Perioperative management and outcomes for posterior spinal fusion in patients with Friedreich ataxia: A single-center, retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Friedreich ataxia is a rare genetic disorder associated with progressive mitochondrial dysfunction leading to widespread sequelae including ataxia, muscle weakness, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diabetes mellitus, and neuromuscular scoliosis. Children with Friedreich ataxia are at high risk for periprocedural complications during posterior spinal fusion due to their comorbidities.

AIM

To describe our single-center perioperative management of patients with Friedreich ataxia undergoing posterior spinal fusion.

METHODS

Adolescent patients with Friedreich ataxia presenting for spinal deformity surgery between 2007 and 2023 were included in this retrospective case series performed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Perioperative outcomes were reviewed along with preoperative characteristics, intraoperative anesthetic management, and postoperative medical management.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 15 ± 2 years old and 47% were female. Preoperatively, 35% were wheelchair dependent, 100% had mild-to-moderate hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with preserved systolic function and no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, 29% were on cardiac medications, and 29% were on pain medications. Intraoperatively, 53% had transesophageal echocardiography monitoring; 12% had changes in volume status on echo but no changes in function. Numerous combinations of total intravenous anesthetic agents were used, most commonly propofol, remifentanil, and ketamine. Baseline neuromonitoring signals were poor in four patients and one patient lost signals, resulting in 4 (24%) wake-up tests. The majority (75%) were extubated in the operating room. Postoperative complications were high (88%) and ranged from minor complications like nausea/vomiting (18%) to major complications like hypotension/tachycardia (29%) and need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in one patient (6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Friedreich ataxia are at high risk for perioperative complications when undergoing posterior spinal fusion and coordinated multidisciplinary care is required at each stage. Future research should focus on the utility of intraoperative echocardiography, optimal anesthetic agent selection, and targeted fluid management to reduce postoperative cardiac complications.

Predicting early return to the operating room in early-onset scoliosis patients using machine learning techniques

PURPOSE

Surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) is associated with high rates of complications, often requiring unplanned return to the operating room (UPROR). The aim of this study was to create and validate a machine learning model to predict which EOS patients will go on to require an UPROR during their treatment course.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all surgical EOS patients with at least 2 years follow-up. Patients were stratified based on whether they had experienced an UPROR. Ten machine learning algorithms were trained using tenfold cross-validation on an independent training set of patients. Model performance was evaluated on a separate testing set via their area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Relative feature importance was calculated for the top-performing model.

RESULTS

257 patients were included in the study. 146 patients experienced at least one UPROR (57%). Five factors were identified as significant and included in model training: age at initial surgery, EOS etiology, initial construct type, and weight and height at initial surgery. The Gaussian naïve Bayes model demonstrated the best performance on the testing set (AUC: 0.79). Significant protective factors against experiencing an UPROR were weight at initial surgery, idiopathic etiology, initial definitive fusion construct, and height at initial surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The Gaussian naïve Bayes machine learning algorithm demonstrated the best performance for predicting UPROR in EOS patients. Heavier, taller, idiopathic patients with initial definitive fusion constructs experienced UPROR less frequently. This model can be used to better quantify risk, optimize patient factors, and choose surgical constructs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic: III.

Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Curve Severity

INTRODUCTION

Social determinants of health have been shown to influence the health and outcomes of pediatric patients. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) may be particularly sensitive to such factors as early diagnosis and treatment can obviate the need for surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect that social determinants of health have on the severity of AIS at presentation and at the time of surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted for consecutive patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion for AIS from 2020 to 2022. Demographic data was collected, while insurance status (private vs. public) and childhood opportunity index (COI) categories (LOW vs. HIGH) were used as a proxy for socioeconomic status. Curve magnitude at the initial presentation and at the latest preoperative visit were recorded with a threshold of 25 to 40 degrees considered within the bracing range. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done to compare differences between subgroups as appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 180 patients with mean initial and preoperative major curve angles of 48 and 60 degrees were included. Statistically significant differences in race and insurance types were appreciated, with the LOW COI group having a higher proportion of underrepresented minority and publicly insured patients than the HIGH COI group ( P <0.001). Patients within the LOW COI group presented with an initial curve that was, on average, 6 degrees more severe than those within the HIGH group ( P =0.009) and a preoperative curve that was 4 degrees larger than those within the HIGH group ( P =0.015). Similarly, only 13% of patients within the LOW COI group presented with curves within the bracing threshold, compared with 31% in the HIGH COI group ( P =0.009).

CONCLUSION

Socioeconomic status plays a significant role in the severity of AIS. Specifically, patients with lower COI tend to present with curve magnitudes beyond what is responsive to nonsurgical treatment, leading to larger curves at the time of surgery. Future work should focus on addressing social inequalities to optimize the treatment and outcomes of AIS patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III- Retrospective Comparative Study.

Nationwide Effect of COVID-19 on Cases Performed During Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Training in the United States

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected surgical training in the United States. We hypothesized that reported case volume during pediatric orthopaedic surgery fellowship training would decrease markedly during the 2019 to 2020 academic year, which corresponded with the COVID-19 outbreak.

METHODS

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education provided nationwide case logs for accredited pediatric orthopaedic surgery fellows (2017 to 2021). Annual reported case volumes were extracted and summarized as means ± SD. Parametric tests were used to compare annual case volumes.

RESULTS

A total of 149 pediatric orthopaedic fellows from 23 accredited fellowships were included. A 16% year-over-year (YoY) decrease was noted in the reported case volume during the 2019 to 2020 academic year (238 ± 80 vs. 255 ± 60, P < 0.001). Nonacute case categories had the most notable YoY percentage decreases: Soft Tissue: Transfer, Lengthen, Release (-42%); Clubfoot (-34%); and Foot and Ankle Deformity (-31%). Acute case categories had the most notable YoY percentage increases: Trauma Lower Limb (12%) and Trauma Upper Limb (10%). A subsequent 42% YoY increase was noted in the reported case volume during the 2020 to 2021 academic year.

DISCUSSION

A 16% YoY decrease was noted in the reported case volume during the 2019 to 2020 academic year, which corresponded to widespread economic shutdowns during the initial COVID-19 outbreak. Nonacute cases experienced the greatest negative effect. The results from this study may inform the orthopaedic surgery community on the effect of future national emergencies, such as viral outbreaks.

Rib-to-spine and rib-to-pelvis magnetically controlled growing rods: does the law of diminishing returns still apply?

PURPOSE

The Law Of Diminishing Returns (LODR) has been demonstrated for traditional growing rods, but there is conflicting data regarding the lengthening behavior of Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods (MCGR). This study examines a cohort of patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS) with rib-to-spine or rib-to-pelvis-based MCGR implants to determine if they demonstrate the LODR, and if there are differences in lengthening behaviors between the groups.

METHODS

A prospectively collected multicenter EOS registry was queried for patients with MCGR with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients with rib-based proximal anchors and either spine- or pelvis-based distal anchors were included. Patients with non-MCGR, unilateral constructs, < 3 lengthenings, or missing > 25% datapoints were excluded. Patients were further divided into Primary-MCGR (pMCGR) and Secondary-MCGR (sMCGR).

RESULTS

43 rib-to-spine and 31 rib-to-pelvis MCGR patients were included. There was no difference in pre-implantation, post-implantation and pre-definitive procedure T1-T12 height, T1-S1 height, and major Cobb angles between the groups (p > 0.05). Sub-analysis was performed on 41 pMCGR and 19 sMCGR rib-to-spine patients, and 31 pMCGR and 17 sMCGR rib-to-pelvis patients. There is a decrease in rod lengthenings achieved at subsequent lengthenings for each group: rib-to-spine pMCGR (rho = 0.979, p < 0.001), rib-to-spine sMCGR (rho = 0.855, p = 0.002), rib-to-pelvis pMCGR (rho = 0.568, p = 0.027), and rib-to-pelvis sMCGR (rho = 0.817, p = 0.007). Rib-to-spine pMCGR had diminished lengthening over time for idiopathic, neuromuscular, and syndromic patients (p < 0.05), with no differences between the groups (p > 0.05). Rib-to-pelvis pMCGR neuromuscular patients had decreased lengthening over time (p = 0.01), but syndromic patients had preserved lengthening over time (p = 0.65).

CONCLUSION

Rib-to-spine and rib-to-pelvis pMCGR and sMCGR demonstrate diminished ability to lengthen over subsequent lengthenings.

Pregnancy and Childbirth After Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

BACKGROUND

Little data exist on pregnancy and childbirth for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients treated with a spinal fusion. The current literature relies on data from patients treated with spinal fusion techniques and instrumentation, such as Harrington rods, that are no longer in use. The objective of our study is to understand the effects of spinal fusion in adolescence on pregnancy and childbirth.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data of AIS patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion that were enrolled in a multicenter study who have had a pregnancy and childbirth were reviewed. Results were summarized using descriptive statistics and compared with national averages using χ 2 test of independence.

RESULTS

A total of 78 babies were born to 53 AIS patients. As part of their pre-natal care, 24% of patients surveyed reported meeting with an anesthesiologist before delivery. The most common types of delivery were spontaneous vaginal delivery (46%, n=36/78) and planned cesarean section (20%, n=16/78). Compared with the national average, study patients had a higher rate of cesarean delivery ( P =0.021). Of the women who had a spontaneous vaginal birth, 53% had no anesthesia (n=19/36), 19% received intravenous intermittent opioids (n=7/36), and 31% had regional spinal or epidural anesthesia (n=11/36). spontaneous vaginal delivery patients in our study cohort received epidural or spinal anesthesia less frequently than the national average ( P <0.001). Of those (n=26 pregnancies) who did not have regional anesthesia (patients who had no anesthesia or utilized IV intermittent opioids), 19% (n=5 pregnancies) were told by their perinatal providers that it was precluded by previous spine surgery.

CONCLUSION

The majority of AIS patients reported not meeting with an anesthesiologist before giving birth and those who had a planned C-section did so under obstetrician recommendation. The presence of instrumentation after spinal fusion should be avoided with attempted access to the spinal canal but should not dictate a delivery plan. A multidisciplinary team consisting of obstetrician, anesthesiologist, and orthopaedic surgeon can provide the most comprehensive information to empower a patient to make her decisions regarding birth experience anesthesia based on maternal rather than provider preference.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Re-evaluating consensus and uncertainty among treatment options for early onset scoliosis: a 10-year update

PURPOSE

Consensus and uncertainty in early onset scoliosis (EOS) treatment were evaluated in 2010. It is currently unknown how treatment preferences have evolved over the past decade. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate consensus and uncertainty among treatment options for EOS patients to understand how they compare to 10 years ago.

METHODS

11 pediatric spinal surgeons (similar participants as in 2010) were invited to complete a survey of 315 idiopathic and neuromuscular EOS cases (same cases as in 2010). Treatment options included the following: conservative management, distraction-based methods, growth guidance/modulation, and arthrodesis. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement, and uncertainty was < 70%. Associations between case characteristics and consensus for treatments were assessed via chi-squared and multiple regression analyses. Case characteristics associated with uncertainty were described.

RESULTS

Eleven surgeons [31.7 ± 7.8 years of experience] in the original 2010 cohort completed the survey. Consensus for conservative management was found in idiopathic patients aged ≤ 3, whereas in 2010, some of these cases were selected for surgery. There is currently consensus for casting idiopathic patients aged 1 or 2 with moderate curves, whereas in 2010, there was uncertainty between casting and bracing. Among neuromuscular cases with consensus for surgery, arthrodesis was chosen for patients aged 9 with larger curves.

CONCLUSION

Presently, preferences for conservative management have increased in comparison to 2010, and casting appears to be preferred over bracing in select infantile cases. Future research efforts with higher levels-of-evidence should be devoted to elucidate the areas of uncertainty to improve care in the EOS population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.

Why Don't Adolescents Wear Their Brace? A Prospective Study Investigating Psychosocial Characteristics That Predict Scoliosis Brace Wear

BACKGROUND

Although bracing for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis can prevent curve progression and reduce the risk for future surgery, children frequently do not wear their braces as prescribed. The purpose of this study is to investigate how a broad array of psychosocial characteristics predict future compliance with scoliosis brace wear.

METHODS

This was a single institution, prospective cohort study. All adolescents prescribed a first-time brace for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were eligible. Patients and their parents completed a separate series of questionnaires that assessed baseline psychosocial characteristics across 6 domains: (1) brace-specific attitudes; (2) body image and self-esteem; (3) school performance and social relationships; (4) psychological health; (5) family functioning; and (6) demographics and scoliosis-specific details (242 total questions across 12 validated questionnaires). Objective brace compliance was collected using temperature-sensitive monitors. Defining compliance as percentage of brace prescription completed, comparative analyses were performed to identify baseline psychosocial characteristics that were associated with future wear. A composite measure (Bracing Fidelity Follow-Up Scale [BFFS]) of the 12 most predictive individual questions across all domains (both parent and adolescent) was constructed to help assess which adolescents were at highest risk of failure to wear their brace. Total BFFS score for each parent-adolescent dyad who completed all the included surveys was then determined by awarding one point for each factor that positively influenced future brace wear (maximum 12 points), and a correlation was calculated between total score and percent adherence to prescribed brace wear.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients were included. On average, patients with high self-esteem, above average peer relationships and poor brace-specific attitudes had lower brace compliance, although patients with increased loneliness and parental religiousness had higher compliance. Body image, socioeconomic status, family dynamics, and school performance had no significant relationship with brace use. Total score on the Bracing Fidelity Follow-Up Scale (BFFS) was significantly associated with improved brace wear (r=0.687, P <0.001). Those with a score of 6 or above (n=15/33 [45%], median compliance 96%) were more reliable users (15/15 with compliance >75%), and those with a score of 5 or less (n=18/33 [55%], median compliance 50%) had less consistent brace wear (9/18 with compliance <50%).

CONCLUSION

This prospective study identifies numerous baseline psychosocial factors that are associated with future compliance with scoliosis brace wear. Although in need of further validation before widespread clinical application, the novel BFF scale offers a potential opportunity to partially discriminate between compliant and noncompliant scoliosis brace users such that supportive resources (eg, supportive counseling, peer-support groups, additional provider-based education, etc.) can be targeted to those patients most likely to benefit.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Outcomes of Posterior Spinal Fusion in Pediatric Patients with Down Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Trisomy 21 or Down syndrome is associated with multiple orthopaedic manifestations. Although cervical instability is the most common spinal condition associated with Down syndrome, the prevalence of scoliosis has been estimated at 4.8% to 8.7%. Very few prior studies have documented the role of spinal fusion in this population, and all have included ≤10 patients.

METHODS

An institutional review board-approved multicenter retrospective analysis of patients with Down syndrome treated with spinal fusion between January 2009 and December 2019 was performed by cross-referencing Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revisions (ICD-9 and ICD-10) codes. Patients were followed for ≥2 years, with a mean follow-up of 3.77 years. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were collected, and complications were documented using the Clavien-Dindo-Sink (CDS) classification.

RESULTS

A total of 23 patients were included: 96% had ≥1 medical comorbidities, including 16 (70%) with congenital heart disease, of whom 88% had previous cardiac surgery, and 10 (44%) with thyroid disorders. All 23 patients underwent posterior spinal fusion. The mean estimated blood loss was 617 ± 459 mL, the mean length of the surgical procedure was 290 ± 92.7 minutes, and the mean length of hospital stay was 6.03 ± 2.91 days. The major Cobb angle measured 61.7° ± 17.6°, which corrected to 19.4° ± 14.8° (68.6% correction; p < 0.001), with well-maintained correction at 2 years of 22.0° ± 10.3° (64.3% correction; p = 0.158). Thirteen (57%) of 23 patients had a change in curve of >5°. There were no intraoperative complications; however, 12 patients (52%) sustained postoperative complications (e.g., need for reoperation, implant failure, and pulmonary complications), including 6 patients with CDS type 3 or 4 (e.g., wound dehiscence, late superficial abscess, pleural effusion, pseudarthrosis, and readmission for hypoxia). Four patients (17%) required a revision surgical procedure. One patient (4%) required an unplanned intensive care unit admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Although instrumented spinal fusion can effectively correct spinal deformity in these patients, complications are more frequent than in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, with over half of patients sustaining a complication.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Clinical management guidelines for Friedreich ataxia: best practice in rare diseases

BACKGROUND

Individuals with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) can find it difficult to access specialized clinical care. To facilitate best practice in delivering healthcare for FRDA, clinical management guidelines (CMGs) were developed in 2014. However, the lack of high-certainty evidence and the inadequacy of accepted metrics to measure health status continues to present challenges in FRDA and other rare diseases. To overcome these challenges, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment and Evaluation (GRADE) framework for rare diseases developed by the RARE-Bestpractices Working Group was adopted to update the clinical guidelines for FRDA. This approach incorporates additional strategies to the GRADE framework to support the strength of recommendations, such as review of literature in similar conditions, the systematic collection of expert opinion and patient perceptions, and use of natural history data.

METHODS

A panel representing international clinical experts, stakeholders and consumer groups provided oversight to guideline development within the GRADE framework. Invited expert authors generated the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) questions to guide the literature search (2014 to June 2020). Evidence profiles in tandem with feedback from individuals living with FRDA, natural history registry data and expert clinical observations contributed to the final recommendations. Authors also developed best practice statements for clinical care points that were considered self-evident or were not amenable to the GRADE process.

RESULTS

Seventy clinical experts contributed to fifteen topic-specific chapters with clinical recommendations and/or best practice statements. New topics since 2014 include emergency medicine, digital and assistive technologies and a stand-alone section on mental health. Evidence was evaluated according to GRADE criteria and 130 new recommendations and 95 best practice statements were generated.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Evidence-based CMGs are required to ensure the best clinical care for people with FRDA. Adopting the GRADE rare-disease framework enabled the development of higher quality CMGs for FRDA and allows individual topics to be updated as new evidence emerges. While the primary goal of these guidelines is better outcomes for people living with FRDA, the process of developing the guidelines may also help inform the development of clinical guidelines in other rare diseases.

Lengthening Behavior of Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods in Early-Onset Scoliosis: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

The "law of diminishing returns" is described for traditional growing rods. Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) have become a preferred implant for the surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS). We examined a large cohort of patients with EOS to determine whether the law of diminishing returns applies to MCGRs.

METHODS

A prospectively collected, multicenter registry was queried for patients with EOS treated with MCGRs. Patients with only spine-based implants and a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were included; patients with congenital scoliosis, single rods, <3 lengthenings, or >25% missing data were excluded. Patients were analyzed in 3 cohorts: primary MCGR (pMCGR) had first-time MCGR implants, secondary MCGR (sMCGR) were converted from an MCGR to a new MCGR, and conversion MCGR (cMCGR) were converted from a non-MCGR implant to MCGR.

RESULTS

A total of 189 patients in the pMCGR group, 44 in the cMCGR group, and 41 in the sMCGR group were analyzed. From post-MCGR placement to the most recent follow-up or pre-definitive procedure, there were no differences in the changes in major Cobb angle, T1-S1 height, or T1-T12 height over time between the pMCGR and cMCGR groups. There was a decrease in length achieved at subsequent lengthenings in all cohorts (p < 0.01), and the sMCGR group had a significantly poorer ability to lengthen at each subsequent lengthening versus the pMCGR and cMCGR groups (p < 0.02). The 1-year survival rate was 90.5% for pMCGR, 84.1% for sMCGR, and 76.4% for cMCGR; 2-year survival was 61.5%, 54.4%, and 41.4%, respectively; and 3-year survival was 37.6%, 36.7%, and 26.9%, respectively. Excluding MCGRs still expanding, 27.6% of pMCGRs, 8.8% of sMCGRs, and 17.1% of cMCGRs reached the maximum excursion. Overall, 21.7% reached the maximum excursion. Within the pMCGR cohort, idiopathic and neuromuscular etiologies had a decline in lengthening achieved over time (p < 0.001), while syndromic EOS demonstrated a preserved ability to lengthen over time (p = 0.51). When the etiological groups were compared with each other, the neuromuscular group had the least ability to lengthen over time (p = 0.001 versus syndromic, p = 0.02 versus idiopathic).

CONCLUSIONS

The MCGR experiences the law of diminishing returns in patients with EOS. We found that only 21.7% of rods expanded to within 80% of the maximum excursion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early Knee Range of Motion Following Operative Treatment for Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fractures Is Safe

BACKGROUND

Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures (TTAF) often require surgical reduction and stabilization. Traditional teachings recommend postoperative knee immobilization for 4 to 6 weeks; however, the necessity of these restrictions is unclear and the actual practice varies. This study's purpose was to: (1) retrospectively review operatively managed TTAFs at a single center to examine the spectrum of postoperative rehabilitation guidelines, and (2) compare the outcomes of patients based on the timing of initiation of postoperative knee range of motion (ROM).

METHODS

Operatively managed TTAFs treated at a single center from 2011-2020 were identified. Patients with polytrauma, associated lower extremity compartment syndrome, or treatment other than screw fixation were excluded. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, Ogden Classification, associated injuries, operative technique, postoperative ROM progression, and time to release to unrestricted activities were collected. Patients were grouped based on the initiation of postoperative ROM as Early (<4 wk, EROM) or Late (≥4 wk, LROM). Bivariate analysis was used to compare characteristics between these 2 groups.

RESULTS

Study criteria identified 134 patients, 93.3% (n=125) of whom were male. The mean age of the cohort was 14.77 years [95% confidence interval (CI: 14.5 to 15.0]. Forty-nine patients were designated EROM; 85 patients were categorized as LROM. The groups did not differ significantly with regards to age, race, injury characteristics, or surgical technique. Both groups progressed similarly with regards to postoperative range of motion. Ultimate activity clearance was achieved at ~20 weeks postoperatively without differences between groups ( P >0.05). Four instances of postoperative complication were identified, all of which occurred in the LROM group.

CONCLUSION

A broad range of postoperative immobilization protocols exists following the screw fixation of TTAFs. Across otherwise similar cohorts of patients undergoing operative treatment, initiation of knee range of motion before 4 weeks was without complication and provided equivalent outcomes to traditional immobilization practices. Given the clear benefits to patients and caregivers provided by the permission of early knee motion and the avoidance of casting, providers should consider more progressive postoperative rehab protocols following operatively treated TTAFs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Retrospective Cohort.

A novel risk calculator predicting surgical site infection after spinal surgery in patients with cerebral palsy

AIM

To develop and validate a risk calculator based on preoperative factors to predict the probability of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing spinal surgery.

METHOD

This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with CP who underwent spinal fusion. In the development stage, preoperative known factors were collected, and a risk calculator was developed by comparing multiple models and choosing the model with the highest discrimination and calibration abilities. This model was then tested with a separate population in the validation stage.

RESULTS

Among the 255 patients in the development stage, risk of SSI was 11%. A final prediction model included non-ambulatory status (odds ratio [OR] 4.0), diaper dependence (OR 2.5), age younger than 12 years (OR 2.5), major coronal curve magnitude greater than 90° (OR 1.3), behavioral disorder/delay (OR 1.3), and revision surgery (OR 1.3) as risk factors. This model had a predictive ability of 73.4% for SSI, along with excellent calibration ability (p = 0.878). Among the 390 patients in the validation stage, risk of SSI was 8.2%. The discrimination of the model in the validation phase was 0.743 and calibration was p = 0.435, indicating 74.3% predictive ability and no difference between predicted and observed values.

INTERPRETATION

This study provides a risk calculator to identify the risk of SSI after spine surgery for patients with CP. This will allow us to enhance decision-making and patient care while providing valid hospital comparisons, public reporting mechanisms, and reimbursement determinations.

Getting the Message: The Declining Trend in Opioid Prescribing for Minor Orthopaedic Injuries in Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Opioids constitute the fastest-growing drug problem among children and adolescents in the United States. Recent heavy media coverage on the opioid prescription epidemic has garnered increased attention from prescribers and policymakers. The purpose of this study was to analyze trends in opioid prescribing for nonoperatively managed pediatric fractures and dislocations in order to examine changes in opioid-prescribing patterns across various U.S. regions.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the national Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database comprising 42 pediatric hospitals was performed to identify pediatric fractures and dislocations presenting to the emergency department (ED) or outpatient clinics from 2004 to 2017. We included patients with the 10 most frequently encountered diagnoses who were nonoperatively managed and were discharged home the same day. To account for hospital variation, we utilized a mixed-effects logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The final cohort included 134,931 patients, with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 12.57 ± 2.00 years (range, 10 to 18 years); 69.23% of patients were male. Overall, 51.69% of patients were prescribed at least 1 opioid dose during their ED or clinic visits. Of the patients receiving opioids, 72.04% were male and 54.10% were insured through a private insurance plan. When prescription trends were compared according to regions, children were more likely to be prescribed opioids in the South (71.37% more likely) and the Midwest (26.17% more likely) than in the Northeast.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the opioid prescription rates in all 4 regions have decreased dramatically over the years, some regions were quicker than others in responding to the opioid epidemic. A significant interregional variability in opioid-prescribing practices still exists, but an overall downward trend in opioid prescription rates for acute pain management in conservatively treated pediatric fractures and dislocations is evidence of progress in tackling the opioid crisis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Opioid-related misuse is a national epidemic and reducing the use of opioids in pediatric orthopaedic procedures is critical. Although regional variability in opioid-prescribing practices still exists, an overall downward trend in opioid prescription rates for acute pain management in conservatively treated pediatric fractures and dislocations is evidence of progress in tackling the opioid crisis.

Benchmarking surgical indications for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis across time, region, and patient population: a study of 4229 cases

PURPOSE

There is no identified consensus for the curve magnitude at which an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patient is indicated for posterior spinal fusion (PSF). We aimed to identify a benchmark for curve magnitude at which fusion is indicated; we also aimed to evaluate which patients were being fused under 50°.

METHODS

A prospective multicenter AIS database was queried to identify patients who underwent PSF for AIS. Clinical outcome and demographic information was collected along with anatomic area of the primary curve. Benchmarking was assessed by median and IQR. Patients were stratified by fusion prior to 50° or at 50° or more, and statistical analysis was performed to assess risk factors for fusion < 50°.

RESULTS

4229 patients were included in the analysis. The median indication for PSF in the thoracic curve cohort was 55°, and in the lumbar curve cohort was 51°. Site-specific evaluation showed that two sites were more likely to fuse < 50° compared to all other sites (p < 0.05). Over time, the percentage of patients being fused < 50° has declined (p < 0.05). On univariate and multivariate analysis, lumbar curve location, increasing Risser score and female sex were all risk factors for fusion < 50° (p < 0.05). Low SRS-24 scores did not correlate to fusion below 50°.

CONCLUSION

There exist location-specific indications for posterior spinal fusion that vary throughout the country. Additionally, increasing maturity, female sex, and lumbar curve location are independent risk factors for fusion under 50°.

Better Patient Care Through Physician Extenders and Advanced Practice Providers

Physician extenders and advanced practice providers (APPs) are now common in most adult and pediatric orthopaedic clinics and practices. Their utilization, with physician leadership, can improve patient care, patient satisfaction, and physician satisfaction and work/life balance in addition to having financial benefits. Physician extenders can include scribes, certified athletic trainers, and registered nurses, while APPs include nurse practitioners and physician assistants/associates. Different pediatric orthopaedic practices or divisions within a department might benefit from different physician extenders or APPs based on particular skill sets and licensed abilities. This article will review each of the physician extender and APP health care professionals regarding their training, salaries, background, specific skill sets, and scope of practice. While other physician extenders such as medical assistants, cast technicians, and orthotists/prosthetists have important roles in day-to-day clinical care, they will not be reviewed in this article. In addition, medical trainees, including medical students, residents, fellows, and APP students, have a unique position within some academic clinics but will also not be reviewed in this article. With the many different local, state, and national regulations, a careful understanding of the physician extender and APP roles will help clinicians optimize their ability to improve patient care.

"Will I Need a Brace?": likelihood of curve progression to bracing range in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

PURPOSE

Bracing treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is typically initiated in skeletally immature patients with primary curves greater than 25°. The goal of this study was to develop a model predicting a patient's likelihood of progressing to bracing treatment.

METHODS

All patients with AIS presenting to a large pediatric spine center with a primary curve below 25° and skeletally immature (Sanders stage 1-6) were included. A patient was considered to have progressed into the bracing range if their primary curve reached a 25° threshold prior to skeletal maturity. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the likelihood of curve progression into bracing range.

RESULTS

A total of 180 patients (71% female) were included in this study with an average presenting age of 13.2 ± 1.4 years. At presentation, 31 (17%) were pre-peak height velocity, 62 (34%) were at their peak height velocity, and 87 (48%) were in the late adolescent growth stage. The high-risk patient group was defined as Sanders 1-2 and curve size > 10 and < 25° or Sanders 3-6 and curve size > 20 but < 25°. Those in the high-risk group demonstrated an over 5 times higher risk of progression to bracing range when accounting for age, sex, and curve location (OR: 5.168, 95% CI: 2.212-12.071, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patient's curve magnitude and skeletal maturity can be used to predict their likelihood of curve progression to greater than 25° and thus require bracing treatment. Orthopaedic providers can consider earlier treatment interventions or stricter follow-up adherence for patients at high risk for progression.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3-retrospective cohort study.

A Clinical Risk Model for Surgical Site Infection Following Pediatric Spine Deformity Surgery

BACKGROUND

Despite tremendous efforts, the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) following the surgical treatment of pediatric spinal deformity remains a concern. Although previous studies have reported some risk factors for SSI, these studies have been limited by not being able to investigate multiple risk factors at the same time. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a wide range of preoperative and intraoperative factors in predicting SSI and to develop and validate a prediction model that quantifies the risk of SSI for individual pediatric spinal deformity patients.

METHODS

Pediatric patients with spinal deformity who underwent primary, revision, or definitive spinal fusion at 1 of 7 institutions were included. Candidate predictors were known preoperatively and were not modifiable in most cases; these included 31 patient, 12 surgical, and 4 hospital factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of SSI within 90 days of surgery was utilized. Following multiple imputation and multicollinearity testing, predictor selection was conducted with use of logistic regression to develop multiple models. The data set was randomly split into training and testing sets, and fivefold cross-validation was performed to compare discrimination, calibration, and overfitting of each model and to determine the final model. A risk probability calculator and a mobile device application were developed from the model in order to calculate the probability of SSI in individual patients.

RESULTS

A total of 3,092 spinal deformity surgeries were included, in which there were 132 cases of SSI (4.3%). The final model achieved adequate discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.76), as well as calibration and no overfitting. Predictors included in the model were nonambulatory status, neuromuscular etiology, pelvic instrumentation, procedure time ≥7 hours, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade >2, revision procedure, hospital spine surgical cases <100/year, abnormal hemoglobin level, and overweight or obese body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk probability calculator encompassing patient, surgical, and hospital factors developed in the present study predicts the probability of 90-day SSI in pediatric spinal deformity surgery. This validated calculator can be utilized to improve informed consent and shared decision-making and may allow the deployment of additional resources and strategies selectively in high-risk patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Pediatric Hand Fractures and Congenital Differences: An Analysis of Data From the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery

PURPOSE

Pediatric patients with hand trauma and congenital differences are treated across multiple surgical subspecialties. The purpose of this study was to assess operative trends over an 11-year period using the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery databases to better understand which surgeons were caring for pediatric hand fractures and birth differences in the first 2 years of their practice.

METHODS

We queried the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery databases for surgical procedures performed by applicants for the oral examinations between 2004 and 2014. Candidates self-identified as general orthopedic surgeon, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, hand surgeon (orthopedic and plastic), and general plastic surgeon. This included a total of 2,453 Board applicants. A total of 6,835 surgeries for birth differences or hand trauma were identified and reviewed for patients <18 years of age.

RESULTS

There were 5,759 trauma and 1,076 congenital difference surgeries. A total of 4,786 (70%) surgeries were performed by orthopedic surgeons. Fellowship-trained hand surgeons (orthopedic and plastic) performed 3,809 (56%) surgeries. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons performed 608 (9%) surgeries. Over the 11 years, general orthopedic surgeons performed 4.2 fewer surgeries per year, whereas surgeons in hand orthopedics and pediatric orthopedics performed 10.8 and 4.7 additional surgeries per year. There were 3.1 fewer general orthopedic surgeons per year, whereas there were 3.6 and 1.4 additional surgeons in hand orthopedics and pediatric orthopedics each year, respectively. The number of surgeries and the number of surgeons submitting surgeries did not significantly change for those in general plastics or hand plastics.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis of early practice patterns over 11 years demonstrates that the increasing numbers of surgeons in pediatric orthopedics and hand orthopedics are performing more surgeries compared with other fields.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The care of children with hand injuries and congenital differences is evolving, with direct implications for residency and fellowship education.

Morphometric analysis of the proximal thoracic pedicles in Lenke II and IV adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: an evaluation of the feasibility for pedicle screw insertion

PURPOSE

Pedicles on the concave side of the proximal thoracic (PT) curve in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients with Lenke II and IV deformities tend to be narrow and dysplastic, making pedicle screw (PS) insertion challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility for PS placement in these patients using pedicle chord length, diameter, and channel morphology.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 56 consecutive AIS patients with Lenke II or IV curves who underwent instrumented posterior spinal fusion (PSF) were studied. The mean age at surgery was 14.8 years and the mean PT curve measured 45°. Two independent investigators evaluated all visible pedicles from T₁ to T₆ vertebral levels using axial images from intraoperative computed tomography-guided navigation recording the pedicle: (1) maximum transverse diameter 'd' at the isthmus, (2) maximum chord length 'l', and (3) qualitative assessment of the channel morphology (types A-D).

RESULTS

Two hundred and sixty-eight concave and 264 convex pedicles were measured. The mean 'd' of the concave pedicles at T₃ and T₄ was < 3.0 mm, compared to > 5.0 mm for the convex counterparts (p < 0.001). Of all concave pedicle channels, 48% had morphology characteristics that were riskier for PS cannulation (type C or D) compared to 2% of all convex pedicle channels (type A or B) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Almost half of all concave pedicles have morphologic characteristics that make them too small to accommodate a PS. Though PSs could be inserted using an in-out-in technique in these patients, alternative fixation anchors may improve strength and safety.

Risk of Scoliosis Progression in Nonoperatively Treated Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Based on Skeletal Maturity

BACKGROUND

Hand radiographs for skeletal maturity staging are now frequently used to evaluate remaining growth potential for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Our objective was to create a model predicting a patient's risk of curve progression based on modern treatment standards.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all AIS patients presenting with a major curve <50 degrees, available hand radiographs, and complete follow up through skeletal maturity at our institution over a 3-year period. Patients with growth remaining underwent rigid bracing of curves >25 degrees, whereas patients between 10 and 25 degrees were observed. Treatment success was defined as reaching skeletal maturity with a major curve <50 degrees. Four risk categories were identified based on likelihood of curve progression.

RESULTS

Of 609 AIS patients (75.4% female) presenting with curves over 10 degrees and reaching skeletal maturity at most recent follow up, 503 (82.6%) had major thoracic curves. 16.3% (82/503) of thoracic curves progressed into surgical treatment range. The highest risk group (Sanders 1 to 6 and curve 40 to 49 degrees, Sanders 1 to 2 and curve 30 to 39) demonstrate a 30% success rate with nonoperative treatment. This constitutes an 111.1 times (95% confidence interval: 47.6 to 250.0, P<0.001) higher risk of progression to surgical range than patients in the lowest risk categories (Sanders 1 to 8 and curve 10 to 19 degrees, Sanders 3 to 8 and curve 20 to 29 degrees, Sanders 5 to 8 and curve 30 to 39 degrees).

CONCLUSIONS

Skeletal maturity and curve magnitude have strong predictive value for future curve progression. The results presented here represent a valuable resource for orthopaedic providers regarding a patient's risk of progression and ultimate surgical risk.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-retrospective cohort study.

Outcomes and Complications in Management of Congenital Myopathy Early-Onset Scoliosis

BACKGROUND

Congenital myopathies (CMs) are complex conditions often associated with early-onset scoliosis (EOS). The purpose of this study was to investigate radiographic outcomes in CM patients undergoing EOS instrumentation as well as complications. Secondarily, we sought to compare these patients to a population with higher prevalence, cerebral palsy (CP) EOS patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of a prospectively collected multicenter registry. The registry was queried for EOS patients with growth-sparing instrumentation (vertical expandable prosthetic titanium ribs, magnetically controlled growing rods, traditional growing rod, or Shilla) and a CM or CP diagnosis with minimum 2 years follow-up. Outcomes included major curve magnitude, T1-S1 height, kyphosis, and complications.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients with CM were included. Six (37.5%) children with CM experienced 11 complications by 2 years. Mean major curve magnitude for CM patients was improved postoperatively and maintained at 2 years (P<0.01), with no significant increase in T1-S1 height or maximum kyphosis(P>0.05). Ninety-seven patients with CP EOS were included as a comparative cohort. Fewer CP patients required baseline respiratory support compared with CM patients (20.0% vs. 92.9%, P<0.01). Fifty-four (55.7%) CP patients experienced a total of 105 complications at 2 years. There was no evidence that the risk of complication or radiographic outcomes differs between cohorts at 2 years, though CP EOS patients experienced significant improvement in all measurements at 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

EOS CM children face a high risk of complication after growing instrumentation, with similar curve correction and risk of complication to CP patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Rib-based Distraction Device Implantation Before Age 3 Associated With Higher Unplanned Rate of Return to the Operating Room

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) with rib-based implants such as the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) is associated with a high rate of complications including surgical site infection, skin breakdown, and implant migration. Many of these complications warrant the need for unplanned reoperations, increasing the burden on an already vulnerable patient population, and introducing the further risk of infection. To provide insight into the risks of early intervention, we investigate the relationship between initial device implantation before the age of 3 and the rate of unplanned reoperation.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all patients at a single institution who had undergone VEPTR insertion for EOS with at least a 2-year follow-up from 2007 to 2016. Patients were stratified into the case-cohort (0 to 2 y of age) or the comparison cohort (3 to 10 y of age) based on age at the time of device implantation. Multivariate regression accounting for age and scoliosis etiology was performed to identify factors predictive of unplanned reoperation.

RESULTS

A total of 137 of 185 patients treated with VEPTR were identified with 76 (56%) undergoing at least 1 unplanned reoperation during the study time period. There were 68 and 69 patients in the age 0- to 2-year and 3- to 10-year cohorts, respectively. Patients aged 0 to 2 years underwent a higher number of total procedures compared with those aged 3 to 10 (13.1±6.5 vs. 10.6±4.8, P=0.032). A significant difference was found in the rate of unplanned reoperation between the 2 cohorts with 44 (65%) patients aged 0 to 2 and 32 (46%) patients aged 3 to 10 undergoing at least 1 unplanned reoperation (P=0.031). Binary logistic multivariate regression accounting for age and scoliosis etiology demonstrated that patients aged 0 to 2 had a significantly greater odds of undergoing an unplanned reoperation (odds ratio=3.050; 95% confidence interval: 1.285-7.241; P=0.011) compared with patients aged 3 to 10 years.

CONCLUSION

Overall, EOS patients aged 0 to 2 at initial VEPTR implantation are up to 3 times higher risk of undergoing an unplanned reoperation compared with those aged 3 to 10.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Could have tethered: predicting the proportion of scoliosis patients most appropriate for thoracic anterior spinal tethering

BACKGROUND

Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) has proven to be a safe, reliable technique to treat spinal deformities in adolescents. In recent early reports, vertebral body tethering (VBT) is showing promise as a method to modulate growth, driving scoliosis correction, while offering the potential added benefit of maintaining some flexibility in the instrumented segment. With recent FDA humanitarian device exemption (HDE) approval, VBT is poised to become more widely available as a treatment for a subset of current PSF candidates. Our aim was to use approved criteria from a recent FDA IDE to determine who could have been tethered in the years preceding approval.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated with PSF or VBT at a large pediatric spine center from 1/1/2016 to 6/25/2019. Tethering indications followed the criteria outlined by an ongoing FDA IDE: age 8-16, Sanders bone age ≤ 4, primary thoracic curve between 35° and 60°, and lumbar curve < 35°. Risser sign and triradiate cartilage status were also employed to ascertain skeletal maturity in the absence of Sanders score.

RESULTS

Of the 359 patients (78.6% female) who underwent PSF or VBT for idiopathic scoliosis, 75 (20.9%) met IDE criteria for VBT (57 had PSF and 18 had VBT). 284 were not appropriate for thoracic VBT: 77 (21.4%) had a non-thoracic primary curve, 80 (22.3%) were too mature at presentation, 36 (10.0%) had a lumbar curve > 34°, 9 (2.5%) had a main thoracic curve out of range, and 1 had a proximal thoracic curve > 40°. 81 patients (22.6%) had multiple exclusionary criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

After decades with a successful treatment for AIS (PSF), we are at an inflection point: VBT is conditionally approved by the FDA as an HDE device, unleashing more widespread use. Many pediatric spine surgeons will want to know what proportion of PSFs will someday be VBTs. If FDA IDE criteria are used to ensure that a VBT candidate has an appropriate maturity stage and scoliosis deformity pattern, 20.9% of our 359 surgical range patients would have qualified for thoracic VBT.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

A seat at the table: an invitation to the SRS podium via the study group

PURPOSE

The SRS annual meeting (SRS-AM) represents the pinnacle of research in the field of spinal deformity. Spine surgery research was historically based on single-surgeon experience, but an increasing number of abstracts presented at SRS-AM are conducted by multicenter study groups, which may have improved the quality of literature available to surgeons. We sought to determine the proportion of SRS-AM podium presentations (PP) resulting from study groups over a 15-year period.

METHODS

1874 PP from the 2005-2019 SRS-AM were reviewed to determine if they resulted from a study group or multicenter collaboration. Abstracts were also classified as pediatric- or adult-focused. Pearson correlations were calculated to analyze changes in the proportion of study group or multicenter PP.

RESULTS

The number of SRS PP increased from 102 to 171 from 2005 to 2019. 381 (20.3%) PP were identified as a study group product, while 536 (28.6%) resulted from multicenter collaboration. The proportion of study group PP increased by 0.9% annually from 8.8 to 26.9% (r² = 0.44, p = 0.007), while multicenter PP increased by 1.2% annually from 11.8 to 40.9% (r² = 0.51, p = 0.003). A greater proportion of study group PP were level of evidence I or II studies compared to those not resulting from the work of study groups (53.8 vs 19.3%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

SRS-AM PP resulting from research study groups and multicenter collaborations increased over threefold from 2005 to 2019. Spine surgeons are taking a more proactive approach to produce more generalizable research with higher level of evidence through multicenter study groups, allowing them to make more informed decisions to ultimately improve surgical outcomes for patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V.

Complications, Reoperations, and Mid-Term Outcomes Following Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering Versus Posterior Spinal Fusion: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) is a growth-modulation technique theorized to correct adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) without the postoperative stiffness imposed by posterior spinal fusion. However, data are limited to small series examining short-term outcomes. To assess AVBT's potential as a viable alternative to posterior spinal fusion (PSF), a comprehensive comparison is warranted. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare postoperative outcomes between patients with AIS undergoing PSF and AVBT. Our primary objective was to compare complication and reoperation rates at available follow-up times. Secondary objectives included comparing mid-term Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 scores, and coronal and sagittal-plane Cobb angle corrections.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of outcome studies following AVBT and/or PSF procedures. The inclusion criteria included the following: AVBT and/or PSF procedures; Lenke 1 or 2 curves; an age of 10 to 18 years for >90% of the patient population; <10% non-AIS scoliosis etiology; and follow-up of ≥1 year. A single-arm, random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Deformity corrections, complication and reoperation rates, and postoperative SRS-22 scores were recorded.

Results

Ten AVBT studies (211 patients) and 14 PSF studies (1,069 patients) were included. The mean follow-up durations were similar for both groups. Pooled complication rates were 26% for AVBT versus 2% for PSF, and reoperation rates were 14.1% for AVBT versus 0.6% for PSF with nonoverlapping confidence intervals (CIs). The pooled reoperation rate among studies with follow-up times of ≥36 months was 24.7% in AVBT versus 1.8% in PSF. Deformity correction, clinical outcomes, and mid-term SRS-22 scores were similar.

Conclusions

Our study showed greater rates of complications and reoperations with AVBT compared with PSF. Reoperation rates were significantly greater in AVBT studies with longer follow-up (≥36 months). Deformity correction, clinical outcomes, and mid-term SRS-22 scores were similar. While a potential fusionless treatment for AIS merits excitement, clinicians should consider AVBT with caution. Future long-term randomized prospective studies are needed.

Level of Evidence

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Scoliosis in Friedreich's ataxia: longitudinal characterization in a large heterogeneous cohort

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to characterize the incidence and progression of scoliosis in the natural history of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) and document the factors leading to the requirement for corrective surgery.

METHODS

Data on the prevalence of scoliosis and scoliosis surgery from up to 17 years of follow-up collected during a large natural history study in FRDA (1116 patients at 4928 visits) were summarized descriptively and subjected to time to event analyses.

RESULTS

Well over 90% of early or typical FRDA patients (as determined by age of onset) developed intermediate to severe scoliosis, while patients with a later onset (>14 years) had no or much lower prevalence of scoliosis. Diagnosis of scoliosis occurs during the onset of ataxia and in rare cases even prior to that. Major progression follows throughout the growth phase and puberty, leading to the need for surgical intervention in more than 50% of individuals in the most severe subgroup. The youngest patients appear to delay surgery until the end of the growth period, leading to further progression before surgical intervention. Age of onset of FRDA before or after reaching 15 years sharply separated severe and relatively mild incidence and progression of scoliosis.

INTERPRETATION

Scoliosis is an important comorbidity of FRDA. Our comprehensive documentation of scoliosis progression in this natural history study provides a baseline for comparison as novel treatments become available.

Sinister! The high pre-op left shoulder is less likely to be radiographically balanced at 2 years post-op

PURPOSE

AIS patients consider shoulder balance an important cosmetic outcome after surgery. We examined the impact of preoperative left shoulder elevation (LSE) and choice of upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) on postoperative shoulder imbalance (PostSI).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study utilizing a prospective AIS database. Patients had Lenke type 1-4 curves and preoperative shoulder height ≥ 1.0 cm. Patients with preoperative LSE and right shoulder elevation (RSE) were compared. Shoulder height difference < 1 cm was considered 'mild', 1-2 cm was 'moderate', and ≥ 2.0 cm was 'severe'.

RESULTS

407 patients had ≥ 1.0 cm imbalance preoperatively, with 88 (21.6%) LSE. There were no differences in gender (p = 0.855) or age (p = 0.477). Patients with LSE more frequently had Lenke type 2 curves (43.2% vs 16.3%, p < 0.001), while preoperative RSE averaged 1.9 ± 0.9 cm versus 1.6 ± 0.5 cm for LSE (p < 0.001). Those with LSE more often had severe PostSI at 2 years (30.7% vs 5.0%, p < 0.001), and only 26.1% of patients with severe preoperative LSE corrected to mild. In contrast, most patients with RSE had mild PostSI regardless of initial imbalance. When examining only LSE patients, there was no difference in preoperative SH by final UIV (p = 0.101). Further, UIV choice did not impact the proportion of severely unbalanced patients postoperatively (p = 0.446). A PTC > 34.5° was predictive of PostSI ≥ 2.0 cm for patients with preoperative LSE.

CONCLUSION

AIS patients with preoperative LSE are less likely to achieve level shoulders postoperatively. Choice of higher UIV did not affect postoperative shoulder imbalance in this cohort. A PTC > 34.5° was predictive of severe PostSI in patients with preoperative LSE.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Do Year-Out Programs Make Medical Students More Competitive Candidates for Orthopedic Surgery Residencies?

OBJECTIVE

As orthopedic surgery residency programs are becoming more competitive, medical students interested in orthopedics are increasingly completing "year-out" programs. This study sought to evaluate student and faculty perceptions of these programs.

DESIGN

A survey evaluating baseline characteristics was disseminated to directors of year-out programs identified through postings on the orthopedics forum, Orthogate.org. A second survey was sent to all program directors (PDs) of accredited US orthopedic residencies, while a final survey was distributed to participants identified by year-out PDs.

SETTING

Ninety-six orthopedic year-out programs at 56 institutions were contacted.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-six year-out programs, 72 PDs of ACGME-accredited orthopedic residencies, and 34 year-out participants from 6 programs completed our questionnaires.

RESULTS

73.1% (19) year-out program provided funding to participants, averaging $30,368. 84.6% (22) reported >75% match rates into orthopedics for participants. 65.4% (17) of programs selected students between their MS3/MS4 school years. 4.2% (3) of residency PDs agreed or strongly agreed that year-out programs were important factors for consideration in residency programs, compared with 82.4% (28) of year-out participants and 69.2% (18) of year-out PDs (p < 0.001). 58.8% (2) of year-out participants cited completion of a year-out for improving the chance of matching into any orthopedic residency, while 85.3% (29) wanted to be more competitive for top programs. The average Step 1 score was 248, which was insignificantly different from the national average for matched orthopedic applicants.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthopedic year-out programs have dramatically increased in number over the last 20 years. Most of these programs are funded, 1-year clinical research fellowships with relative match success for participants pursuing orthopedic residencies. While year-out PDs and students consider participation in such programs to be an important factor for residency applications, and often participate in them in order to improve their competitiveness for matching at desired programs, residency PDs overall hold different views.

Risk Factors for Reoperation Following Final Fusion After the Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis with Traditional Growing Rods

BACKGROUND

Although there is a high rate of reoperation after final fusion following the treatment of early-onset scoliosis with use of traditional growing rods, the risk factors for reoperation are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to identify risk factors associated with the need for reoperation after final fusion for the treatment of early-onset scoliosis.

METHODS

A multicenter database for patients with early-onset scoliosis was retrospectively analyzed. Patients managed with traditional growing rods and final fusion were identified (n = 248). The inclusion criteria were ≥1 lengthening procedure with traditional growing rods and ≥2 years of follow-up after final fusion or revision surgery within 2 years after final fusion (167 patients; 67%). Patients requiring reoperation following final fusion were compared with patients who did not require reoperation. The data that were analyzed included demographic characteristics, comorbidities, spinal deformity characteristics, radiographic measurements, perioperative details, and complications during all stages of treatment. A multivariate regression model was used to identify independent risk factors.

RESULTS

The mean duration of follow-up from the initial visit to the latest visit was 10.7 ± 4.1 years, and the mean duration of follow-up after final fusion was 4.9 ± 3.1 years. Thirty-two (19%) of the 167 patients required reoperation following final fusion. Curve progression requiring revision surgery during lengthening with traditional growing rods (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 21.137 per event; p = 0.028), the number of levels spanned with traditional growing rods (aOR, 1.378 per level; p = 0.007), and the duration of treatment with traditional growing rods (aOR, 1.220 per year; p = 0.035) were independently associated with revision surgery after final fusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent risk factors for curve progression requiring reoperation during lengthening with traditional growing rods that require operative intervention include increasing number of levels spanned with traditional growing rods and longer duration of treatment with traditional growing rods. These findings may help with patient counseling and potentially guide surgeon decision-making.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Awake serial body casting for the management of infantile idiopathic scoliosis: is general anesthesia necessary?

STUDY DESIGN

It is a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of serial body casting for infantile idiopathic scoliosis (IIS) with versus without the use of general anesthesia (GA). Serial body casting for IIS has traditionally been performed under GA. However, reports of neurotoxic effects of anesthetics in young children have prompted physicians to consider instead performing these procedures while patients are awake and distracted by electronic devices.

METHODS

Patients from a multicenter registry who underwent serial casting for IIS were included. The patients were divided into asleep (GA) and awake (no GA) cohorts. Comparisons were made between pre-casting, first in-cast, and post-casting radiographic measures in each cohort. The rates of successful casting (≥ 10° major CA improvement), curve progression, and incidence of casting abandonment for surgical intervention were also compared.

RESULTS

One-hundred and twenty-one patients who underwent serial casting for IIS were included. Ninety-two (76%) patients were asleep during casting procedures, while 29 (24%) were awake. Patients in the awake cohort were older (p < 0.01), had a lower BMI (p = 0.03), and more severe curve magnitudes (p < 0.01) at baseline. Patients in the awake cohort experienced greater first-in-cast correction of the major curve (p = 0.01) and improvement in thoracic spine height (p < 0.01). The rate of casting success was higher in the awake cohort (72%) as compared to the asleep cohort (48%) (p = 0.02), although the rate of curve progression (worsening) was similar (p = 0.880). Lastly, there was a lower rate of conversion to surgery at 2 years post-initiation of casting, although this was not statistically significant (0% vs. 8%; p = 0.126).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent awake serial casting had similar radiographic outcomes as compared to those who were under general anesthesia during the procedures. Thus, awake casting may provide a safe and effective alternative to the use of general anesthesia in patients with idiopathic infantile scoliosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Correlation between surgical site infection and classification of early onset scoliosis (C-EOS) in patients managed by rib-based distraction instrumentation

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to determine risk factors for infection among EOS patients treated by rib-based distraction instrumentation, and to further assess the incidence of infection among C-EOS categories and sub-types. Despite the heterogonous nature of early onset scoliosis, the classification of early onset scoliosis (C-EOS) has proven to have excellent reliability across its major categories. C-EOS's reliability has been verified; however, little data exist on the utility of this categorization in clinical decision-making and risk assessment.

METHODS

After institutional review board approval, data for EOS patients treated by rib-based distraction instrumentation were collected between 2013 and 2017 in a single institution. Data collection included: major categories of early onset scoliosis classification (etiology, major curve and kyphosis), BMI, height, weight, procedure type, site of procedure, presence of tracheostomy, and bowel/urinary incontinence.

RESULTS

156 EOS patients underwent 843 rib-based distraction instrumentation procedures. 22.4% of patients (35/156 patients, 42 procedures) developed infections, 30/35 requiring irrigation and debridement. Type of procedure was significantly associated with infection rate, with rib-based distraction instrumentation insertion corresponding with the highest incidence of infection, as compared to instrumentation revisions or expansions (p = 0.006). Infection rates were also more common in shorter and lighter weight children (p = 0.001 and 0.03; respectively). Patients with a neuromuscular etiology had the highest rate of infection in comparison to congenital, syndromic, and idiopathic (5.7% vs, 4.9%, 4.7%, and 2.6%; respectively). Notably, high infection rates occurred neuromuscular hyper-kyphotic subjects (M+), occurring in all major curve C-EOS subgroups and at a rate of 8.3% for all procedures.

CONCLUSION

Neuromuscular, larger magnitude major curve, and larger magnitude kyphotic angle C-EOS categories appear to be at a higher risk of infection. Such information potentiates the usefulness of C-EOS in surgical decision-making and in the informed consent process.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III therapeutic.

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Response to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every aspect of society in a way never previously experienced by our nation's orthopaedic surgeons. In response to the challenges the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery has taken steps to adapt our Board Certification and Continuous Certification processes. These changes were made to provide flexibility for as many Candidates and Diplomates as possible to participate while maintaining our high standards. The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery is first and foremost committed to the safety and well-being of our patients, physicians, and families while striving to remain responsive to the changing circumstances affecting our Candidates and Diplomates.

Fusions ending at the thoracolumbar junction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: comparison of lower instrumented vertebrae

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical outcomes and radiographic parameters between patients treated with a posterior spinal fusion that had a lower instrumented vertebra at T11, T12, and L1.

BACKGROUND

Posterior instrumented fusions are well established for treating patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Fusions limited to the thoracic spine can adequately correct a spinal deformity while preserving lumbar segmental mobility. However, fusions that end at the thoracolumbar junction have been proposed to cause adjacent segment complications. Studies comparing outcomes between patients who were treated with fusions that end at the thoracolumbar junction with varying LIVs are limited.

METHODS

A multicenter database was queried for patients with AIS that had Lenke Type 1 and 2 curves treated with a fusion that had an LIV at T11, T12, or L1. Coronal curve magnitude, degree of junctional kyphosis, C7-central sacral line, thoracic apical translation, and sagittal stable vertebrae were measured. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire and lumbar flexibility testing.

RESULTS

The lower instrumented level was below the sagittal stable vertebrae in 22.7%, 40%, and 66.2% of patients in the LIV-T11, T12, and L1 groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The 5-year postoperative lumbar curve magnitudes were 20.3°, 16.3°, and 14.0° for T11, T12, and L1-LIV, respectively (p < 0.001). No patients in the T11 group (0%), two patients in the T12 group (2.5%), and one patient in the L1 (0.8%) group developed distal junctional kyphosis (p = 0.5). The 5-year postoperative total SRS-22 scores were 4.21, 4.50, and 4.38 (p = 0.029). Lumbar flexion decreased by 0.78 cm in the T11-LIV group, increased by 0.01 cm in the T12-LIV group, and decreased by 0.15 cm in the L1-LIV group (p = 0.434).

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in SRS-22 scores, development of distal junctional kyphosis or loss of lumbar mobility between patients treated with a spinal fusion that had an LIV at T11, T12, or L1.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Unplanned return to OR (UPROR) for children with early onset scoliosis (EOS): a comprehensive evaluation of all diagnoses and instrumentation strategies

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected multicenter database.

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to study unplanned return to the OR (UPROR, a postoperative complication that could not be treated without an additional anesthetic) as a function of C-EOS diagnosis and implant type. Growing concerns over the impact of multiple anesthetic events on the young brain have focused attention on limiting UPROR in early onset scoliosis (EOS).

METHODS

We studied all patients with a diagnosis of EOS who had surgical implantation of growing instrumentation from October 4, 2010, to September 27, 2015, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Among the complications requiring surgical treatment (revision for implant or anchor failure, infection, or implant removal), we analyzed all UPROR events-those that required a separate anesthetic (could not be treated as part of a planned surgical lengthening) within the first 2 years after initial implantation. UPROR was analyzed by diagnosis, deformity type, and implant strategy using the C-EOS classification.

RESULTS

A total of 369 patients met inclusion criteria. Eighty-five of the 369 (23%) required unplanned trips to the operating room for various reasons. The C-EOS group at highest risk of an unplanned trip to the operating room is the hyperkyphotic neuromuscular (M3+, 14/85) cohort, followed closely by the congenital (C3N, 9/85) and neuromuscular (M3N, 8/85) groups with normal sagittal profiles and Cobb angles between 50° and 90°. Implant strategy was significantly related to risk of UPROR (p = .009; Table 1), with traditional implants (vertically expandable prosthetic titanium rib/traditional growing rod) being less likely to have an UPROR event.

CONCLUSIONS

Growing instrumentation to treat EOS, when considered comprehensively, results in a true unplanned reoperation rate within 2 years of implantation of 23% (85/369). UPROR events are more common with certain C-EOS groups (hyperkyphotic neuromuscular deformities) and implant strategies. Families should be counseled that unplanned anesthetics are common with any implant strategy available today.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic.

Pediatric ACL Reconstruction and Return to the Operating Room: Revision Is Less Than Half of the Story

BACKGROUND

Although there are several causes of unplanned return to the operating room (RTOR) following pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR), prior outcomes studies focus primarily on the risk of graft failure. We sought to comprehensively describe indications for RTOR in pediatric primary ACLR patients, estimate associated rates of RTOR, and assess the impact of concomitant meniscal procedures on these rates.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study considered patients who underwent primary ACLR at an urban, pediatric tertiary care hospital between 2013 and 2015. Cohorts were defined based on the presence or absence of a concomitant surgical meniscal procedure with the index ACLR. The primary outcome was RTOR for an indication pertaining to ACLR or a potential predilection for knee injury. Cases of RTOR were cataloged and classified according to indication. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier estimation and competing-risks regression. Comparisons of any-cause RTOR rates were done using log-rank tests.

RESULTS

After exclusion criteria were applied, 419 subjects were analyzed. RTOR indications were organized into 5 categories. The overall rate for any RTOR by 3 years after surgery was 16.5%. Graft failure and contralateral ACL tear were the most common indications for RTOR, with predicted rates of 10.3% and 7.1%, respectively. ACL graft failure accounted for less than half of RTOR cases cataloged. Patients who had a concomitant meniscus procedure had lower rates of RTOR.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 1 in 6 pediatric ACLR patients underwent ≥1 repeat surgery within 3 postoperative years for indications ranging from wound breakdown to contralateral ACL rupture. While previous studies revealed high rates of complication after pediatric ACLR due primarily to graft failure, we found that re-tear is responsible for less than half of the 3-year RTOR risk. As almost half of re-tears in our sample occurred before clearance to return to full activities, we suspect that the high rate of complication is largely attributable to pediatric patients' high activity levels and difficulties adhering to postoperative restrictions. Early treatment of meniscus pathology may reduce rates of RTOR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-therapeutic.

Utility of Perioperative Laboratory Tests in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to characterize the frequency of perioperative laboratory tests for posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to assess whether test results affected clinical management.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Perioperative laboratory tests for PSF including complete blood count, coagulation laboratory tests, basic metabolic panels (BMPs), and type and screen, are commonly ordered based on providers' discretion or existing order sets. Studies have shown unnecessary laboratory tests as financially and physically costly in adults; however, no studies have examined the necessity of common perioperative laboratory tests in pediatric spinal deformity surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients aged 10-18 years who underwent PSF for AIS at our center in the past three years. The clinical utility of perioperative laboratory tests was assessed based on detected incidence of anemia, blood transfusions, hematology/endocrinology/nephrology consultations, insulin administration, and postponed/canceled surgeries.

RESULTS

A total of 234 patients were included (mean age 14.4 ± 1.8 years, 75% female). Of 105 (44.9%) patients with preoperative coagulation laboratory tests, 21 (20%) had abnormal results; however, none had subsequent hematology consultations or canceled/postponed surgeries. Postoperatively, only 5 (2.1%) patients and 30 (12.8%) patients had hemoglobin values less than 8 g/dL on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 2, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified POD1 hemoglobin ≤9.35 g/dL as the only predictor of hemoglobin <8 g/dL on POD2. Overall, there were 8 (3.4%) indicated blood transfusions postoperatively. Costs of unnecessary laboratory tests averaged $95.27 (range $49.72 to $240.27) per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Many perioperative laboratory orders may be unnecessary in pediatric spinal deformity surgery, subjecting patients to extraneous costs and needlesticks. In particular, preoperative coagulation laboratory tests, perioperative BMPs, and additional postoperative CBCs for those with hemoglobin >9.35 on POD1 may not be warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Comprehensive Wound Risk Stratification of Rib-Based Distraction Instrumentation Procedures

STUDY DESIGN

Single-center retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected registry.

OBJECTIVES

Identify factors predictive of rib-based distraction (RBD) instrumentation wound complication. Create a risk stratification model for RBD instrumentation wound complication.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

RBD instrumentation procedures have a high rate of wound complications, often requiring unplanned operative treatment. Currently, there is a relative lack of understanding of RBD complication risk factors compared with the comprehensive understanding of complication risk factors for other spine surgeries.

METHODS

Between January 2011 and September 2015, patients treated with RBD instrumentation at a single institution were analyzed for risk factors associated with surgical wound complications that resulted in unplanned operative treatment. Univariate logistic regression determined predictors of wound complication and multivariate regression determined independent predictive factors; α = 0.10.

RESULTS

A total of 122 patients aged 0-18 years underwent 140 implant surgeries in which 22 resulted in complications: 18 (82%) infectious and 4 (18%) noninfectious. Mean age at surgery was 5.2 years. Univariate analysis showed a correlation between wound complication rates and the following: male gender (p = .097), diapered patient with lower back incision (p = .004), bilateral procedure (p = .008), more than three incisions (p = .011), left iliac incision (p = .097), right iliac incision (p = .009), patient age ≤4 years (p = .10), and operative time >150 minutes (p = .079). Multivariate analysis identified the following independent predictors: age ≤ 4 years (p = .002), male gender (p = .04), number of skin incisions (p = .001), left iliac incision (p = .018), and nutritionally challenged (p = .044). The multivariate model predicted wound complications with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of risk factors for RBD instrumentation wound complications can be used to construct patient risk models. This can identify patients at higher risk for complications and influence clinical decision making.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Site-specific Surgical Site Infection Rates for Rib-based Distraction

BACKGROUND

Implantable rib-based distraction devices have revolutionized the treatment of children with early onset scoliosis and thoracic insufficiency syndrome. Unfortunately, the need for multiple skin incisions and repeated surgeries in a fragile patient population creates considerable infection risk. In order to assess rates of infection for different incision locations and potential risk factors, we generated a prospectively collected database of patients treated with rib-based distraction devices.

METHODS

We analyzed a cohort of patients with thoracic insufficiency syndrome from various etiologies that our institution treated with rib-based distraction devices from 2013 to 2016. Surgery type (implantation, expansion, revision/removal), and surgeon adjudicated surgical site infection (SSI) were collected. For this study, we developed a novel, rib-based distraction device surgical site labeling system in which incisions could be labeled as either proximal or distal surgical exposure areas. Treating surgeons documented the operative site, procedure, and SSI site in real-time.

RESULTS

A total of 166 unique patients underwent 670 procedures during the study period, producing 1537 evaluable surgical sites; 1299 proximal and 238 distal. Patients were 6.81±4.0 years of age on average. Forty-seven procedures documented SSIs (7.0%), while 40 (24.1%) patients experienced an infection. Analysis showed significant variation in the rate of infection between implantation, and expansion, and revision procedures, with implantation procedures having the highest infection rate at 13.1% (P<0.01). Infections occurred more frequently at distal sites than proximal ones (P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our novel, surgeon-entered, prospective quality improvement database has identified distal surgical sites as being at higher risk for SSI than proximal ones. Further, rib-based distraction device implantation procedures were identified as being at a greater risk for SSI than expansion or revision procedures. We believe this data can lead to improved prevention measures, anticipatory guidance, and patient care.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II-prognostic study.

Releasing the tether: Weight normalization following corrective spinal fusion in cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

Feeding difficulties are common among patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and neuromuscular (NM) scoliosis. We theorize that posterior spinal fusion (PSF) reduces intra-abdominal pressure, resulting in improved feeding and subsequent weight gain. We hypothesized that, among nonambulatory patients with CP and NM scoliosis, we would observe significant gain in weight following PSF.

METHODS

Fifty subjects with nonambulatory CP who underwent PSF for NM scoliosis were included. Age and weight were recorded for the preoperative year; on the day of surgery; and at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up. Weights were converted to weight percentiles using CP-specific growth charts. The weight percentile distributions were compared between time points using descriptive statistics as well as regression analysis.

RESULTS

The average change in weight from the day of surgery to 2-year follow-up was +3.4 percentiles. Patients who started out under the 50th percentile gained an average of 17.3 percentiles in the first year after PSF ( p = 0.009). Regression analysis showed that patients with baseline weight <50th percentile tended to gain in weight percentile over the first postoperative year ( β = 1.990, p = 0.001). No trend was present among this group prior to surgery ( p = 0.692) or during the second postoperative year ( p = 0.945). No trends were noted prior to or after surgery for patients with baseline weights ≥50th percentile. No significant association was observed between curve severity (measured by preoperative Cobb angle) and weight change.

CONCLUSIONS

This series is the first to document significant weight gain after PSF for NM scoliosis, supporting the theory that spinal correction improves digestive function.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic level II.

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome as a model for idiopathic scoliosis - A hypothesis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), defined as a lateral deviation of the spine of at least ten degrees, is a classic enigma in orthopaedics and affects 1-4% of the general population. Despite (over) a century of intensive research, the etiology is still largely unknown. One of the major problems in all existing AIS research is the fact that most patients come to medical attention after onset of the curve. Therefore, it is impossible to know whether current investigated parameters are causative, or an effect of the scoliosis. Moreover, up until now there is no known animal model that captures the core features of AIS. In order to identify causal pathways leading to AIS we propose another approach, which has been of great value in other medical disciplines: To use a subset of the population, with a higher risk for a certain disease as a "model" for the general population. Such a "model" may allow the identification of causative mechanisms that might be applicable to the general population. The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is the most common microdeletion syndrome and occurs in ∼1:3000-6000 children and 1:1000 pregnancies. Nearly half of the population of patients with 22q11.2DS develop a scoliosis that in most cases resembles AIS as far as age at onset and curve pattern. We postulate that within 22q11.2DS certain causal pathways leading to scoliosis can be identified and that these are applicable to the general population.

Operative Time and Cost Vary by Surgeon: An Analysis of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children

Operative time is a critical driver of cost in orthopedics and an important target for improving value in health care. This study used an archetypal pediatric orthopedic procedure to identify surgeon-dependent variability in operative time. The authors reviewed patients 12 years or younger treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures. Variability in operative time across surgeons was assessed. Surgeon experience at the time of the procedure and case volume (quarterly) were evaluated to explain variations in operative time. A total of 1472 patients were reviewed (57% Gartland type II and 43% type III fractures). Procedures were performed by 12 fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedists with 2 weeks to 32.8 years of experience. For individual surgeons, the mean operative time ranged from 20.4 to 33.7 minutes for type II fractures and from 31.0 to 46.8 minutes for type III fractures. There was significant variation across surgeons in mean operative time and cost (P<.001). Analysis showed no significant effect of surgeon experience or quarterly case volume. Surgeons' mean operative time for type II fractures was strongly positively correlated with their mean operative time for type III fractures (r²=0.74). Mean operative time and cost for supracondylar humerus fracture closed reduction and percutaneous pinning vary significantly between surgeons, but this variation is not explained by experience or volume. Surgeons who required more time for type II fractures were also slower for type III fractures. Because of the high per minute cost of the operating room, surgeon variability significantly impacts cost. Identification and modification of sources of variation in surgeon behavior will allow for reduction in the cost of surgical care. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(3):e317-e321.].

The Effect of the Level of Training of the First Assistant on the Outcomes of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery

BACKGROUND

At academic medical centers, residents and fellows play an integral role as surgical first assistants in spinal deformity surgery. However, limited data exist on whether the experience level of the surgical assistant affects outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, multisurgeon study comparing perioperative and postoperative outcomes after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery for the same 11 surgeons who performed cases that were assisted by residents compared with cases that were assisted by fellows. Blood loss, operative time, duration of hospitalization, complication rates, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire scores, and radiographic outcomes were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

We evaluated outcomes for 347 surgical procedures; 118 cases were assisted by residents and 229 were assisted by fellows. Preoperative radiographic and demographic parameters were not different between the groups. The resident group had significantly more estimated blood loss than the fellow group (939 compared with 762 mL, p = 0.02). Otherwise, the perioperative characteristics were similar between the groups, including the volume of the autologous blood recovery system product that was transfused, the operative time, and the occurrence of intraoperative neuromonitoring changes. Postoperatively, the percentage correction of the Cobb angle, the number of levels that had been fused, the number of days until the discharge criteria had been met, and the rate of major complications were similar between the groups. At the 2-year follow-up, the overall and subdomain SRS-22 questionnaire scores were not different between the groups, except that patients in the resident-assisted group had slightly worse pain scores than those in the fellow-assisted group (4.3 compared with 4.5, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The first assistant's level of training did not affect clinical or radiographic outcomes following AIS surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.