Assessing the Economic Benefits of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols in Adult Cervical Deformity Patients: Is the Initial Additive Cost of Protocols Offset by Clinical Gains?

OBJECTIVE

To assess the financial impact of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols and cost-effectiveness in cervical deformity corrective surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of prospective CD database.

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) can help accelerate patient recovery and assist hospitals in maximizing the incentives of bundled payment models while maintaining high-quality patient care. However, the economic benefit of ERAS protocols, nor the heterogeneous components that make up such protocols, has not been established.

METHODS

Operative CD patients ≥18 y with complete pre-(BL) and up to 2-year(2Y) postop radiographic/HRQL data were stratified by enrollment in Standard-of-Care ERAS beginning in 2020. Differences in demographics, clinical outcomes, radiographic alignment targets, perioperative factors, and complication rates were assessed through means comparison analysis. Costs were calculated using PearlDiver database estimates from Medicare pay scales. QALY was calculated using NDI mapped to SF6D using validated methodology with a 3% discount rate to account for a residual decline in life expectancy.

RESULTS

In all, 127 patients were included (59.07±11.16 y, 54% female, 29.08±6.43 kg/m 2 ) in the analysis. Of these patients, 54 (20.0%) received the ERAS protocol. Per cost analysis, ERAS+ patients reported a lower mean total 2Y cost of 35049 USD compared with ERAS- patients at 37553 ( P <0.001). Furthermore, ERAS+ patients demonstrated lower cost of reoperation by 2Y ( P <0.001). Controlling for age, surgical invasiveness, and deformity per BL TS-CL, ERAS+ patients below 70 years old were significantly more likely to achieve a cost-effective outcome by 2Y compared with their ERAS- counterparts (OR: 1.011 [1.001-1.999, P =0.048].

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing ERAS protocols experience improved cost-effectiveness and reduced total cost by 2Y post-operatively. Due to the potential economic benefit of ERAS for patients incorporation of ERAS into practice for eligible patients should be considered.

The Evolution of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: Assessing the Clinical Benefits of Developments Within Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols in Adult Cervical Deformity Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of evolving Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols on outcomes after cervical deformity (CD) surgery.

BACKGROUND

ERAS can help accelerate patient recovery and assist hospitals in maximizing the incentives of bundled payment models while maintaining high-quality patient care. However, there remains a paucity of literature assessing how developments have impacted outcomes after adult CD surgery.

METHODS

Patients with operative CD 18 years or older with pre-baseline and 2 years (2Y) postoperative data, who underwent ERAS protocols, were stratified by increasing implantation of ERAS components: (1) early (multimodal pain program), (2) intermediate (early protocol + paraspinal blocks, early ambulation), and (3) late (early/intermediate protocols + comprehensive prehabilitation). Differences in demographics, clinical outcomes, radiographic alignment targets, perioperative factors, and complication rates were assessed through Bonferroni-adjusted means comparison analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 131 patients were included (59.4 ± 11.7 y, 45% females, 28.8 ± 6.0 kg/m 2 ). Of these patients, 38.9% were considered "early," 36.6% were "intermediate," and 24.4% were "late." Perioperatively, rates of intraoperative complications were lower in the late group ( P = 0.036). Postoperatively, discharge disposition differed significantly between cohorts, with late patients more likely to be discharged to home versus early or intermediate cohorts [χ 2 (2) = 37.973, P < 0.001]. In terms of postoperative disability recovery, intermediate and late patients demonstrated incrementally improved 6 W modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scores ( P = 0.004), and late patients maintained significantly higher mean Euro-QOL 5-Dimension Questionnaire and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scores by 1 year ( P < 0.001, P = 0.026). By 2Y, cohorts demonstrated incrementally increasing SWAL-QOL scores (all domains P < 0.028) domain scores versus early or intermediate cohorts. By 2Y, incrementally decreasing reoperation was observed in early versus intermediate versus late cohorts ( P = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that patients enrolled in an evolving ERAS program demonstrate incremental improvement in preoperative optimization and candidate selection, greater likelihood of discharge to home, decreased postoperative disability and dysphasia burden, and decreased likelihood of intraoperative complications and reoperation rates.

The Impact of Peri-operative Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols on Outcomes Following Adult Cervical Deformity Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols on peri-operative course in adult cervical deformity (ACD) corrective surgery.

METHODS

Patients ≥18 yrs with complete pre-(BL) and up to 2-year (2Y) radiographic and clinical outcome data were stratified by enrollment in an ERAS protocol that commenced in 2020. Differences in demographics, clinical outcomes, radiographic alignment targets, peri-operative factors and complication rates were assessed via means comparison analysis. Logistic regression analysed differences while controlling for baseline disability and deformity.

RESULTS

We included 220 patients (average age 58.1 ± 11.9 years, 48% female). 20% were treated using the ERAS protocol (ERAS+). Disability was similar between both groups at baseline. When controlling for baseline disability and myelopathy, ERAS- patients were more likely to utilize opioids than ERAS+ (OR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.45-2.50, P = .016). Peri-operatively, ERAS+ had significantly lower operative time (P < .021), lower EBL (583.48 vs 246.51, P < .001), and required significantly lower doses of propofol intra-operatively than ERAS- patients (P = .020). ERAS+ patients also reported lower mean LOS overall (4.33 vs 5.84, P = .393), and were more likely to be discharged directly to home (χ2(1) = 4.974, P = .028). ERAS+ patients were less likely to require steroids after surgery (P = .045), were less likely to develop neuromuscular complications overall (P = .025), and less likely experience venous complications or be diagnosed with venous disease post-operatively (P = .025).

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced recovery after surgery programs in ACD surgery demonstrate significant benefit in terms of peri-operative outcomes for patients.

Does the presence of cervical deformity in patients with baseline mild myelopathy increase operative urgency in adult cervical spinal surgery? A retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess whether delaying surgical management of cervical deformity (CD) in patients with concomitant mild myelopathy increases the risk of suboptimal outcomes.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥ 18 years who had a baseline diagnosis of mild myelopathy with baseline and up to 2 years of postoperative data were assessed. Patients were categorized as having CD (CD+) or not (CD-) at baseline. Patients with symptoms of myelopathy for more than 1 year after the initial visit prior to surgery were considered delayed. Clinical and radiographic data were assessed using means comparison analyses. Multivariate regression analysis assessed correlations between increasing time to surgery and peri- and postoperative outcomes adjusted for baseline age and frailty score. Backstep logistic regression analysis assessed the risk of complications or reoperation, while controlling for baseline T1 slope minus cervical lordosis (TS-CL).

RESULTS

One hundred six patients were included (mean age 58.11 ± 11.97 years, 48% female, mean BMI 29.13 ± 6.89). Of the patients with baseline mild myelopathy, 22 (20.8%) were CD- while 84 (79.2%) were CD+. Overall, 9.5% of patients were considered to have delayed surgery. Linear regression revealed that both CD- and CD+ patients were more likely to require reoperation when there was more time between the initial visit and surgical admission (p < 0.001). Additionally, an adjusted logistic regression indicated that CD+ patients who had a greater length of time to surgery had a higher likelihood for major complications (p < 0.001). Conversely, CD+ patients who were operated on within 30 days of the initial visit had a significantly lower risk for a major complication (OR 0.901, 95% CI 0.889-1.105, p = 0.043), and a lower risk for reoperation (OR 0.954, 95% CI 0.877-1.090, p = 0.043), while controlling for the severity of deformity based on baseline TS-CL.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study demonstrate that a delay in surgery after the initial visit significantly increases the risk for major complications and reoperation in patients with CD with associated mild baseline myelopathy. Early operative treatment in this patient population may lower the risk of postoperative complications.

Management of Acute Subaxial Trauma and Spinal Cord Injury in Professional Collision Athletes

Sports-related acute cervical trauma and spinal cord injury (SCI) represent a rare but devastating potential complication of collision sport injuries. Currently, there is debate on appropriate management protocols and return-to-play guidelines in professional collision athletes following cervical trauma. While cervical muscle strains and sprains are among the most common injuries sustained by collision athletes, the life-changing effects of severe neurological sequelae (ie, quadriplegia and paraplegia) from fractures and SCIs require increased attention and care. Appropriate on-field management and subsequent transfer/workup at an experienced trauma/SCI center is necessary for optimal patient care, prevention of injury exacerbation, and improvement in outcomes. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, immediate/long-term management, and current return-to-play recommendations of athletes who suffer cervical trauma and SCI.

The impact of the lower instrumented level on outcomes in cervical deformity surgery

Background:

The lower instrumented vertebrae (LIVs) in cervical deformity (CD) constructs may have varying effects on patient outcomes that are still poorly understood.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to compare outcomes in CD patients undergoing instrumented correction according to the relation of LIV with primary driver (PD).

Methods:

Patients who met radiographic criteria for CD were included in the study. Patients were stratified by PD of deformity: cervical (C) through AMES classification (TS-CL >20 or cervical sagittal vertical axis >40) and thoracic (T) through hyper/hypokyphosis (TK) from T4-T12 (60 < TK < 40). Patients were further stratified by LIV in relation to curve apex (above/below). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified group differences in postoperative health-related quality-of-life and distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) (>10° LIV and LIV + 2) rate up to 1 year.

Results:

Sixty-two patients were analyzed. Twenty-one patients had a C-PD and 41 had a T-PD by definition. 100% of C-PDs had LIVs below CL apex, while 9.2% of T-PDs had LIVs below (caudal) to TK apex and 90.8% had LIVs above TK apex. By 1 year, C patients trended lower Neck Disability Index (NDI) (21.9 vs. 29.0, P = 0.245), lower numeric rating scales neck pain (4.2 vs. 5.1, P = 0.358), and significantly higher EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire Visual Analog Scale (69.2 vs. 52.4, P = 0.040). When T patients with LIVs below TK apex were excluded, remaining T patients with LIV above apex had significantly higher 1-year NDI than C patients (37.5 vs. 21.9, P = .05). T patients also trended higher rates of postoperative DJK than C (19.5% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.119).

Conclusions:

Stopping before apex was more common in patients with a primary thoracic driver (T) and associated with deleterious effects. Primary cervical driver (C) tended to have LIVs inclusive of CL apex with lower rates of DJK.

Metabolic control and complications in Italian people with diabetes treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the degree of glycaemic control and the frequency of diabetic complications in Italian people with diabetes who were treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Questionnaires investigating the organisation of diabetes care centres, individuals' clinical and metabolic features and pump technology and its management were sent to adult and paediatric diabetes centres that use CSII for treatment in Italy. Information on standard clinical variables, demographic data and acute and chronic diabetic complications was derived from local clinical management systems. The sample consisted of 6623 people with diabetes, which was obtained from 93 centres. Of them, 98.8% had type 1 diabetes mellitus, 57.2% were female, 64% used a conventional insulin pump and 36% used a sensor-augmented insulin pump. The median glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c) level was 60 mmol/mol (7.6%). The HbA_1c target (i.e. <58 mmol/mol for age <18 years and <53 mmol/mol for age >18 years) was achieved in 43.4% of paediatric and 23% of adult participants. Factors such as advanced pump functions, higher rate of sensor use, pregnancy in the year before the study and longer duration of diabetes were associated with lower HbA_1c levels. The most common chronic complications occurring in diabetes were retinopathy, microalbuminuria and hypertension. In the year before the study, 5% of participants reported ≥1 episode of severe hypoglycaemic (SH) episodes (SH) and 2.6% reported ≥1 episode of ketoacidosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced personal skills and use of sensor-based pump are associated with better metabolic control outcomes in Italian people with diabetes who were treated with CSII. The reduction in SH episodes confirms the positive effect of CSII on hypoglycaemia.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT 02620917 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Assessment of ligand extraction properties: an intercomparison campaign amongst EUROPARTners

An intercomparison campaign was organized at the beginning of the European FP6 EUROPART Integrated Project, among the partners involved in the assessment of the extracting properties of novel ligands, in order to check their accuracy and reliability when determining metal cation distribution ratios. Three different extracting systems, presenting various selectivity and affinity towards trivalent actinides were selected: (i) CMPO, (ii) TPTZ and (iii) BTP. Although some differences could be pointed out in the implementation of liquid–liquid extraction tests, the distribution ratios measured by the nine partners were fairly reproducible (<20% deviation) for the first two extracting systems. However, large discrepancies occurred when testing the third extracting system, due to its strong hydrolytic instability, thus pointing out the difficulty of assessing extraction properties of instable ligands.