Are Outcomes of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Influenced by Presurgical Depression Symptoms on the Mental Component Score of the Short Form-12 Survey?

The prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with metastatic disease to the spine

Introduction

The prevalence of depression and anxiety in cancer patients is approximately 15% and 20%. Unfortunately, depression has been demonstrated to negatively impact patients after spinal fusion surgeries and is associated with worse overall survival in cancer patients. The rates of depression and anxiety have yet to be reported in patients with metastatic spine disease. The objective of this study was to determine the rate of depression and anxiety in patients with metastatic spine disease.

Materials and Methods

Patients >18 years of age at our institution who presented with metastatic spinal disease between 2017 and 2022 were identified through query search and verified by chart review of operative and biopsy notes. Patients who carried a depression and anxiety diagnosis were identified through a review of documentation in the electronic medical record. Demographic and surgical characteristics were recorded.

Results

One hundred and fifty patients were identified. The average age and Charlson Comorbidity Index were 63.5 ± 13.0 and 8.34 ± 2.76, respectively. There were 84 (56.0%) males, 28 (18.7%) patients carrying a diagnosis of diabetes, and 40 (26.7%) current smokers. There were 127 (84.7%) surgeries performed for spinal metastases. The most common operative location was the thoracic spine (42.5%), while the sacrum was the least common (2.36%). Overall, 20.00% of our cohort carried a diagnosis of depression, 17.3% carried a diagnosis of anxiety, and 28.7% carried a diagnosis of either depression or anxiety. The most common primary cancers were lung (20.67%), breast (17.33%), and prostate cancers (15.33%).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates elevated rates of depression and anxiety in patients with spinal metastatic disease relative to the general population. When evaluating patients with spinal metastases, spine surgeons have an opportunity to screen for symptoms and place an early referral to a mental health professional.

Age is Associated with Level of First-Time Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: An Ordinal Analysis of Factors Influencing Timing of Cervical Degeneration

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic cervical spondylosis is often treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). However, few factors can predict which cervical level will degenerate and require intervention. This analysis evaluates preprocedural factors associated with level of first-time single-level ACDF.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent single-level ACDF without prior history of spine surgery. Mann Whitney U-tests and Spearman rank-order correlation were performed for analyses of associations between variables of interest and ACDF level. Adjusted odds-ratios were calculated by proportional-odds logistic regression, with age, sex, body mass index, current tobacco use, history of neck trauma, preoperative radicular symptoms, and preoperative myelopathic symptoms as covariates.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-one patients met inclusion criteria, and age demonstrated a negative correlation with ACDF level, such that younger patients tended to have ACDF performed at inferior subaxial levels (P = 0.0006, rho = -0.31, moderately strong relationship). Patients with preoperative radicular symptoms and myelopathic symptoms were more likely to have ACDF performed at inferior (P = 0.0001) and superior (P < 0.0001) levels, respectively. Patient sex, body mass index, current tobacco use, and history of neck trauma were not predictive of ACDF level. When adjusting for the above variables in a proportional-odds ordinal logistic regression model, a one-year increase in age conferred a 4% increase in the odds of requiring an ACDF at a given superior level compared to the adjacent inferior level.

CONCLUSIONS

Age is correlated with level of first-time single level ACDF. Individual subaxial levels may have unique biomechanical properties that influence degeneration.

Relating preoperative MCS-12 to microdiscectomy outcomes

PURPOSE

To determine the impact of poor mental health on patient-reported and surgical outcomes after microdiscectomy.

METHODS

Patients ≥ 18 years who underwent a single-level lumbar microdiscectomy from 2014 to 2021 at a single academic institution were retrospectively identified. Patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) were collected at preoperative, three-month, and one-year postoperative time points. PROMs included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale Back and Leg (VAS Back and VAS Leg, respectively), and the mental and physical component of the short form-12 survey (MCS and PCS). The minimum clinically important differences (MCID) were employed to compare scores for each PROM. Patients were categorized as having worse mental health or better mental health based on a MCS threshold of 50.

RESULTS

Of 210 patients identified, 128 (61%) patients had a preoperative MCS score ≤ 50. There was no difference in 90-day surgical readmissions or spine reoperations within one year. At 3- and 12-month time points, both groups demonstrated improvements in all PROMs (p < 0.05). At three months postoperatively, patients with worse mental health had significantly lower PCS (42.1 vs. 46.4, p = 0.004) and higher ODI (20.5 vs. 13.3, p = 0.006) scores. Lower mental health scores were associated with lower 12-month PCS scores (43.3 vs. 48.8, p < 0.001), but greater improvements in 12-month ODI (- 28.36 vs.  - 18.55, p = 0.040).

CONCLUSION

While worse preoperative mental health was associated with lower baseline and postoperative PROMs, patients in both groups experienced similar improvements in PROMs. Rates of surgical readmissions and reoperations were similar among patients with varying preoperative mental health status.

The impact of pre-operative depression on pain outcomes after major surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Symptoms of depression are common among patients before surgery. Depression may be associated with worse postoperative pain and other pain-related outcomes. This review aimed to characterise the impact of pre-operative depression on postoperative pain outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies that reported an association between pre-operative depression and pain outcomes after major surgery. Multilevel random effects meta-analyses were conducted to pool standardised mean differences and 95%CI for postoperative pain scores in patients with depression compared with those without depression, at different time intervals. A meta-analysis was performed for studies reporting change in pain scores from the pre-operative period to any time-point after surgery. Sixty studies (n = 501,962) were included in the overall review, of which 18 were eligible for meta-analysis. Pre-operative depression was associated with greater pain scores at < 72 h (standardised mean difference 0.97 (95%CI 0.37-1.56), p = 0.009, I2  = 41%; moderate certainty) and > 6 months (standardised mean difference 0.45 (95%CI 0.23-0.68), p < 0.001, I2  = 78%; low certainty) after surgery, but not at 3-6 months after surgery (standardised mean difference 0.54 (95%CI -0.06-1.15), p = 0.07, I2  = 83%; very low certainty). The change in pain scores from pre-operative baseline to 1-2 years after surgery was similar between patients with and without pre-operative depression (standardised mean difference 0.13 (95%CI -0.06-0.32), p = 0.15, I2  = 54%; very low certainty). Overall, pre-existing depression before surgery was associated with worse pain severity postoperatively. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating psychological care into current postoperative pain management approaches in patients with depression.

A matched-control study on the impact of depressive disorders following lumbar fusion for adult spinal deformity: an analysis of a nationwide administrative database

PURPOSE

In recent years, depression rates have been on the rise, resulting in soaring mental health issues globally. There is paucity of literature about the impact of depression on lumbar fusion for adult spine deformity. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether patients with depressive disorders undergoing lumbar deformity fusion have higher rates of (1) in-hospital length of stay; (2) ninety-day medical and surgical complications; and (3) medical reimbursement.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed using a nationwide administrative claims database from January 2007 to December 2015 for patients undergoing lumbar fusion for spine deformity. Study participants with depressive disorders were selected and matched to controls by adjusting for sex, age, and comorbidities. In total, the query yielded 3706 patients, with 1286 who were experiencing symptoms of depressive disorders, and 2420 who served as the control cohort.

RESULTS

The study revealed that patients with depressive disorders had significantly higher in-hospital length of stay (6.0 days vs. 5.0 days, p < 0.0001) compared to controls. Study group patients also had higher incidence and odds of ninety-day medical and surgical complications (10.2% vs. 5.0%; OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 2.16-2.89; p < .0001). Moreover, patients with depressive disorders had significantly higher episode of care reimbursement ($54,539.2 vs. $51,645.2, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This study illustrated that even after controlling for factors such as sex, age, and comorbidities, patients with depressive disorders had higher rates of in-hospital length of stay, medical and surgical complications, and total reimbursement.

The Veterans Rand-12 Physical Composite Score Prognosticates Postoperative Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

OBJECTIVE

To determine prognostic value of preoperative Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) physical composite score (PCS) on outcomes in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

METHODS

ACDF patients with preoperative VR-12 PCS formed 2 cohorts: VR-12 PCS <35 and VR-12 PCS ≥35. The following patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were gathered preoperatively and postoperatively up to 2 years: VR-12 mental composite score (MCS)/PCS, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) PF, 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), visual analog scale (VAS) neck/arm pain, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) PCS/MCS. Comparing PROMs change with established thresholds determined achievement of minimum clinically important difference (MCID). Univariate analysis compared demographics, perioperative characteristics, and preoperative PROMs. Multivariable regression analysis compared postoperative PROMs and MCID achievement.

RESULTS

Of 174 patients, 83 had VR-12 PCS <35. Preoperatively, patients with reduced PF displayed lower patient-reported outcome scores in NDI, PHQ-9, and SF-12 MCS (P ≤ 0.008), but not in VAS arm. At 6 weeks postoperatively, these patients continued to score lower in NDI (P ≤ 0.014) and SF-12 PCS (P ≤ 0.001), among others. By the final check, most scores remained lower (P ≤ 0.002) except for PHQ-9 and VAS arm (P > 0.05). Greater improvements at 6 weeks postoperatively were especially noted in patients with lower initial VR-12 PCS for NDI, PROMIS PF, and SF-12 PCS (P < 0.05). However, by final follow-up, only PROMIS PF showed noteworthy improvement (P = 0.19). Regarding MCID achievement, significant differences were largely absent except in NDI, where patients with reduced PF exhibited more MCID achievement (P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

ACDF patients with VR-12 PCS <35 experienced inferior PF, mental health, and disability postoperatively until final follow-up. There were no significant differences in postoperative improvement magnitude and MCID achievement. Results suggest that baseline VR-12 PCS in ACDF patients may indicate poorer PF, mental health, and disability postoperatively. However, VR-12 PCS does not limit extent of postoperative improvement.

Poor patient-reported mental health correlates with inferior patient-reported outcome measures following cervical disc replacement

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess the correlation between the patient-reported mental health and the self-reported outcome measures (PROMs) physical function, pain, and disability at different time points following disc replacement (CDR).

METHODS

A single-surgeon registry was searched for patients who had undergone CDR, excluding those with indication for infection, cancer, or trauma. One hundred fifty-one patients were included. PROMs were collected preoperatively as well as 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Mental health measures evaluated included 12-Item Short Form (SF-12), Mental Component Score (MCS), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) which were individually assessed via Pearson's correlation tests in relation to Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS-PF), SF-12 Physical Component Score (PCS), visual analog scale (VAS) neck and arm pain, and Neck Disability Index (NDI).

RESULTS

SF-12 MCS positively correlated with PROMIS-PF (range: r = 0.369-0.614) and SF-12 PCS (range: r = 0.208-0.585) with significance found at two or more time points for each (p ≤ 0.009, all). SF-12 MCS negatively correlated with VAS neck (range: r = - 0.259 to - 0.464), VAS arm (range: r = - 0.281 to - 0.567), and NDI (range: r = - 0.474 to - 831) with significance found at three or more time points (p ≤ 0.028, all). PHQ-9 significantly negatively correlated with PROMIS-PF (range: r = - 0.457 to - 0.732) and SF-12 PCS (range: r = - 0.332 to - 0.629) at all time points (p ≤ 0.013, all). PHQ-9 positively correlated with VAS neck (range: r = 0.351-0.711), VAS arm (range: r = 0.239-0.572), and NDI (range: r = 0.602-0.837) at four or more periods (p ≤ 0.032, all).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing CDR who reported lower mental health scores via either SF-12 MCS or PHQ-9 were associated with increased perception of pain and disability. Disability level correlated with mental health at all time periods. Patients with optimized mental health may report higher outcome scores following CDR.

Does Surgical Treatment Affect the Degree of Anxiety or Depression in Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy?

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

Preoperative mental state has been reported as one of the factors affecting the surgical outcomes of spine surgery, but few studies have examined in detail how patients' mental state is affected by spine surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) whether surgery improves preoperative depression and anxiety in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy.

METHODS

We investigated patient-reported outcomes (Mental Component Summary, Physical Component Summary of SF-12 Health Survey, and EQ-5D, Neck Disability Index, JOACMEQ, satisfaction with treatment) and HADS one year after surgery, comparing them before and after surgery between April 2017 and February 2020. Among the cases diagnosed as preoperative anxiety and depression, we additionally compared the patient-reported outcomes based on the presence or absence of postoperative improvement in mental state, having also investigated the correlation between patient-reported outcomes and HADS for sub-analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 99 patients eligible for inclusion in the present study, we found that patient-reported outcomes and the HADS scores improved significantly after surgery. There was a moderate correlation between the amount of change in HADS-D score before and after surgery and the amount of change in NDI (moderate, r = .41), NRS of neck (moderate, r = .46), and JOACMEQ (cervical spine function; moderate, r = .43, upper extremity function; moderate, r = .41, QOL; moderate, r = .41).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that surgical treatment for patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy may improve postoperative anxiety and depression as well as other patient-reported outcomes.

Understanding the Impact of Early Depressive Burden on Patient Perceptions of Outcomes Following Cervical Disc Replacement

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of early depressive burden on PROMs in the setting of cervical disc replacement (CDR).

METHODS

Patients who had undergone primary elective CDR with recorded preoperative and 6-week postoperative 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores were identified. Early depressive burden was calculated via addition of the preoperative and 6-week PHQ-9 scores. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts, those with summative PHQ-9 scores beneath one-half standard deviation less than the mean (Lesser Burden; LB) and those with summative PHQ-9 scores above one-half standard deviation greater than the mean (Greater Burden; GB). Magnitude of improvement in PROMs (ΔPROM) was compared within and between cohorts at 6-weeks (ΔPROM-6W) and final follow-up (ΔPROM-FF). PROMs evaluated included PROMIS-PF/NDI/VAS-Neck (VAS-N)/VAS-Arm (VAS-A)/PHQ-9.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients were included with 34 in the LB cohort. The LB cohort demonstrated improvements from the preoperative baseline in 6-week PROMIS-PF/NDI/VAS-N/VAS-A (P ≤ 0.012, all). The GB cohort demonstrated improvements from the preoperative baseline in 6-week NDI/VAS-N/VAS-A/PHQ-9 (P ≤ 0.038, all). The GB cohort demonstrated greater ΔPROM-6W and ΔPROM-FF in PHQ-9 (P ≤ 0.047, both). The LB cohort demonstrated a greater ΔPROM-FF in PROMIS-PF (P = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a greater depressive burden were more likely to experience greater magnitudes of improvements in PHQ-9 at both 6-week and final follow-up and experience clinically meaningful improvement in depressive symptoms. Patients with a lesser depressive burden were more likely to experience a greater magnitude of improvement in PROMIS-PF at final follow-up and experience clinically meaningful improvement in physical function.

Are We Considering the Whole Patient? The Impact of Physical and Mental Health on the Outcomes of Spine Care

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, observational.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of baseline health status on the physical and mental health (MH) outcomes of spine patients.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Spine conditions can have a significant burden on both the physical and MH of patients. To date, few studies have evaluated the outcomes of both dimensions of health, particularly in nonoperative populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

At their first visit to a multidisciplinary spine clinic, 2668 nonoperative patients completed the Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Global Health (PROMIS-GH) instrument and a questionnaire evaluating symptoms and goals of care. Patients were stratified by their baseline percentile score of the MH and physical health (PH) components of the PROMIS-GH. Four groups of patients were compared based on the presence or absence of bottom quartile PH or MH scores. The primary end point was the achievement of a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) on the MH or PH components at follow-up. Multivariate regression assessed the predictors of MCID achievement.

RESULTS

After controlling for demographics, symptoms, and goals, each 1-point increase in baseline PROMIS-GH mental score reduced the odds of achieving MH MCID by 9.0% ( P <0.001). Conversely, each 1-point increase in baseline GH-physical score increased the odds of achieving MCID by 4.5% ( P =0.005). Each 1-point increase in baseline GH-physical score reduced the odds of achieving PH MCID by 12.5% ( P <0.001), whereas each 1-point increase in baseline GH-mental score increased the odds of achieving MCID by 5.0% ( P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Spine patients presenting with the lowest levels of physical or MH were most likely to experience clinically significant improvement in those domains. However, lower levels of physical or mental health made it less likely that patients would experience significant improvement in the alternative domain. Physicians should evaluate and address the complex spine population holistically to maximize improvement in both physical and mental health status.

The association between psychosocial factors and mental health symptoms in cervical spine pain with or without radiculopathy on health outcomes: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Neck pain, with or without radiculopathy, can have significant negative effects on physical and mental wellbeing. Mental health symptoms are known to worsen prognosis across a range of musculoskeletal conditions. Understanding the association between mental health symptoms and health outcomes in this population has not been established. Our aim was to systematically review the association between psychosocial factors and/or mental health symptoms on health outcomes in adults with neck pain, with or without radiculopathy.

METHODS

A systematic review of published and unpublished literature databases was completed. Studies reporting mental health symptoms and health outcomes in adults with neck pain with or without radiculopathy were included. Due to significant clinical heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was completed. Each outcome was assessed using GRADE.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were included (N = 21,968 participants). Sixteen studies assessed neck pain only (N = 17,604 participants); seven studies assessed neck pain with radiculopathy (N = 4,364 participants). Depressive symptoms were associated with poorer health outcomes in people with neck pain and neck pain with radiculopathy. These findings were from seven low-quality studies, and an additional six studies reported no association. Low-quality evidence reported that distress and anxiety symptoms were associated with poorer health outcomes in people with neck pain and radiculopathy and very low-quality evidence showed this in people with neck pain only. Stress and higher job strain were negatively associated with poorer health outcomes measured by the presence of pain in two studies of very low quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Across a small number of highly heterogenous, low quality studies mental health symptoms are negatively associated with health outcomes in people with neck pain with radiculopathy and neck pain without radiculopathy. Clinicians should continue to utilise robust clinical reasoning when assessing the complex factors impacting a person's presentation with neck pain with or without radiculopathy.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020169497.

Depression and anxiety in cervical degenerative disc disease: Who are susceptible?

Background

Pre-operative depression and anxiety are associated with poorer patient-reported outcomes following cervical spine surgery. Identification of and interventions for these disorders are key to preventing related negative effects. However, most spine surgeons do not routinely evaluate mental health disorders. Few studies have investigated which patients with cervical degenerative disc diseases (CDDD) are susceptible to depression and anxiety.

Objective

To determine the factors associated with depression and anxiety in patients with CDDD.

Methods

Three hundred twelve patients with CDDD were recruited in this cross-sectional case-control study. Patients underwent a structured interview to acquire demographic and clinical characteristic information, which included the Neck Disability Index (NDI), modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for neck/arm pain. Depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Zung Self-Rating Depression and Anxiety Scales. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with depression and anxiety.

Results

Of all patients, 102 (32.7%) had depression and 92 (29.5%) had anxiety. Two hundred six (66.0%) patients with neither depression nor anxiety were defined as the control group. Univariate analysis indicated that gender, educational level, occupation type, Charlson comorbidity index, symptom duration, symptomatology, surgery history, NDI, mJOA, VAS-neck, and VAS-arm scores were associated with depression and anxiety (except for symptom duration for anxiety). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that females [odds ratio (OR) 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-3.23], physical work (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.16-3.65), poor mJOA score (ORmoderate 2.67, 95% CI 1.40-5.07; ORsevere 7.63, 95% CI 3.85-15.11), and high VAS-neck score (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11-1.39) were independent risk factors for depression. Physical work (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.01-3.35), poor mJOA score (ORmoderate 2.66, 95% CI 1.33-5.33; ORsevere 9.26, 95% CI 4.52-18.99), and high VAS-neck score (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.19-1.51) were independent risk factors for anxiety.

Conclusion

Approximately one-third of patients with CDDD had depression or anxiety. Patients who engaged in heavy work and had severe symptoms (poor mJOA and high VAS-neck scores) are susceptible to depression and anxiety. Additionally, female patients are susceptible to depression. Our findings may help identify CDDD patients with depression and anxiety in clinical practice.

Workers compensation patients experiencing depression report meaningful improvement in mental health scores after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Background

Mental health has been demonstrated to affect postoperative outcomes. No prior literature has reported the relationship between preoperative mental health on outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in the Workers Compensation (WC) population.

Methods

WC claimants who underwent primary ACDF were identified from a single-surgeon retrospective database. Patients were separated by SF-12 MCS score into Depressed (<45.6) or Not Depressed (ND) (≥45.6) cohorts. Patient-reported Outcome Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS PF), SF-12 Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS), SF-12 MCS, visual analog scale (VAS) neck/arm pain, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were collected and compared within and between groups. Minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achievement rates were compared between groups.

Results

Depressed patients had greater length of stay (p = 0.007) and postoperative narcotic consumption (p = 0.026). Depressed patients improved at 12-week to 2-year PROMIS PF, 6-month SF-12 PCS, 6-week to 6-month SF-12 MCS, 6-week to 6-month and 2-year VAS neck, all VAS arm, and 6-month NDI (p ≤ 0.045, all). ND patients improved at 12-week to 1-year PROMIS PF, 6-month to 2-year SF-12 PCS, 12-week to 1-year VAS neck, 6-week to 1-year VAS arm, and 12-week to 1-year NDI (p ≤ 0.044, all). Between groups, ND patients reported superior PROMIS PF, SF-12 MCS, VAS neck, VAS arm, and NDI scores at two or more periods (p ≤ 0.045, all). MCID achievement rate regarding SF-12 MCS was greater in the Depressed cohort at all postoperative points up to 1 year (p ≤ 0.020, all).

Conclusion

Depressed patients tended to have a greater length of stay and postoperative narcotic consumption immediately after surgery. Not depressed patients reported more favorable physical and mental function, pain, and disability scores preoperatively and postoperatively. Depressed patients reported greater MCID achievement in mental function following surgery. Depressed patients with WC have a greater likelihood of reporting tangible improvement in mental health scores following ACDF.

Instrumentation Across the Cervicothoracic Junction Does Not Improve Patient-reported Outcomes in Multilevel Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine if instrumentation across the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) in elective multilevel posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCF) is associated with improved patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Fusion across the CTJ may result in lower revision rates at the expense of prolonged operative duration. However, it is unclear whether constructs crossing the CTJ affect PROMs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Standard Query Language (SQL) identified patients with PROMs who underwent elective multilevel PCF (≥3 levels) at our institution. Patients were grouped based on anatomic construct: crossing the CTJ (crossed) versus not crossing the CTJ (noncrossed). Subgroup analysis compared constructs stopping at C7 or T1. Independent t tests and χ 2 tests were utilized for continuous and categorical data, respectively. Regression analysis controlled for baseline demographics. The α was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 160 patients included, the crossed group (92, 57.5%) had significantly more levels fused (5.27 vs. 3.71, P <0.001), longer operative duration (196 vs. 161 min, P =0.003), greater estimated blood loss (242 vs. 160 mL, P =0.021), and a decreased revision rate (1.09% vs. 10.3%, P =0.011). Neither crossing the CTJ (vs. noncrossed) nor constructs spanning C3-T1 (vs. C3-C7) were independent predictors of ∆PROMs (change in preoperative minus postoperative patient-reported outcomes) on regression analysis. However, C3-C7 constructs had a greater revision rate than C3-T1 constructs (15.6% vs. 1.96%, P =0.030).

CONCLUSION

Crossing the CTJ in patients undergoing elective multilevel PCF was not an independent predictor of improvement in PROMs at 1 year, but they experienced lower revision rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Depression Increases Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Revision Rates and Diminishes Neck Disability Index Improvement

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if depression and/or anxiety significantly affect patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Mental health diagnoses are receiving increased recognition for their influence of outcomes after spine surgery. The magnitude that mental health disorders contribute to patient-reported outcomes following PCDF requires increased awareness and understanding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of electronic medical records identified patients who underwent a PCDF at a single institution during the years 2013-2020. Patients were placed into either depression/anxiety or nondepression/anxiety group based on their medical history. A delta score (∆) was calculated for all PROMs by subtracting postoperative from preoperative scores. χ 2 tests and t tests were utilized to analyze categorical and continuous data, respectively. Regression analysis determined independent predictors of change in PROMs. Alpha was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 195 patients met inclusion criteria, with 60 (30.8%) having a prior diagnosis of depression/anxiety. The depression/anxiety group was younger (58.8 vs . 63.0, P =0.012), predominantly female (53.3% vs . 31.9%, P =0.007), and more frequently required revision surgery (11.7% vs . 0.74%, P =0.001). In addition, they had worse baseline mental component (MCS-12) (42.2 vs . 48.6, P <0.001), postoperative MCS-12 (46.5 vs . 52.9, P =0.002), postoperative neck disability index (NDI) (40.7 vs . 28.5, P =0.001), ∆NDI (-1.80 vs . -8.93, P =0.010), NDI minimum clinically important difference improvement (15.0% vs . 29.6%, P =0.046), and postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Neck scores (3.63 vs . 2.48, P =0.018). Only the nondepression/anxiety group improved in MCS-12 ( P =0.002) and NDI ( P <0.001) postoperatively. Depression and/or anxiety was an independent predictor of decreased magnitude of NDI improvement on regression analysis (β=7.14, P =0.038).

CONCLUSION

Patients with history of depression or anxiety demonstrate less improvement in patient-reported outcomes and a higher revision rate after posterior cervical fusion, highlighting the importance of mental health on clinical outcomes after spine surgery.

Comparison of Outcomes Including or Excluding the Level of Listhesis After ACDF in the Setting of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of patients with cervical degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), specifically comparing surgeries that include versus exclude the DS level.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

DS has been extensively studied in the lumbar spine associated with both back and leg pain leading to worse patient quality of life measures. Conversely, there is a relative dearth of literature regarding surgical and clinical outcomes in the setting of cervical DS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 315 patients undergoing ACDF between 2014 and 2018 with minimum of 1-year postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-six patients were found to have DS and were categorized based on whether an ACDF was performed at the same level (SL) or at a different level (DL) than the spondylolisthesis. Patient demographics, surgical parameters, preoperative and postoperative radiographs, and PROMs were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Of the 315 patients, a total of 46 met the inclusion criteria including 21 SL and 25 DL patients. There were no significant differences in patient demographics between the groups. The SL cohort had a significantly worse preoperative sagittal vertical axis (SL: 34.4 vs. 26.1, P=0.025) but no difference in postoperative or delta sagittal vertical axis. Both patient cohorts reported significant postoperative improvement in all PROMs, except Short-Form 12 Mental Component Score in the SL group. There were no differences between the groups regarding Visual Analog Scale Neck, Visual Analog Scale Arm, Neck Disability Index, or Short-Form 12 Physical Component Score. Regression analysis demonstrated SL to be a significant negative predictor for improvement in Short-Form 12 Mental Component Score (β: -11.27, P=0.10).

CONCLUSION

Patients treated only at their neurologically symptomatic levels, excluding asymptomatic listhesis in their construct, can expect equivalent radiographic as well as physical function, disability, and pain outcomes 1 year after ACDF compared with patients whose listhetic level was included in their construct.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Dual Role of Neck Disability Index in the Assessment of Quality of Life in Cervical Spine Patients

INTRODUCTION

The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a well-established measure for patients with cervical myelopathy, radiculopathy, or myeloradiculopathy. Few studies have examined the relationship between NDI and mental health outcomes after anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF). Our study sets out to determine the possible correlations between NDI and mental health outcome measures after ACDF.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained surgical registry was retrospectively reviewed for elective ACDF procedures from December 2013 to December 2019. Demographic and perioperative characteristics were collected. Primary outcomes of interest were NDI, 12-Item Short Form Mental Component Summary (SF-12 MCS), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Outcomes were collected preoperatively and postoperatively (6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years). Postoperative improvement for all outcomes was evaluated using a paired Student t-test. Correlations between NDI and mental health outcomes were evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Strength of association was determined using the following criteria: weak (0.1 ≤ |r| < 0.3), moderate (0.3 ≤ |r| < 0.5), and strong (|r| ≥ 0.5).

RESULTS

A total of 225 patients were included in this study. Most of the patients underwent a single-level procedure and had a spinal pathology of herniated nucleus pulposus. NDI demonstrated significant improvements through 2 years compared with preoperative values (all P < 0.001). Similarly, SF-12 MCS and PHQ-9 significantly improved through 1-year postoperatively (all P ≤ 0.010) but was not maintained at 2 years (P = 0.835; P = 0.128). NDI demonstrated a significant but moderate correlation with SF-12 MCS at the preoperative time point, but a strong correlation was observed at all postoperative time points (all P ≤ 0.001). A significant and strong correlation between NDI and PHQ-9 was demonstrated at all time points (all P ≤ 0.002).

DISCUSSION

NDI demonstrated notable and strong correlations with mental health outcome measures at all postoperative time points. NDI is an effective measure to assess neck disability but may also help capture changes to mental health symptoms after ACDF.

The Effect of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Procedure Duration on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether operative duration of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) significantly affects patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) 90 days after surgery and at 1-year follow-up.

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary 1-level to 4-level ACDF were retrospectively identified. Demographic data and PROMs were collected through chart review. Patients were split into short, medium, and long tertiles based on procedure duration. PROM surveys were administered preoperatively as baseline measurements, at initial follow-up (between 60 and 120 days postoperatively), and at 1 year postoperatively. Outcomes included Neck Disability Index, Short-Form 12 Physical Component Score (PCS-12), Short-Form 12 Mental Component Score, visual analog scale (VAS) neck score, and VAS arm score.

RESULTS

Significant short-term improvements were found across all groups for all PROMs. All groups showed long-term improvements in Short-Form 12 Mental Component Score, PCS-12, Neck Disability Index, VAS neck score, and VAS arm score, with the exception of the medium-duration group in PCS-12 (P = 0.093). On multivariate analysis, short-duration procedures predicted better improvement in VAS neck score (β = -1.01; P = 0.012) and VAS arm score (β = -1.38; P = 0.002) compared with long-duration procedures, whereas medium-duration procedures resulted in better improvement in VAS arm score (β = -1.00; P = 0.011). Further, short and medium duration was a predictor of decreased length of hospital stay (β = -0.67, P = 0.001 and β = -0.59, P = 0.001, respectively) compared with long-duration procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

All groups improved after ACDF regardless of surgical duration. Further, surgical duration was not a predictor of differing improvement in physical function or disability.

Impact of Prolonged Duration of Symptoms on Mental Health in Anterior Cervical Disectomy and Fusion Patients

INTRODUCTION

Prolonged duration of symptoms is associated with worse pain and disability in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Our study aims to determine the effect of symptom duration on severity of depression among ACDF patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a prospective surgical database from 2006 to 2019 for primary, single, or multilevel ACDF. Patients missing the duration of symptom information or patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were excluded. PROMs included Patient Health Questionnaire-9, 12-Item Short Form Mental Component Score, and 12-Item Veterans RAND Mental Component Score and were collected at preoperative, 6-week, 12-week, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year timepoints. The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated using the established values. Patients were categorized based on preoperative duration of symptoms as follows: <6 months, ≥6 months and <1 year, 1 to 2 years, and >2 years. Univariate analysis was done to determine differences in demographics and perioperative characteristics. Intergroup differences in PROMs and MCID achievement were evaluated using linear regression and logistic regression, respectively.

RESULTS

Two hundred thirty-one ACDF patients included had a mean age of 49.6 years and most were male (61.0%) and nonobese (<30 kg/m2; 55.0%). The groups differed by their American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (P = 0.029), workers' compensation status (P = 0.022), and diagnosis of herniated nucleus pulposus (P = 0.010). Postoperative mental health outcomes did not significantly differ between duration groups except for Veterans Rand-12 Mental Component Score at 12 weeks (P = 0.044). MCID achievement rates did not significantly differ.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing ACDF largely did not demonstrate differences in mental health scores or achievement of MCID based on the duration of symptoms.

Is depression the contraindication of anterior cervical decompression and fusion for cervical spondylosis?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether depression is the contraindication of anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) for cervical spondylosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with single-segment cervical spondylosis who underwent ACDF from January 2015 to December 2018 in our department were retrospectively included in this study and divided into two groups. Patients who were diagnosed of depression and prescribed with antidepressant drugs for at least 6 months before surgery were included in the intervention group. Patients without depression were included in the control group. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score was used to evaluate the severity of depression. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopeadic Association (JOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were recorded as indexes to assess the pain, cervical spine function, degree of cervical spine injury, and life quality, respectively. The operative time, operative blood loss, hospital stay and complications were also recorded and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 117 patients were included in this study, involving 32 patients in the intervention group and 85 patients in the control group. No significant differences were found in operative time, operative blood loss, hospital stay and complications between the two groups (P>0.05). The BDI score, VAS score, JOA score, NDI, SF-36 physical component score (SF-36 PCS) and SF-36 mental component score (SF-36 MCS) were all significantly improved at last follow-up in both the two groups. The intervention group showed higher BDI score and SF-36 MCS than the control group at both preoperative and the last follow-up (P<0.05), and the improvements of BDI score and SF-36 MCS were also higher in the intervention group (P<0.05). Although the intervention group showed higher VAS score, NDI, SF-36 PCS and lower JOA score at preoperative and last follow-up, respectively (P<0.05), there were no significant differences in the improvements of these indexes between the two group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Depression is not the contraindication of ACDF for cervical spondylosis. Depression patients who received preoperative antidepressants can achieve similar improvement of clinical symptoms from ACDF with non-depression patients.

A national snapshot of the impact of clinical depression on post-surgical pain and adverse outcomes after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy: 10-year results from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Depression is associated with poorer outcomes in a wide spectrum of surgeries but the specific effects of depression in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and impact of pre-surgical clinical depression on pain and other outcomes after surgery for cervical degenerative disc disease using a national representative database. Data of patients with cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy were extracted from the 2005–2014 US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Included patients underwent anterior discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Acute or chronic post-surgical pain, postoperative complications, unfavorable discharge, length of stay (LOS) and hospital costs were evaluated. Totally 215,684 patients were included. Pre-surgical depression was found in 29,889 (13.86%) patients, with a prevalence nearly doubled during 2005–2014 in the US. Depression was independently associated with acute or chronic post-surgical pain (aOR: 1.432), unfavorable discharge (aOR: 1.311), prolonged LOS (aOR: 1.152), any complication (aOR: 1.232), respiratory complications/pneumonia (aOR: 1.153), dysphagia (aOR: 1.105), bleeding (aOR: 1.085), infection/sepsis (aOR: 1.529), and higher hospital costs (beta: 1080.640) compared to non-depression. No significant risk of delirium or venous thrombotic events was observed in patients with depression as compared to non-depression. Among patients receiving primary surgery, depression was independently associated with prolonged LOS (aOR: 1.150), any complication (aOR:1.233) and postoperative pain (aOR:1.927). In revision surgery, no significant associations were found for prolonged LOS, any complication or pain. In conclusion, in the US patients undergoing ACDF, pre-surgical clinical depression predicts post-surgical acute or chronic pain, a slightly prolonged LOS and the presence of any complication. Awareness of these associations may help clinicians stratify risk preoperatively and optimize patient care.

Impact of Depression on Patient Reported Outcomes Following Primary Versus Revision ACDF

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship of depressive symptoms with patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients undergoing either primary or revision anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND

Depression has been associated with poorer outcomes following ACDF. However, research examining the relationship between depression and PROMs in revision ACDF procedures is limited.

METHODS

A prospective database was retrospectively reviewed for primary or revision, single- or multilevel ACDF procedures from 2016 to 2019. Patients lacking preoperative Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) surveys were excluded. Demographic and perioperative characteristics were recorded and analyzed using Fisher's exact test or t test. Patient-reported outcome measures were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Postoperative improvement from baseline scores (ΔPROM) was calculated at all postoperative timepoints. Differences in mean PROM and ΔPROM between groups and changes from baseline PROM scores within groups were assessed using Student's t test. Linear regression analyzed the impact of preoperative PHQ-9 on ΔPROM.

RESULTS

A total of 143 patients (121 primary and 22 revision) were included. Significant differences between groups were demonstrated at the preoperative timepoint for Neck Disability Index (NDI) (P = 0.022). ΔPROM values did not significantly differ between groups. Regression analysis revealed significant relationships between preoperative PHQ-9 and ΔPHQ-9 at all timepoints, ΔVAS neck at 6-weeks and 6-months, ΔVAS arm at 6-months, and ΔNDI at 6-weeks and 6-months for the primary group (all P < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed no significant associations for the revision group.

CONCLUSION

Primary or revision ACDF procedures did not significantly differ in depressive symptoms through 1-year. Primary ACDF patients significantly improved in all PROMs through all timepoints, while revision patients had limited improvement in PROMs. Preoperative depression may have a stronger association on postoperative outcomes for primary procedures.Level of Evidence: 3.

Predictors of Prolonged Opioid Use After Lumbar Fusion and the Effects of Opioid Use on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE

To determine risk factors associated with prolonged opioid use after lumbar fusion and to elucidate the effect of opioid use on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent 1-3 level lumbar decompression and fusion with at least one-year follow-up were identified. Opioid data were collected through the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Preoperative "chronic use" was defined as consumption of >90 days in the one-year before surgery. Postoperative "prolonged use" was defined as a filled prescription 90-days after surgery. PROMs included the following: Short Form-12 Health Survey PCS-12 and MCS-12, ODI, and VAS-Back and Leg scores. Logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors for prolonged opioid use.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 260 patients. BMI >35 (OR: .44 [.20, .90], P = .03) and current smoking status (OR: 2.73 [1.14, 6.96], P = .03) significantly predicted postoperative opioid usage. Chronic opioid use before surgery was associated with greater improvements in MCS-12 (β= 5.26 [1.01, 9.56], P = .02). Patients with prolonged opioid use self-reported worse VAS-Back (3.4 vs 2.1, P = .003) and VAS-Leg (2.6 vs 1.2, P = .03) scores after surgery. Prolonged opioid use was associated with decreased improvement in VAS-Leg over time (β = .14 [.15, 1.85], P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Current smoking status and lower BMI were significantly predictive of prolonged opioid use. Excess opioid use before and after surgery significantly affected PROMs after lumbar fusion.

Preoperative Neck Disability Severity Limits Extent of Postoperative Improvement Following Cervical Spine Procedures

Objective

Our study aims to evaluate the impact of severity of preoperative Neck Disability Index (NDI) on postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Methods

A retrospective review of primary, elective, single or multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or cervical disc arthroplasty procedures between 2013 and 2019 was performed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) neck and arm, NDI, 12-item Short Form physical and mental composite score (SF-12 PCS and MCS), Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System physical function, and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients were categorized by preoperative NDI: none-to-mild disability (< 30); moderate disability (≥ 30 to < 50); severe disability (≥ 50 to < 70); complete disability (≥ 70). The impact of preoperative NDI on PROM scores and minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achievement rates were evaluated.

Results

The cohort included 74 patients with none-to-mild disability, 95 moderate, 76 severe, and 17 with complete disability. Patients with greater preoperative disability demonstrated significantly different scores for NDI, VAS neck, SF-12 MCS, and PHQ-9 at all timepoints (p < 0.001). Patients with more severe disability demonstrated different magnitudes of improvement for NDI (all p < 0.001), VAS neck (p ≤ 0.009), VAS arm (p = 0.025), and PHQ-9 (p ≤ 0.011). The effect of preoperative severity on MCID achievement was demonstrated for NDI and for PHQ-9 (p ≤ 0.007).

Conclusion

Patients with severe neck disability demonstrated differences in pain, disability, physical and mental health. MCID achievement also differed by preoperative symptoms severity. Patients with more severe neck disability may be limited to the degree of improvement in quality of life but perceive them as significant changes.

Correlating Psychological Comorbidities and Outcomes After Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Literature review.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this literature review is to examine the effects of psychological disorders on postoperative complications, surgical outcomes, and long-term narcotic use. We also hope to detail the value of preoperative identification and treatment of these pathologies.

METHODS

A series of systematic reviews of the relevant literature examining the effects of psychological disorders and spine surgery was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

RESULTS

Combined, the database queries yielded 2275 articles for consideration. After applying screening criteria, 96 articles were selected for inclusion. Patients with underlying psychological disease have higher rates of delirium, readmission, longer hospital stays, and higher rates of nonroutine discharge following spine surgery. They also have higher rates of chronic postoperative narcotic use and may experience worse surgical outcomes. Because of these defined issues, researchers have developed multiple screening tools to help identify patients with psychological disorders preoperatively for potential treatment. Treatment of these disorders prior to surgery may significantly improve surgical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Patients with psychological disorders represent a unique population with respect to their higher rates of spinal pain complaints, postoperative complications, and worsened functional outcomes. However, proper identification and treatment of these conditions prior to surgery may significantly improve many outcome measures in this population. Future investigations in this field should attempt to develop and validate current strategies to identify and treat individuals with psychological disorders before surgery to further improve outcomes.