Successful fusion versus pseudarthrosis after spinal instrumentation: a comprehensive imaging review

Trans-sacral interbody fixation in long fusions to the sacrum for adult spinal deformity: complications and fusion rates at minimum two years follow-up

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the fusion rate and complications associated with trans-sacral interbody fusion (TSIF) in long fusions to the sacrum for adult spinal deformity (ASD) over a two year follow-up period. Potential predictor variables associated with pseudarthrosis were also examined.

METHODS

A retrospective clinical review was conducted on a consecutive series of ASD patients who underwent long fusions to the sacrum, with TSIF performed as a same-day or staged procedure. Patient demographics, bone mineral density, operative details, perioperative and late complications, and fusion rates were reviewed. Univariate analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with pseudarthrosis.

RESULTS

The study included 43 patients with an average age of 55.3 ± 8.9 years. The perioperative complication rate was 28%, with 12% of the complications directly related to TSIF. The late complication rate was 33%, with 16% related to TSIF. The most common complications were pseudarthrosis (14%) and postoperative ileus (7%). The overall radiographic fusion rate at two years was 86%. Univariate analysis revealed that revision surgery was significantly associated with pseudarthrosis (p = 0.027). Over the follow-up period, patients who underwent TSIF during long posterior fusions to the sacrum showed improvement in overall SRS scores, ODI scores, and SF-36 physical health and mental health (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TSIF is a relatively safe and minimally invasive method for achieving interbody fusion at the lumbosacral junction in the treatment of ASD, with acceptable fusion rates and a low complication rate. However, TSIF is not recommended for revision reconstruction in ASD.

Developing consensus for the management of pediatric cervical spine disorders and stabilization: a modified Delphi study

OBJECTIVE

Cervical spine disorders in children are relatively uncommon; therefore, paradigms for surgical and nonsurgical clinical management are not well established. The purpose of this study was to bring together an international, multidisciplinary group of pediatric cervical spine experts to build consensus via a modified Delphi approach regarding the clinical management of children with cervical spine disorders and those undergoing cervical spine stabilization surgery.

METHODS

A modified Delphi method was used to identify consensus statements for the management of children with cervical spine disorders requiring stabilization. A survey of current practices, supplemented by a literature review, was electronically distributed to 17 neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons experienced with the clinical management of pediatric cervical spine disorders. Subsequently, 52 summary statements were formulated and distributed to the group. Statements that reached near consensus or that were of particular interest were then discussed during an in-person meeting to attain further consensus. Consensus was defined as ≥ 80% agreement on a 4-point Likert scale (strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree).

RESULTS

Forty-five consensus-driven statements were identified, with all participants willing to incorporate them into their practice. For children with cervical spine disorders and/or stabilization, consensus statements were divided into the following categories: A) preoperative planning (12 statements); B) radiographic thresholds of instability (4); C) intraoperative/perioperative management (15); D) postoperative care (11); and E) nonoperative management (3). Several important statements reaching consensus included the following recommendations: 1) to obtain pre-positioning baseline signals with intraoperative neuromonitoring; 2) to use rigid instrumentation when technically feasible; 3) to provide postoperative external immobilization for 6-12 weeks with a rigid cervical collar rather than halo vest immobilization; and 4) to continue clinical postoperative follow-up at least until anatomical cervical spine maturity was reached. In addition, preoperative radiographic thresholds for instability that reached consensus included the following: 1) translational motion ≥ 5 mm at C1-2 (excluding patients with Down syndrome) or ≥ 4 mm in the subaxial spine; 2) dynamic angulation in the subaxial spine ≥ 10°; and 3) abnormal motion and T2 signal change on MRI seen at the same level.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the authors have demonstrated that a multidisciplinary, international group of pediatric cervical spine experts was able to reach consensus on 45 statements regarding the management of pediatric cervical spine disorders and stabilization. Further study is required to determine if implementation of these practices can lead to reduced complications and improved outcomes for children.

Paediatric Spinal Deformity Surgery: Complications and Their Management

Surgical correction of paediatric spinal deformity is associated with risks, adverse events, and complications that must be preoperatively discussed with patients and their families to inform treatment decisions, expectations, and long-term outcomes. The incidence of complications varies in relation to the underlying aetiology of spinal deformity and surgical procedure. Intraoperative complications include bleeding, neurological injury, and those related to positioning. Postoperative complications include persistent pain, surgical site infection, venous thromboembolism, pulmonary complications, superior mesenteric artery syndrome, and also pseudarthrosis and implant failure, proximal junctional kyphosis, crankshaft phenomenon, and adding-on deformity, which may necessitate revision surgery. Interventions included in enhanced recovery after surgery protocols may reduce the incidence of complications. Complications must be diagnosed, investigated and managed expeditiously to prevent further deterioration and to ensure optimal outcomes. This review summarises the complications associated with paediatric spinal deformity surgery and their management.