The implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery pathway in patients undergoing posterior thoracolumbar fusion for degenerative spinal deformity

PURPOSE

The prevalence of degenerative spinal deformity (DSD) and the increased cost of correction surgery impose substantial burdens on the health care and insurance system. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol on postoperative outcomes after complex spinal surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively established database of DSD was performed. The consecutive patients who underwent open correction surgery for degenerative spinal deformity between August 2016 and February 2022 were reviewed. We extracted demographic data, preoperative radiographic parameters, and surgery-related variables. The ERAS patients were 1:1 propensity-score matched to a historical cohort by the same surgical team based on age, gender, BMI, and number of levels fused. We then compared the length of hospital stay (LOS), physiological functional recovery, and the rates of complications and readmissions within 90 days after surgery between the groups.

RESULTS

There were 108 patients included, 54 patients in the ERAS cohort, and 54 patients matched control patients in the historical cohort. The historical and ERAS cohorts were not significantly different regarding demographic characteristics, comorbidities, preoperative parameters, operative time, and reoperation rate (P > 0.05). Patients in the ERAS group had significantly shorter postoperative LOS (12.0 days vs. 15.1 days, P = 0.001), average days of drain and urinary catheters placement (3.5 days vs. 4.4 days and 1.9 days vs 4.8 days, respectively), and lower 90-day readmission rate (1.8% vs. 12.9%, P = 0.027). The first day of assisted-walking and bowel movement occurred on average 1.9 days (2.5 days vs. 4.4 days, P = 0.001) and 1.7 days (1.9 days vs. 3.6 days, P = 0.001) earlier respectively in the ERAS group. Moreover, the rate of postoperative urinary retention (3.7% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.026) and surgical site infection (0% vs. 7.4%, P = 0.046) were significantly lower with ERAS protocol applied.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirmed that the ERAS protocol was safe and essential for patients undergoing thoracolumbar deformity surgery for DSD. The ERAS protocol was associated with a shorter postoperative LOS, a lower rate of 90-day readmission, less rehabilitation discharge, and less postoperative complications.

Assessment of isokinetic trunk muscle strength and its association with health-related quality of life in patients with degenerative spinal deformity

Background

A considerable portion of the elderly population are increasingly afflicted by degenerative spinal deformity (DSD), which seriously affects patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL index is used across many studies to show correlations between radio-graphical alignment, disability, and pain in patients with DSD. However, imaged structural deformity represents only one aspect for consideration, namely, the disability effect of DSD. We assessed the isokinetic strength of trunk muscle in patients with degenerative spinal deformity (DSD), and investigated its relationship with HRQoL.

Methods

In total, 38 patients with DSD (DSD group) and 32 healthy individuals (control group) were recruited. Both groups were homogeneous for age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI). Assessments were performed using the isokinetic dynamometer IsoMed-2000; trunk extensor, flexor strength and flexion/extension (F/E) ratios were explored concentrically at speeds of 30°, 60° and 120° per second. The grip strength of both hands was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RDQ), and a 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) evaluated patient HRQoL. Correlations between trunk strength and HRQoL were analyzed.

Results

When compared with the control group, the DSD group showed lower trunk extensor strength at three velocity movements, and higher F/E ratios at 60° and 120°/s (p < 0.05). Both groups exhibited similar trunk flexor strength and grip strength (p > 0.05). In DSD group, trunk extensor strength at 60°/s was negatively associated with ODI and RDQ (p < 0.05). A negative relationship between trunk flexor strength at 120°/s and ODI was also recorded (p < 0.05). In addition, trunk extensor strength at 60°/s and trunk flexor strength at 120°/s were positively correlated with physical functioning and role-physical scores according to the SF-36 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

We identified isolated trunk extensor myopathy in DSD, which causes an imbalance in trunk muscle strength. Isokinetic trunk extensor strength at 60°/s and trunk flexor strength at 120°/s can predict disability, and decrease physical HRQoL in DSD patients.

Surgical treatment of osteoporotic degenerative spinal deformity with expandable pedicle screw fixation: 2-year follow-up clinical study

BACKGROUND

Osteoporotic bone offers poor purchase for the instrumentation in patients with degenerative spinal deformity (DSD), which could lead to several complications. Recently, augmentation methods to improve pedicle screw fixation have been proposed. This retrospective study was to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of expandable pedicle screws (EPS) in patients with osteoporotic DSD.

HYPOTHESIS

Expandable pedicle screws (EPS) provide excellent instrument fixation in patients with osteoporotic DSD, improving radiographic and clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 27 (6 males and 21 females) DSD patients who underwent orthopedics operation with EPS were retrospectively studied. Full-length standing spinal radiographs were obtained in all patients pre- and postoperatively and again at the two-year follow-up. The functional evaluations before operation and at two-year follow-up were graded with Scoliosis Research Society outcomes instrument-22 (SRS-22) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scoring system.

RESULTS

All patients obtained good corrective outcomes on spinal deformity. The preoperative ODI score was 36.7% and reduced to 11.9% at two-year follow-up (p=0.0000). Before operation, the SRS-22 function, pain, appearance and mental scores were 2.7±0.4, 3±0.6, 2.7±0.5 and 2.9±0.6, respectively. The scores at two-year follow-up were significantly improved to 3.8±0.7, 4.2±0.6, 4.3±0.6 and 4.4±0.7, respectively (p=0.0000). The SRS-22 satisfaction score was 4.6±0.4 at two-year follow-up. No instances of screw breakage, loosening or pullout in any patient at follow-up.

DISCUSSION

EPS provides excellent instrument fixation in patients with osteoporotic DSD, improving radiographic and clinical outcomes at two years' follow-up.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective case series study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.