Cervical fusion for treatment of degenerative conditions: development of appropriate use criteria

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

High quality evidence is difficult to generate, leaving substantial knowledge gaps in the treatment of spinal conditions. Appropriate use criteria (AUC) are a means of determining appropriate recommendations when high quality evidence is lacking.

PURPOSE

Define appropriate use criteria (AUC) of cervical fusion for treatment of degenerative conditions of the cervical spine.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Appropriate use criteria for cervical fusion were developed using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness methodology. Following development of clinical guidelines and scenario writing, a one-day workshop was held with a multidisciplinary group of 14 raters, all considered thought leaders in their respective fields, to determine final ratings for cervical fusion appropriateness for various clinical situations.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Final rating for cervical fusion recommendation as either "Appropriate," "Uncertain" or "Rarely Appropriate" based on the median final rating among the raters.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria for scenarios included patients aged 18 to 80 with degenerative conditions of the cervical spine. Key modifiers were defined and combined to develop a matrix of clinical scenarios. The median score among the raters was used to determine the final rating for each scenario. The final rating was compared between modifier levels. Spearman's rank correlation between each modifier and the final rating was determined. A multivariable ordinal regression model was fit to determine the adjusted odds of an "Appropriate" final rating while adjusting for radiographic diagnosis, number of levels and symptom type. Three decision trees were developed using decision tree classification models and variable importance for each tree was computed.

RESULTS

Of the 263 scenarios, 47 (17.9 %) were rated as rarely appropriate, 66 (25%) as uncertain and 150 (57%) were rated as appropriate. Symptom type was the modifier most strongly correlated with the final rating (adjusted ρ2 = 0.58, p<.01). A multivariable ordinal regression adjusting for symptom type, diagnosis, and number of levels and showed high discriminative ability (C statistic = 0.90) and the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of receiving a final rating of "Appropriate" was highest for myelopathy (aOR, 7.1) and radiculopathy (aOR, 4.8). Three decision tree models showed that symptom type and radiographic diagnosis had the highest variable importance.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate use criteria for cervical fusion in the setting of cervical degenerative disorders were developed. Symptom type was most strongly correlated with final rating. Myelopathy or radiculopathy were most strongly associated with an "Appropriate" rating, while axial pain without stenosis was most associated with "Rarely Appropriate."

Age Is Just a Number: Patient Age Does Not Affect Outcome Following Surgery for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

Multiple studies have shown that osteoporotic patients are at an increased risk for medical and surgical complications, making optimal management of these patients challenging. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between patient age and the likelihood of surgical complications, mortality, and 30-day readmission rates following surgery for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2014 identified 1979 patients who met inclusion criteria. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR), with corresponding P values and 95% confidence intervals, of the relationship between age (treated as a continuous variable) and perioperative mortality, surgical complications, and 30-day readmission rates.

RESULTS

Younger patients were statistically more likely to endure a minor (OR = 0.98; P = .002) or major complication (OR = 0.97; P = .009). The older a patient was, on the other hand, the higher the likelihood that patient would be readmitted within 30 days of surgery (OR =1.02; P = .004). Mortality within the 30-day perioperative period was not statistically correlated with age.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of age on adverse outcomes following surgery for OVCF is mixed. While younger patients are more likely to endure complications, older patients are more likely to be readmitted within 30 days following surgery. Patient age showed no correlation with mortality rates. In the setting of surgical treatment for an OVCF, a patient's age can help determine the risk of complications and the rate of readmission following intervention.

Management of degenerative spondylolisthesis: development of appropriate use criteria

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Outcomes of treatment in care of patients with spinal disorders are directly related to patient selection and treatment indications. However, for many disorders, there is absence of consensus for precise indications. With the increasing emphasis on quality and value in spine care, it is essential that treatment recommendations and decisions are optimized.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the North American Spine Society Appropriate Use Criteria was to determine the appropriate (ie reasonable) multidisciplinary treatment recommendations for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis across a spectrum of more common clinical scenarios.

STUDY DESIGN

A Modified Delphi process was used.

METHODS

The methodology was based on the Appropriate Use Criteria development process established by the Research AND Development Corporation. The topic of degenerative spondylolisthesis was selected by the committee, key modifiers determined, and consensus reached on standard definitions. A literature search and evidence analysis were completed by one work group simultaneously as scenarios were written, reviewed, and finalized by another work group. A separate multidisciplinary rating group was assembled. Based on the literature, provider experience, and group discussion, each scenario was scored on a nine-point scale on two separate occasions, once without discussion and then a second time following discussion based on the initial responses. The median rating for each scenario was then used to determine if indications were rarely appropriate (1 - 3), uncertain (4-6), or appropriate (7-9). Consensus was not mandatory.

RESULTS

There were 131 discrete scenarios. These addressed questions on bone grafting, imaging, mechanical instability, radiculopathy with or without neurological deficits, obesity, and yellow flags consisting of psychosocial and medical comorbidities. For most of these, appropriateness was established for physical therapy, injections, and various forms of surgical intervention. The diagnosis of spondylolisthesis should be determined by an upright x-ray. Scenarios pertaining to bone grafting suggested that patients should quit smoking prior to surgery, and that use of BMP should be reserved for patients who had risk factors for non-union. Across all clinical scenarios, physical therapy (PT) had an adjusted mean of 7.66, epidural steroid injections 5.76, and surgery 4.52. Physical therapy was appropriate in most scenarios, and most appropriate in patients with back pain and no neurological deficits. Epidural steroid injections were most appropriate in patients with radiculopathy. Surgery was generally more appropriate for patients with neurological deficits, higher disability scores, and dynamic spondylolisthesis. Mechanical back pain and presence of yellow flags tended to be less appropriate, and obesity in general had relatively little influence on decision making. Decompression alone was more strongly considered in the presence of static versus dynamic spondylolisthesis. On average, posterior fusion with or without interbody fusion was similarly appropriate, and generally more appropriate than stand-alone interbody fusion which was in turn more appropriate than interspinous spacers.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidisciplinary appropriate treatment criteria were generated based on the Research AND Development methodology. While there were consistent and significant differences between surgeons and non-surgeons, these differences were generally very small. This document provides comprehensive evidence-based recommendations for evaluation and treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis. The document in its entirety will be found on the North American Spine Society website (https://www.spine.org/Research-Clinical-Care/Quality-Improvement/Appropriate-Use-Criteria).

Quantifying the Impact of Comorbidities on Outcomes Following Surgery for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

Introduction Studies have shown that osteoporotic patients are more likely to have medical or surgical complications postoperatively. In this study, we determine the predictive value of various comorbidities on the likelihood of postoperative complications, mortality, and 30-day readmission following cement augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).

Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2014 identified 1979 patients who met inclusion criteria. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the relationship between various comorbidities and perioperative mortality, postoperative complications, and 30-day readmission rates.

Results A history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), coagulopathy, diminished preoperative functional status, and/or an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class > 2 were statistical predictors of postoperative complications. CVA generated the highest odds ratio among these comorbidities (OR = 5.36, p = 0.02 for minor complications; OR = 4.60 p = 0.05 for major complications). Among the 15 comorbidities considered, steroid use (OR =1.81; p = 0.03) and an ASA class > 2 (OR = 14.65; p = 0.01) were the only ones that were correlated with mortality; an ASA class > 2 had a particularly strong effect on the likelihood of mortality (OR = 14.65). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), obesity, significant weight loss, and an ASA class > 2 were correlated with 30-day readmissions. Congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes, dialysis, hypertension, or smoking was not correlated with adverse postoperative outcomes.

Conclusion Of the 15 comorbidities considered in this study, four were statistically associated with increased rates of postoperative complications, two were associated with increased mortality, and four were associated with increased rates of readmission at 30 days. The presence of CHF, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, ascites, renal failure, or smoking were not associated with the adverse outcomes studied.

Level of Evidence III.

Males Have Higher Rates of Peri-operative Mortality Following Surgery for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture

In this study, we evaluated the association between sex and the incidence of postoperative mortality in the peri-operative period following surgical intervention for OVCF. We found no statistical association between surgical complications and patient sex. However, males exhibited higher rates of mortality and 30-day readmissions relative to females.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) contribute substantially to the financial burden of the US healthcare system. As the size of the elderly population grows, the number of fractures attributed to osteoporosis is expected to increase. Studies have shown that osteoporotic patients are at an increased risk for medical and surgical complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between sex and the incidence of postoperative mortality in the peri-operative period following surgical intervention for OVCF.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2014 identified 1979 patients. Patients were grouped as male or female. Mortality within 30 days of surgery due to any cause, incidence of surgical complications, and 30-day readmission rates following surgery were tabulated. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR) with corresponding p values and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

In total, 1979 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Mortality within the 30 days following surgery for OVCF was statistically greater in men than in women (OR = 1.58; p = 0.050). The 30-day readmission rate was also statistically higher in men (OR = 1.41; p = 0.017). Neither minor (OR = 0.90; p = 0.560) nor major (OR = 1.14; p = 0.569) complications were statistically correlated with sex. On average, men underwent surgery for OVCF at a younger age than women.

CONCLUSIONS

Male patients undergoing surgery for OVCF have higher rates of peri-operative mortality and 30-day readmissions following surgery. Sex was not found to be associated with postoperative complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Spinal trauma in DISH and AS: is MRI essential following the detection of vertebral fractures on CT?

BACKGROUND

Both ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) cause a rigid spine, but through different pathophysiology. Recent data has shown that characteristic fracture patterns may also differ following trauma since the posterior osseous and soft tissue elements are often spared in DISH. CT and MRI are important in diagnosing spine injury, but given the differences between AS and DISH, the utility of obtaining both studies in all patients warrants scrutiny.

PURPOSE

To assess the prevalence of posterior element injury on CT and MRI in DISH and AS patients with known vertebral body injury detected on CT; to determine whether MRI demonstrates additional injuries in neurologically intact patients presumed to have isolated vertebral body injuries on CT.

STUDY DESIGN

Multicenter, retrospective, case-control study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

DISH and AS patients presenting after spine trauma between 2007 and 2017.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Review of CT and MRI findings at the time of presentation.

METHODS

One hundred sixty DISH and 85 AS patients presenting after spine trauma were identified from 2 affiliated academic hospitals serving as level 1 trauma and tertiary referral centers. A diagnosis of DISH or AS was verified by a board-certified emergency radiologist with 3 years of experience. Age, gender, mechanism of injury, fracture type, spine CT and MRI imaging findings, surgical intervention, and neurologic deficit were recorded. The CT and MRI studies were reviewed by the same radiologist for fracture location and type using the AO spine classification. No funding source or conflict of interest was present.

RESULTS

Median age was 72 and 79 years old for the AS and DISH groups, respectively. Both were predominantly male (81%) and most presented after a low energy mechanism of injury (74% and 73%). Type C AO spine injuries were seen in 52% of AS patients but only 4% of DISH patients. In patients with known vertebral body injury on CT, additional injury to the posterior elements on CT or MRI in DISH patients was 51% versus 92% in AS patients. However, in patients with an isolated vertebral body fracture on CT and no neurological deficit, MRI identified posterior element injury in only 4/22 (18%) DISH patients compared to 5 of 7 (71%) AS patients. None of the MRI findings in the DISH patients were considered clinically important while all 5 AS patients eventually underwent operative treatment despite having no neurological deficit. Epidural hematoma on MRI was seen in 43% of AS patients as opposed to 5% of DISH patients.

CONCLUSION

Based on our small sample size, CT alone may be adequate in DISH patients with isolated vertebral body fractures and no neurologic deficit, but an additional MRI should be considered in the presence of an unclear neurological exam or deficit. MRI should be strongly considered for any AS patient regardless of neurologic status.

Laminoplasty-an underutilized procedure for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

BACKGROUND CONTENT

Cervical laminoplasty (LP) and laminectomy and fusion (LF) are commonly used surgical techniques for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Several recent studies have demonstrated superior perioperative metrics and decreased overall costs with LP, yet LF is performed far more often in the United States.

PURPOSE

To determine the percentage of patients with CSM who are radiographically candidates for LP.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective comparative cohort study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Patients >18 years old who underwent LF or LP for CSM at 2 large academic institutions from 2017 to 2019.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Candidacy for LP based on radiographic criteria.

METHODS

Radiographs were assessed by 2 spine surgeons not involved in the care of the patients to determine the C2-C7 Cobb angle and the presence and extent of cervical instability. Patients with kyphosis >13°, > 3.5 mm of listhesis on static imaging, or > 2.5 mm of motion on flexion-extension or standing-supine films were not considered candidates for LP. Intraclass coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess the interobserver reliability of angular measurements and the presence of instability. The percentage of patients for whom LP was contraindicated was calculated.

RESULTS

One hundred eight patients underwent LF while 142 underwent LP. Of the 108 patients who underwent LF, 79.6% were radiographically deemed candidates for LP, as were all 142 patients who underwent LP. The ICC for C2-C7 alignment was 0.90; there was 97% agreement with respect to the presence of instability.

CONCLUSIONS

In 250 patients with CSM, 228 (91.2%) were radiographically candidates for LP. These data suggest that LP may be an underutilized procedure for the treatment for CSM.

Osteoporosis is under recognized and undertreated in adult spinal deformity patients

Background

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients may have osteoporosis, predisposing them to an increased risk for surgical complications. Prior studies have demonstrated that treating osteoporosis improves surgical outcomes. In this study we determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in ASD patients undergoing long spinal fusions and the rate at which osteoporosis is treated.

Methods

ASD patients who frequented either of two major academic medical centers from 2010 through 2019 were studied. All study participants were at least 40 years of age and endured a spinal fusion of at least seven vertebral levels. Medical records were explored for a diagnosis of osteoporosis via ICD-10 code and, if present, whether pharmacological treatment was prescribed. T-tests and chi-squared analyses were used to determine statistical significance.

Results

Three hundred ninety-nine patients matched the study's inclusion criteria. Among this group, 131 patients (32.8%) had been diagnosed with osteoporosis prior to surgery. With a mean age of 66.4 years, osteoporotic patients were on average three years older than non-osteoporotic (P=0.002) and more likely to be female (74.8% vs. 61.9%; P=0.01). At the time of surgery, 34.4% of osteoporotic patients were receiving pharmacological treatment. Although not statistically significant, women were more likely to receive medical treatment than men (P=0.07).

Conclusions

The prevalence of osteoporosis in ASD patients undergoing a long spinal fusion is substantially higher than that of the general population. Surgeons should have a low threshold for bone density testing in ASD patients. With only about one-third of osteoporotic patients treated, there is a classic "missed opportunity" in this population.

Development of prediction models for clinically meaningful improvement in PROMIS scores after lumbar decompression

BACKGROUND

The ability to preoperatively predict which patients will achieve a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) after lumbar spine decompression surgery can help determine the appropriateness and timing of surgery. Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores are an increasingly popular outcome instrument.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to develop algorithms predictive of achieving MCID after primary lumbar decompression surgery.

PATIENT SAMPLE

This was a retrospective study at two academic medical centers and three community medical centers including adult patients 18 years or older undergoing one or two level posterior decompression for lumbar disc herniation or lumbar spinal stenosis between January 1, 2016 and April 1, 2019.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome, MCID, was defined using distribution-based methods as one half the standard deviation of postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROMIS physical function, pain interference, pain intensity).

METHODS

Five machine learning algorithms were developed to predict MCID on these surveys and assessed by discrimination, calibration, Brier score, and decision curve analysis. The final model was incorporated into an open access digital application.

RESULTS

Overall, 906 patients completed at least one PROMs survey in the 90 days before surgery and at least one PROMs survey in the year after surgery. Attainment of MCID during the study period by PROMIS instrument was 74.3% for physical function, 75.8% for pain interference, and 79.2% for pain intensity. Factors identified for preoperative prediction of MCID attainment on these outcomes included preoperative PROs, percent unemployment in neighborhood of residence, comorbidities, body mass index, private insurance, preoperative opioid use, surgery for disc herniation, and federal poverty level in neighborhood of residence. The discrimination (c-statistic) of the final algorithms for these outcomes was 0.79 for physical function, 0.74 for pain interference, and 0.69 for pain intensity with good calibration. The open access digital application for these algorithms can be found here: https://sorg-apps.shinyapps.io/promis_pld_mcid/ CONCLUSION: Lower preoperative PROMIS scores, fewer comorbidities, and certain sociodemographic factors increase the likelihood of achieving MCID for PROMIS after lumbar spine decompression.

Surgeon-level variance in achieving clinical improvement after lumbar decompression: the importance of adequate risk adjustment

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores are increasingly utilized in clinical care. However, it is unclear if PROMIS can discriminate surgeon performance on an individual level.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine surgeon-level variance in rates of achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) after lumbar decompression.

PATIENT SAMPLE

This is a prospective, observational cohort study performed across a healthcare enterprise (two academic medical centers and three community centers). Patients 18 years or older undergoing one- to two-level primary decompression for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) or lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was achievement of MCID, using a distribution-based method, on paired PROMIS physical function scores.

METHODS

Descriptive statistics were generated to examine the baseline characteristics of the study cohort. Bivariate analyses were used to examine the impact of surgeon-level variance on rates of MCID. Multivariable analyses were used to examine the risk-adjusted impact of surgeon-level variance on rates of MCID.

RESULTS

Overall, 636 patients treated by nine surgeons were included. The median patient age was 58 [interquartile range (IQR): 46-70] and 62.3% (n=396) were female. Among all patients, 56.9% (n=362) underwent surgery for LDH. The overall rate of achieving MCID was 75.8% (n=482). Of the surgeons, the median years in practice were 12 (range 4-31) and 55.6% (n=5) were in academic practice settings. On bivariate analysis, patients treated by one of the surgeons had lower rates of achieving MICD (odds ratio=0.37, 95% confidence interval: 0.15-0.91, p=.03). However, on multivariable analysis adjusting for operative indication (LDH vs. LSS), body mass index, number of comorbidities, percent unemployment in patient zip code, and preoperative PROMIS physical function scores, all surgeons were equally likely to obtain MCID.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, variance in PROMIS scores after primary lumbar decompression is influenced by patient-related factors and not by individual surgeon. Adequate risk adjustment is needed if ascertaining clinical improvement on an individual surgeon basis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

Osteoporosis increases the likelihood of revision surgery following a long spinal fusion for adult spinal deformity

BACKGROUND

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) can be a debilitating condition that requires surgical intervention. ASD patients often present with osteoporosis, predisposing them to increased rates of instrumentation failure and postoperative fractures, frequent reasons for revision surgery. We hypothesized that the rate and timing of revision surgery are different in osteoporotic and nonosteoporotic patients undergoing long fusions for ASD. To our knowledge, the timing of revision surgeries, in particular, have not previously been explored.

PURPOSE

To determine the rate and timing of revision surgery in osteoporotic and nonosteoporotic patients following a long fusion for ASD.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

ASD patients who underwent a long spinal fusion surgery at two large academic medical centers from 2010 to 2019.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Occurrence of revision surgery.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria were patient age of least 40 years and spinal fusion spanning at least seven levels for ASD. Patient records were reviewed for a diagnosis of osteoporosis as per ICD codes and revision surgery within 2 years of the index procedure. Revision surgery was defined as an unplanned procedure related to the index surgery for the treatment of a spine-related complication. Chi-squared tests comparing demographic data, revision rates, and multiple revisions were conducted. The incidence and prevalence of revision surgeries as a function of time and osteoporotic status were evaluated for significant differences via the Mann-Whitney U and Mantel-Haenszel log rank tests. Finally, a logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the predictive value of osteoporosis, age, and gender on the likelihood for complications.

RESULTS

Three hundred ninety-nine patients matched the study criteria. In the osteoporotic group, 40.5% of patients underwent a revision surgery compared to 28.0% in the nonosteoporotic group (p=.01). The occurrence of multiple revision surgeries following the index procedure was similar in both groups: 8.4% in osteoporotic patients and 8.6% in nonosteoporotic patients. Age and gender were not statistically correlated with the incidence of revision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

ASD patients with osteoporosis have an increased risk of undergoing revision for a surgery-related complication within 2 years of the index procedure. These complications included failure of hardware, pseudoarthrosis, proximal junction failure, and infection, among other issues that required surgical intervention. As others have also highlighted the importance of poor bone density on construct failure, our data further underscore the importance of preoperative osteoporosis surveillance. Though intuitive, further study is needed to demonstrate that improving patients' bone density can decrease the incidence of related complications and the need or revision surgery.

Laminoplasty versus laminectomy and fusion for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a cost analysis

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Laminectomy with fusion (LF) and laminoplasty (LP) are commonly used to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The decision regarding which procedure to perform is largely a matter of surgeon's preference, while financial implications are rarely considered.

PURPOSE

We aimed to better understand the financial considerations of LF compared to LP in the treatment of CSM.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Adult patients, 18 years of age or older, who had undergone LF or LP for CSM from 2017 to 2019 at 2 large academic centers were included. Patients who had undergone previous cervical spine surgery or procedures that extended above C2 or below T2 were excluded.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was defined as the total cost of the procedure, which was calculated as the sum of the implant and non-implant supply costs.

METHODS

Patient demographics, surgical parameters, including estimated blood loss and operative time, and length of stay were collected. Operating room material - both implant and non-implant - cost data was also obtained. Variables were analyzed individually as well as after adjustment based on the number of operative levels involved. Statistical analysis was performed using either Student t test with unequal variance or Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables and chi-squared analysis for categorical variables.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty patients were identified who met inclusion criteria. There was no statistical difference in the mean age at time of surgery (p=.25), gender distribution (p=.33), or re-operation rate between the LF and LP groups (p=.39). Overall, operative time was similar between the LF (165.7 ± 61.9 min) and LP (173.8 ± 58.2 min) groups (p=.29), but the LP cohort had a shorter length of stay at 3.8 ± 2.7 days compared to the LF cohort at 4.8 ± 3.7 days. Implant costs in the LF group were significantly more at $6,204.94 ± $1426.41 compared to LP implant costs at $1994.39 ± $643.09. Mean total costs of LP were significantly less at $2,859.08 ± $784.19 compared to LF total costs of $6,983.16 ± $1,589.17. Furthermore, when adjusted for the number of operative levels, LP remained significantly less costly at $766.12 ± $213.64 per level while LF cost $1,789.05 ± $486.66 per operative level. Additional subgroup analysis limiting the cohorts to patients with either three or four involved vertebral levels demonstrated nearly identical cost savings with LP as compared to LF.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that LF is on average at least 2.4 times the total operative supply cost of LP and at least 2.3 times the operative supply cost of LP when adjusted for the number of operative levels. In patients deemed appropriate for either LP or LF, these data may be incorporated into decision-making for the treatment of CSM.

Can natural language processing provide accurate, automated reporting of wound infection requiring reoperation after lumbar discectomy?

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections are a major driver of morbidity and increased costs in the postoperative period after spine surgery. Current tools for surveillance of these adverse events rely on prospective clinical tracking, manual retrospective chart review, or administrative procedural and diagnosis codes.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to develop natural language processing (NLP) algorithms for automated reporting of postoperative wound infection requiring reoperation after lumbar discectomy.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Adult patients undergoing discectomy at two academic and three community medical centers between January 1, 2000 and July 31, 2019 for lumbar disc herniation.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Reoperation for wound infection within 90 days after surgery METHODS: Free-text notes of patients who underwent surgery from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2015 were used for algorithm training. Free-text notes of patients who underwent surgery after January 1, 2016 were used for algorithm testing. Manual chart review was used to label which patients had reoperation for wound infection. An extreme gradient-boosting NLP algorithm was developed to detect reoperation for postoperative wound infection.

RESULTS

Overall, 5,860 patients were included in this study and 62 (1.1%) had a reoperation for wound infection. In patients who underwent surgery after January 1, 2016 (n=1,377), the NLP algorithm detected 15 of the 16 patients (sensitivity=0.94) who had reoperation for infection. In comparison, current procedural terminology and international classification of disease codes detected 12 of these 16 patients (sensitivity=0.75). At a threshold of 0.05, the NLP algorithm had positive predictive value of 0.83 and F1-score of 0.88.

CONCLUSION

Temporal validation of the algorithm developed in this study demonstrates a proof-of-concept application of NLP for automated reporting of adverse events after spine surgery. Adapting this methodology for other procedures and outcomes in spine and orthopedics has the potential to dramatically improve and automatize quality and safety reporting.

Guideline summary review: an evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The North American Spine Society's (NASS) Evidence Based Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain features evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating adult patients with nonspecific low back pain. The guideline is intended to reflect contemporary treatment concepts for nonspecific low back pain as reflected in the highest quality clinical literature available on this subject as of February 2016.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the guideline is to provide an evidence-based educational tool to assist spine specialists when making clinical decisions for adult patients with nonspecific low back pain. This article provides a brief summary of the evidence-based guideline recommendations for diagnosing and treating patients with this condition.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a guideline summary review.

METHODS

This guideline is the product of the Low Back Pain Work Group of NASS' Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline Development Committee. The methods used to develop this guideline are detailed in the complete guideline and technical report available on the NASS website. In brief, a multidisciplinary work group of spine care specialists convened to identify clinical questions to address in the guideline. The literature search strategy was developed in consultation with medical librarians. Upon completion of the systematic literature search, evidence relevant to the clinical questions posed in the guideline was reviewed. Work group members utilized NASS evidentiary table templates to summarize study conclusions, identify study strengths and weaknesses, and assign levels of evidence. Work group members participated in webcasts and in-person recommendation meetings to update and formulate evidence-based recommendations and incorporate expert opinion when necessary. The draft guideline was submitted to an internal and external peer review process and ultimately approved by the NASS Board of Directors.

RESULTS

Eighty-two clinical questions were addressed, and the answers are summarized in this article. The respective recommendations were graded according to the levels of evidence of the supporting literature.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence-based clinical guideline has been created using techniques of evidence-based medicine and best available evidence to aid practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with nonspecific low back pain. The entire guideline document, including the evidentiary tables, literature search parameters, literature attrition flowchart, suggestions for future research, and all of the references, is available electronically on the NASS website at https://www.spine.org/ResearchClinicalCare/QualityImprovement/ClinicalGuidelines.aspx.

Predicting prolonged opioid prescriptions in opioid-naïve lumbar spine surgery patients

IMPORTANCE

Preoperative determination of the potential for postoperative opioid dependence in previously naïve patients undergoing elective spine surgery may facilitate targeted interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to develop supervised machine learning algorithms for preoperative prediction of prolonged opioid prescription use in opioid-naïve patients following lumbar spine surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of clinical registry data. Variables considered for prediction included demographics, insurance status, preoperative medications, surgical factors, laboratory values, comorbidities, and neighborhood characteristics. Five supervised machine learning algorithms were developed and assessed by discrimination, calibration, Brier score, and decision curve analysis.

SETTING

One healthcare entity (two academic medical centers, three community hospitals), 2000 to 2018.

PARTICIPANTS

Opioid-naïve patients undergoing decompression and/or fusion for lumbar disk herniation, stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.

MAIN OUTCOME

Sustained prescription opioid use exceeding 90 days after surgery.

RESULTS

Overall, of 8,435 patients included, 359 (4.3%) were found to have prolonged postoperative opioid prescriptions. The elastic-net penalized logistic regression achieved the best performance in the independent testing set not used for algorithm development with c-statistic=0.70, calibration intercept=0.06, calibration slope=1.02, and Brier score=0.039. The five most important factors for prolonged opioid prescriptions were use of instrumented spinal fusion, preoperative benzodiazepine use, preoperative antidepressant use, preoperative gabapentin use, and uninsured status. Individual patient-level explanations were provided for the algorithm predictions and the algorithms were incorporated into an open access digital application available here: https://sorg-apps.shinyapps.io/lumbaropioidnaive/.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

The clinician decision aid developed in this study may be helpful to preoperatively risk-stratify opioid-naïve patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. The tool demonstrates moderate discriminative capacity for identifying those at greatest risk of prolonged prescription opioid use. External validation is required to further support the potential utility of this tool in practice.

The role of the Community Pharmacist in promoting vaccinations among general population according to the National Vaccination Plan 2017-2019: results from a survey in Sicily, Italy

INTRODUCTION

The 2017-2019 Italian National Vaccination Plan promotes the improvement of knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers about vaccine prevention, in order to spread a vaccination culture among general population. Similarly to the General Practitioner, the Pharmacist represents a fundamental forefront for both patients and healthy people, also in promoting vaccine acceptance. This research aims to analyze knowledge and attitudes about vaccines of Community Pharmacists and to evaluate the burden of vaccination counselling during their work activities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A standardized, self-administered and previously validated questionnaire, including 5 sections and 28 items, was submitted to a sample of Community Pharmacists working in Western Sicily. The survey was carried out through an online questionnaire, that investigated socio-demographic data, knowledge and attitudes towards vaccination and the role of the Pharmacist as vaccination counselor during his work.

RESULTS

A total of 120 Pharmacists were surveyed. 99.2% of them were definitely agreed with the Regional Vaccination Schedule. A large majority (n = 114, or 95%) were fully vaccinated and have vaccinated, or would vaccinate in future, their children. According to Community Pharmacists interviewed, at least 90% of clients asked for further explanations about vaccination, and the citizens' trust towards vaccination increased (30%) or remained stable (54.2%) over time in the last 5 years. Finally, as reported by interviewed Pharmacists, a correct counselling provided by General Practitioners (GPs) and Family Pediatricians was the main boost in increasing vaccination confidence, instead of mass-media and web misinformation that has led to skepticisms among general population.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated the key role of the Community Pharmacist for their consumers in vaccination counselling. In future, a strong collaboration between Community Pharmacists and all the actors promoting vaccination themes (GPs, family Pediatricians, public health workers) will be essential, as well as a uniform and standardized University training on vaccination themes for all these categories.

Development of Machine Learning Algorithms for Prediction of 30-Day Mortality After Surgery for Spinal Metastasis

BACKGROUND

Preoperative prognostication of short-term postoperative mortality in patients with spinal metastatic disease can improve shared decision making around end-of-life care.

OBJECTIVE

To (1) develop machine learning algorithms for prediction of short-term mortality and (2) deploy these models in an open access web application.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was used to identify patients that underwent operative intervention for metastatic disease. Four machine learning algorithms were developed, and the algorithm with the best performance across discrimination, calibration, and overall performance was integrated into an open access web application.

RESULTS

The 30-d mortality for the 1790 patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastatic disease was 8.49%. Preoperative factors used for prognostication were albumin, functional status, white blood cell count, hematocrit, alkaline phosphatase, spinal location (cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral), and severity of comorbid systemic disease (American Society of Anesthesiologist Class). In this population, machine learning algorithms developed to predict 30-d mortality performed well on discrimination (c-statistic), calibration (assessed by calibration slope and intercept), Brier score, and decision analysis. An open access web application was developed for the best performing model and this web application can be found here: https://sorg-apps.shinyapps.io/spinemets/.

CONCLUSION

Machine learning algorithms are promising for prediction of postoperative outcomes in spinal oncology and these algorithms can be integrated into clinically useful decision tools. As the volume of data in oncology continues to grow, creation of learning systems and deployment of these systems as accessible tools may significantly enhance prognostication and management.