Chou, Dean

Abstract Introduction Patients with metastatic spine disease (MSD) present with varying degrees of systemic illness and frailty. Given the palliative intent of surgery and radiation treatment for MSD, treatment risks must be judiciously weighed against potential benefits. We sought to examine the impact of peroperative nutritional status as measured by the PG-SGA on survival in patients undergoing surgery and radiation for MSD. Methods This study involved an international, multicenter prospective, observational registry of patients with MSD: AO Knowledge Forum Tumor’s Metastatic Tumor Research and Outcomes Network (MTRON). Variables including baseline demographics, oncologic data, adverse events (medical adverse events and surgical complications), length of stay, and nutritional status were prospectively collected. The Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) was used to evaluate nutritional status. Results A total of 589 patients were included in this study; 469 (80%) of whom underwent surgery and radiation and 120 (20%) of whom underwent radiation alone. The majority of patients (362, 61%) were classified as well nourished, however, 68 patients (12%) were classified as severely malnourished. Among patients that underwent surgery and radiation, the median overall survival of well nourished patients was 491 days compared to 117 days in the severely malnourished patients (p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis demonstrated severe malnourishment and ECOG performance status of 3 or 4 were associated with worse overall survival. Conclusion Malnutrition as measured by the PG-SGA demonstrated to be significantly and independently associated with perioperative survival in patients with MSD. Further studies that investigate optimal pre-treatment optimization for patients with MSD in order to mitigate morbidity and mortality risk are essential.

Abstract Introduction As the incidence of metastatic spine disease (MSD) increases, treatments to manage refractory pain, pathologic vertebral body fractures, and spinal cord compression are becoming increasingly common. Given the palliative nature of surgical intervention used to achieve tumor control and thus mitigate loss of neurologic function and compromised ambulatory function, it is essential to mitigate the risk of such procedures. Methods The AO Spine Knowledge Forum Tumor’s Metastatic Tumor Research and Outcomes Network (MTRON), an international, prospective registry for patients with spinal metastases, was used for this query. Prospective collection included baseline health and demographic information, oncologic data (including Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) score and Bilksy epidural compression classification), and baseline functional status (preoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and ECOG scores). Health related quality of life (HRQoL) data included Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire (SOSGOQ2.0) and Euro-QoL measures. Surgery related adverse events (AE’s) were collected using the Spine Adverse Events Severity (SAVES V2) framework. Kaplan-Meir curves were used to assess survival. Results The cohort consisted of 1267 patients, 701 male (55.3%). A total of 245 (19.3%) experienced at least one postoperative AE, the majority of which were considered minor (grade 3 or less). Among the most common were deep wound infections (3.2%), wound dehiscence (2.5%), and urinary infections (2.4%). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that age, smoking status, ECOG performance, prior radiotherapy, presence of multiple metastases at other sites, and multiple spine metastases were significant risk factors for a postoperative AE. Postoperative AE’s (p = 0.049) and major postoperative AE’s (p = 0.0038) were found to be related to survival as well as a significant change in HRQoL scores (p < 0.001). Conclusion Postoperative AE’s are extremely relevant to the care of patients with MSD and impact both HRQoL and survival.

Study Design. Post hoc analysis of prospectively-collected data. Objective. To identify factors predicting the most (and least) satisfaction following surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Summary of Background Data. Patient satisfaction affects long-term outcomes after surgery but the preoperative factors that influence postoperative satisfaction have not been well studied in patients with CSM. Methods. We conducted a post hoc analysis of prospectively-collected data from the Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) CSM registry cohort. Baseline and surgical characteristics were compared for patients with CSM reporting the most [North American Spine Society Satisfaction Score (NASS) 1] and least (NASS 4) satisfaction 24 months postoperatively. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed using backward stepwise elimination to determine significant predictors of most versus least satisfaction. Twenty-four-month patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared. Results. Overall, 1141 patients were prospectively enrolled with 948 (83.1%) reaching 24-month follow-up. Of these, 699 met prespecified inclusion criteria: 610 (87.3%) were most satisfied and 89 (12.7%) were least satisfied. Though there were mean improvements in all 24-month PROs for the most satisfied cohort ( P <0.001), there were no significant improvements in 24-month PROs for the least satisfied cohort ( P >0.05). Using multivariable logistic regression modeling, a preoperative symptom of upper extremity weakness (OR=2.5, P =0.003), subjective myelopathy (OR=2.0, P =0.04), absence of numbness complaints (OR=2.2, P =0.003), symptom duration under 12 months (OR=1.6, P =0.047), Caucasian race (OR=2.3, P =0.001), participation in activities outside of the home (OR=2.0, P =0.04), anterior approach (OR=2.3, P <0.001), and higher baseline quality of life (OR=4.0, P =0.01) were predictive of the most satisfaction. Conclusion. Compared with the least satisfied, those most satisfied following surgery for CSM more often had a preoperative symptom of arm weakness, subjective myelopathy, the absence of numbness complaints, symptom duration under 12 months, higher baseline quality of life, and participation in activities outside of the home. Compared with a posterior approach, an anterior approach was associated with the most satisfaction. Taken together, early surgical treatment--before myelopathic symptoms significantly impact one's quality of life--may be considered to optimize patient satisfaction following CSM surgery.

OBJECTIVE Chordomas are rare, locally aggressive primary neoplasms. Resection with negative margins is the primary recommended therapeutic approach, while adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy can also play a role in their treatment in certain situations, including lesions with positive margins or those that are poorly differentiated or dedifferentiated. Cervical spine chordomas pose significant surgical challenges given their proximity to critical anatomical structures and the mechanical constraints of the cervical spine. In the current case series, authors aimed to explore the clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of the surgical treatment of cervical chordomas in a large multicenter cohort. METHODS This multicenter case series analysis utilized data from the prospectively collected Primary Tumor Research and Outcomes Network (PTRON) registry, from its inception (May 16, 2016) to data extraction (February 29, 2024). The study population was restricted to patients with histologically confirmed cervical chordomas involving levels C0–7, who underwent surgical treatment at one of the participating centers, and for whom both the initially planned and postoperatively pathologically confirmed surgical margins were documented. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical and adjuvant treatments, local recurrence–free survival (LRFS), overall survival (OS), and perioperative adverse events were retrieved. PROs included the Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire version 2.0 (SOSGOQ2.0), EQ-5D, and SF-36 version 2.0 (SF-36v2). RESULTS Thirty-eight patients were identified, 12 of whom underwent true en bloc resection (EBR), 18 of whom underwent deliberate intralesional resection, and 8 of whom underwent EBR after intralesional surgery or in whom EBR failed. True EBR led to better LRFS (92% vs 83% vs 63%, respectively) and OS (83% vs 39% vs 50%, respectively). Surgical adverse events within 1 year were more frequent with true EBR (100% vs 39% vs 75%, respectively). EQ-5D, SOSGOQ2.0, and SF-36v2 showed improvement with true EBR, whereas the trends for PROs from the other groups were more variable. CONCLUSIONS This multicenter case series analysis provides critical insights into the clinical outcomes and PROs in the largest cohort of surgically treated cervical spine chordomas described to date. It underscores the importance and challenges of wide resection for oncological control. It establishes the associated morbidity and provides an overview of PROs following surgery. These findings contribute valuable evidence to inform shared decision-making and optimize patient care.

Study Design Narrative Review. Objectives To summarize the scientific contributions generated from the AO Spine Knowledge Forum Tumor (AOSKFT) databases, focusing on primary spine tumors, and highlight key findings, research trends, and future directions. Methods Data from the Primary Tumor Retrospective (PT-Retro) and Primary Tumor Research Outcome Network (PTRON) registries were analyzed. The nineteen studies included were peer-reviewed manuscripts focused on primary spine tumors, excluding abstracts, book chapters, systematic reviews, and metastatic studies. Results The PT-Retro registry compiled data from 1495 patients across 18 primary tumor histologies, offering insights into recurrence, survival, and treatment paradigms. Key findings emphasize the importance of Enneking-appropriate (EA) resection in improving survival and reducing recurrence in tumors such as chordoma, chondrosarcoma, and osteosarcoma. Genetic markers, including hTERT promoter mutations and rs2305089 SNP, were linked to prognosis in specific histologies. Benign tumors, such as giant cell tumors and aneurysmal bone cysts, demonstrated variable outcomes with different surgical approaches and selective arterial embolization. Conclusions The AOSKFT registries have significantly advanced knowledge in primary spine tumor management, emphasizing preoperative staging, surgical margins, and multidisciplinary approaches. International, multicentric registries are essential for studying rare diseases like primary spine tumors, enabling robust data collection, improved statistical power, and broader applicability of findings across diverse clinical settings. Ongoing prospective data collection through PTRON will further refine evidence-based care for these rare and challenging conditions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs) for patient-reported outcome metrics (PROMs) in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) lack consensus on the most appropriate calculation method. This retrospective study aimed to identify the optimal MCIDs for commonly used PROMs in CSM. METHODS: The CSM database from the Quality Outcomes Database SpineCORe Study Group was analyzed. Baseline, 3-month, and 24-month PROM values for Neck Disability Index (NDI), 5-dimension Euro-quality of life (EQ-5D) in quality-adjusted life years, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score, and neck/arm pain numeric rating scale (NRS) were collected. MCIDs were calculated for each PROM using previously validated techniques. MCID values were compared using the area under the curve (AUC) with the North American Spine Society satisfaction scale as an anchor. RESULTS: A total of 1141 patients with CSM undergoing surgery were included in this analysis. Improvement of ≥30% from baseline was the optimal MCID for NDI and neck/arm NRS. At 24 months, the optimal percentage cutoff MCID for these instruments resulted in AUCs of 0.76, 0.72, and 0.67, similar to the 30% improvement method, with AUCs of 0.73, 0.71, and 0.67, respectively. Numeric cutoffs (0.065 at 3 months; 0.149 at 24 months) were the superior MCIDs for EQ-5D. For mJOA score, a severity-adjusted MCID outperformed other methods, yielding an AUC of 0.67 at 24 months. MCIDs were achieved in 63% of patients for NDI, 59% for neck pain NRS, 61% for arm pain NRS, 52% for EQ-5D, and 59% for mJOA score at 24 months. CONCLUSION: Using the Quality Outcomes Database SpineCORe data set, we defined optimal MCIDs for key PROMs in CSM. A ≥30% improvement from baseline was optimal in NDI and arm/neck NRS. An absolute numeric cutoff was superior for EQ-5D (0.149 at the 24-month follow-up). A severity-adjusted MCID performed best for mJOA score. These redefined benchmarks better capture the treatment impact and guide care decisions for patients with CSM.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) is a standardized tool for assessing malnutrition in patients with cancer. The primary aim of this study was to assess the impact of preoperative nutritional status as measured by PG-SGA on survival in patients requiring surgical intervention and/or radiotherapy for spinal metastases. METHODS: Patients with spinal metastases who underwent surgery and/or radiation therapy for symptomatic spinal metastases were enrolled in the AO Spine Metastatic Tumor Research and Outcomes Network, a prospective international multicenter research registry, between September 2017 and August 2022. Using the PG-SGA, nutritional status was classified into 3 categories: A, well nourished; B, moderately malnourished; and C, severely malnourished. RESULTS: A total of 589 patients met the inclusion criteria; 362 were classified as well nourished (61%), 159 were moderately malnourished (27%), and 68 were severely malnourished (12%). The median survival was 491 days, 328 days, and 117 days for well-nourished, moderately malnourished, and severely malnourished patients, respectively. In the multivariate analyses, severe malnourishment (HR 2.5 95% CI 1.4-4.3, P < .01) and an ECOG performance status of 3 or 4 (HR 2.7 95% CI 1.2-6.0) remained associated with significantly worse survival. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition as measured by the PG-SGA demonstrated to be significantly and independently associated with postoperative survival. The PG-SGA is a simple and useful tool to identify spinal metastases patients at risk of early postoperative mortality, and inclusion in the preoperative evaluation of these patients should be considered.

OBJECTIVE Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis is a common cause of back and leg pain influenced by factors like instability, disc degeneration, facet arthropathy, and psychosocial phenotype. Patients’ experience of high-severity pain is complex, with significant implications for surgical planning. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of back pain catastrophizing on long-term outcomes following lumbar spondylolisthesis surgery. METHODS This study uses the Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) lumbar spondylolisthesis dataset and includes prospectively collected data from the 12 highest-enrolling clinical sites participating in the QOD lumbar module. The authors reviewed patients undergoing single-segment surgery for grade 1 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Severe baseline numeric rating scale for back pain (NRS-BP) scores (≥ 8) were classified as "catastrophizing," and mild to moderate pain scores (< 8) were classified as "non-catastrophizing." Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared for catastrophizing versus non-catastrophizing patients at 60 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the impact of catastrophizing on PROs, with multivariate analysis controlling for variables initially reaching a p value < 0.10. RESULTS Of the 608 patients in this analysis, 260 (42.8%) experienced catastrophizing while 348 (57.2%) did not. Catastrophizing patients were significantly younger (59.9 ± 12.2 years vs 63.9 ± 11.7 years, p < 0.001), less often had ≥ 4 years of college education (31.2% vs 42.5%, p = 0.004), and more often used private insurance (58.8% vs 47.7%, p = 0.01). The catastrophizing cohort also had higher rates of depression (24.6% vs 17.0%, p = 0.02) and back pain predominance (45.4% vs 32.2%, p < 0.001). Surgical and perioperative characteristics did not significantly differ between cohorts. Although catastrophizing patients typically reported worse PRO scores at both baseline and 60 months, they demonstrated significantly greater improvement and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement across almost all PROs at 60 months (p < 0.05). However, North American Spine Society (NASS) satisfaction scores at 60 months did not differ significantly between cohorts. Multivariate analysis found that catastrophizing significantly predicted 60-month NRS-BP change (β −1.45, 95% CI −1.81 to −1.09; p < 0.001) and MCID achievement (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.52–2.58; p < 0.001) but not mean NRS-BP score or other metrics, including NASS satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Despite presenting with worse baseline symptoms, patients with pain catastrophizing experienced substantial and clinically meaningful improvement following surgery for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Patient satisfaction was comparable between cohorts, reflecting a nuanced balance between greater absolute improvement and persistence of residual symptoms. These findings underscore that catastrophizing should not be viewed as a barrier to surgical success, while pointing to the need for proactive expectation setting and shared decision-making.

OBJECTIVE Coexisting medical conditions are increasingly prevalent in surgical populations. The impact of multiple comorbidities on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and endotypes of frequently co-occurring conditions for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) remain unclear. This study explores whether CSM patients with multimorbidity have worse baseline and postoperative PROs and less functional improvement after surgery compared to those with few or no comorbidities. The authors also investigated whether distinct comorbidity endotypes exist among CSM surgical patients and whether they influence postoperative outcomes. METHODS The prospective Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) was used to assess patients undergoing surgery for CSM. Multimorbidity was defined as ≥ 2 chronic conditions, including diabetes, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, arthritis, chronic renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, and anxiety. Baseline characteristics and 24-month PROs were assessed across multiple-comorbidity status, including modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA), Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analog scale for neck and arm pain, EQ-5D, and patient satisfaction scores. Clusters were identified from the full cohort using k-medoids, revealing subgroups with similar comorbidity endotypes. RESULTS The final cohort included 1141 CSM patients (83.1% reaching 24-month follow-up), with 761 (66.7%) having 0 or 1 comorbidity and 380 (33.3%) ≥ 2 comorbidities. The multimorbidity cohort was older (mean age 62.6 ± 11.2 vs 59.5 ± 12.0 years, p < 0.001), more likely to be female (52.9% vs 44.7%, p = 0.011), and had a higher BMI (mean 31.1 ± 6.7 vs 29.7 ± 6.2 kg/m 2 , p < 0.001). Multimorbidity patients exhibited worse mJOA, NDI, and EQ-5D scores at baseline and 24 months (p < 0.05). On multivariable analysis, the total number of comorbidities was not significantly associated with any PRO measures. Four comorbidity clusters were identified: low burden, arthritis, diabetes, and high burden. On one-way ANOVA, the baseline mJOA score was significantly different across clusters (p = 0.003). At 24 months, the mJOA score was significantly lower in the diabetes and high-burden endotypes. Twenty-four-month score change and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement of all PROs remained similar across clusters (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS While patients with multimorbidity have worse baseline and postoperative PROs, they achieve similar functional and pain-related improvements following CSM surgery. Similarly, the comorbidity endotypes identified in this QOD cohort suggest that certain patterns of coexisting chronic conditions, such as overlapping diabetes and arthritis, are associated with different levels of disability but may not diminish the effectiveness of surgical intervention.