used in statistical comparisons. Results.: The median [interquartile range] number of instrumented vertebrae was 3 [2–5.5] in the anteroposterior group and 2 [2–3] in the anterior group (P <0.001). The mean±SD follow-up time was 3.5±2.3 years in the anteroposterior and 3.8±2.0 years in the anterior group (P =0.39), respectively. At follow-up, Neck Disability Index was 20 [6–37] in the anteroposterior group and 18 [3.5–40] in the anterior group (P =0.69), and the median EQ-5D-3L index was 0.73 [0.12–0.80] in the anteroposterior group and 0.75 [0.62–0.89] in the anterior group (P =0.27). Satisfaction with the treatment was reported by 90% in the anteroposterior group and by 87% in the anterior group (P =0.98). None of the individuals in the anteroposterior and 6 of the individuals in the anterior group were reoperated (P =0.18). Conclusion.: Patients operated on with anteroposterior or anterior surgery for subaxial cervical spine fractures are equally satisfied and report similar health-related quality of life measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Observational study on prospectively collected data.Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare long-term patient-reported outcomes and complications after anterior or posterior cervical spine surgery for subaxial fractures.Summary Of Background Data: There is no consensus in the literature regarding the optimal surgical approach when treating spine fractures in the subaxial region.Methods: A total of 200 individuals who had been treated with either anterior or posterior surgery due to a subaxial single segment, or single vertebra, injury between 2006 and 2016 and had at least 1 year follow-up were identified in the Swedish Spine register. Cases were matched 1:1 for age (±5 years). Outcomes were Neck Disability Index (NDI) and EQ-5D-3L, and reoperations, mortality, and surgeon- and patient-reported wound complications within 90 days. t Tests and χ2 tests were used statistical comparisons.Results: At follow-up, NDI was 23 (21) in the anterior group and 29 (21) in the posterior group (P = 0.07). EQ-5D-3L index was 0.62 (0.37) in the anterior group and 0.54 (0.39) in the posterior group (P = 0.13). Patient satisfaction was higher in the anterior group (89% vs. 73%, P = 0.03). No deaths occurred within the first 90 days after surgery, six individuals in the anterior group and three individuals in the posterior group were reoperated (P = 0.31), and five individuals in the anterior group and 24 in the posterior group suffered a wound infection (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Anterior surgery and posterior surgery were associated with similar neck disability and general quality of life at follow-up, whereas anterior surgery was associated with higher patient satisfaction and lower infection rates.Level of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Prospective observational study.Objective: To assess staff and patient radiation exposure during augmented reality surgical navigation in spine surgery.Summary Of Background Data: Surgical navigation in combination with intraoperative three-dimensional imaging has been shown to significantly increase the clinical accuracy of pedicle screw placement. Although this technique may increase the total radiation exposure compared with fluoroscopy, the occupational exposure can be minimized, as navigation is radiation free and staff can be positioned behind protective shielding during three-dimensional imaging. The patient radiation exposure during treatment and verification of pedicle screw positions can also be reduced.Methods: Twenty patients undergoing spine surgery with pedicle screw placement were included in the study. The staff radiation exposure was measured using real-time active personnel dosimeters and was further compared with measurements using a reference dosimeter attached to the C-arm (i.e., a worst-case staff exposure situation). The patient radiation exposures were recorded, and effective doses (ED) were determined.Results: The average staff exposure per procedure was 0.21 ± 0.06 μSv. The average staff-to-reference dose ratio per procedure was 0.05% and decreased to less than 0.01% after a few procedures had been performed. The average patient ED was 15.8 ± 1.8 mSv which mainly correlated with the number of vertebrae treated and the number of cone-beam computed tomography acquisitions performed. A low-dose protocol used for the final 10 procedures yielded a 32% ED reduction per spinal level treated.Conclusion: This study demonstrated significantly lower occupational doses compared with values reported in the literature. Real-time active personnel dosimeters contributed to a fast optimization and adoption of protective measures throughout the study. Even though our data include both cone-beam computed tomography for navigation planning and intraoperative screw placement verification, we find low patient radiation exposure levels compared with published data.Level Of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Cadaveric laboratory study.Objective: To assess the feasibility and accuracy of minimally invasive thoracolumbar pedicle screw placement using augmented reality (AR) surgical navigation.Summary Of Background Data: Minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery has increasingly become the method of choice for a wide variety of spine pathologies. Navigation technology based on AR has been shown to be feasible, accurate, and safe in open procedures. AR technology may also be used for MIS surgery.Methods: The AR surgical navigation was installed in a hybrid operating room (OR). The hybrid OR includes a surgical table, a motorized flat detector C-arm with intraoperative 2D/3D imaging capabilities, integrated optical cameras for AR navigation, and patient motion tracking using optical markers on the skin. Navigation and screw placement was without any x-ray guidance. Two neurosurgeons placed 66 Jamshidi needles (two cadavers) and 18 cannulated pedicle screws (one cadaver) in the thoracolumbar spine. Technical accuracy was evaluated by measuring the distance between the tip of the actual needle position and the corresponding planned path as well as the angles between the needle and the desired path. Time needed for navigation along the virtual planned path was measured. An independent reviewer assessed the postoperative scans for the pedicle screws' clinical accuracy.Results: Navigation time per insertion was 90 ± 53 seconds with an accuracy of 2.2 ± 1.3 mm. Accuracy was not dependent on operator. There was no correlation between navigation time and accuracy. The mean error angle between the Jamshidi needles and planned paths was 0.9° ± 0.8°. No screw was misplaced outside the pedicle. Two screws breached 2 to 4 mm yielding an overall accuracy of 89% (16/18).Conclusion: MIS screw placement directed by AR with intraoperative 3D imaging in a hybrid OR is accurate and efficient, without any fluoroscopy or x-ray imaging during the procedure.Level Of Evidence: N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]