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OBJECTIVE Chronic spinal degenerative diseases have been associated with reduced quality of life and dependency on others for personal needs and care. The change between preoperative and postoperative care dependency has yet to be explored in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). In this retrospective study of a prospectively collected database, the authors evaluated the return to independence in performing self-care following surgical intervention for CSM. METHODS The CSM dataset of the Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) Spine CORe study group was queried. Care dependency was assessed using the personal care component of the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire, having an ordinal scale from 0 to 5, with 5 representing the inability to independently perform activities of daily living. Numeric rating scale (NRS) scores for arm pain and neck pain were recorded at a 24-months postoperative follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify baseline risk factors for an inability to care for oneself and the symptoms leading to care dependency at 24 months postoperatively. Satisfaction with surgery was measured using the 4-point North American Spine Society (NASS) index. RESULTS Of the 1137 patients with CSM and baseline personal care scores, 167 (14.7%) were care dependent at baseline (NDI personal care score ≥ 3). Patients with care dependency at baseline were predominantly Medicare beneficiaries and had a high school or lower level of education. Long-term follow-up rates for this study were 82.5% for NDI, 84.8% for patient satisfaction with surgery, 82.4% for NRS arm pain, and 81.8% for NRS neck pain. Of the care-dependent patients, more than 80% became independently able to care for themselves by the 24-month follow-up. Patients with resolved care dependency at 24 months had demonstrated lower baseline NDI and NRS neck pain scores (p < 0.01 for both). Neck pain was significantly associated with care dependency at 24 months’ follow-up (p < 0.01). Patients who reported improvement in their ability to care for themselves noted higher postoperative satisfaction (NASS score 1–2) at the 3-month (89.4% vs 80.2%, p < 0.01) and 24-month (88.2% vs 67.4%, p < 0.01) follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS Fifteen percent of patients with CSM depended on others for care preoperatively. After surgery to treat CSM, 81.8% of those who had depended on others for care became independent. Patients with improvements in care dependency noted higher postoperative satisfaction at the 3-month and 24-month follow-ups. Patients with resolved care dependency on long-term follow-up had lower NDI and NRS neck pain scores at baseline. Surgery had a significant impact on patients’ attainment of independence.

OBJECTIVE Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is often accompanied by neck pain, which, along with more recognized neurological deficits like motor and sensory changes, significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. The authors examined whether age influences improvements in neck disability and related quality-of-life measures after surgery for CSM. Using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) as the primary outcome, they compared long-term outcomes at 24 months among patients aged ≥ 65, ≥75, and < 65 years, exploring the effects of surgical intervention on both pain-related disability and functional recovery in older adults. METHODS Using the Quality Outcomes Database, the authors conducted a detailed propensity score–matched analysis on cohorts aged ≥ 65 and ≥ 75 years compared with a < 65-year-old cohort while controlling for baseline NDI scores, other demographic variables, health status, underlying pathology, number of levels, indication for surgery, surgical approach, and type of surgery. Differences in NDI total and subdomain scores at 24 months postoperatively were the primary measures of improvement. Age-related variability in NDI differential was assessed. EQ-5D and calculated SF-6D were secondary measures. RESULTS Of the 1141 patients in the cohort (January 2016 to December 2018), 687 patients were < 65 years, 325 were 65 to < 75 years, and 129 were ≥ 75 years of age. After propensity score matching, 197 patients each were well matched in the ≥ 65-year (mean 71.4 years) and < 65-year (mean 55.3 years) cohorts; similarly, 57 patients each were matched in the ≥ 75-year (mean 78.3 years) and < 65-year (mean 55.8 years) cohorts. Improvements in NDI scores and subdomain scores, EQ-5D, and calculated SF-6D were consistent at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively across all cohorts. At 24 months, patients ≥ 65 years showed NDI score improvements (−14.7 ± 22.3) similar to those < 65 years (−13.0 ± 21.3, p = 0.454), and patients ≥ 75 years demonstrated NDI improvements (−15.0 ± 19.7) comparable to those < 65 years (−17.6 ± 20.4, p = 0.499). A sensitivity analysis for linear relationship found that NDI improvement was statistically greater in older patients (7.5 points every 30 years, p < 0.0001), but this difference was below the minimal clinically important difference. Other clinical outcomes were similar between cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Surgical intervention for CSM yields substantial and similar improvements in NDI scores and other metrics among various age groups, including those aged at least 65 and 75 years. These results highlight the effectiveness of surgery across a broad patient demographic, underscoring its value in treating CSM irrespective of age.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There has been limited assessment between anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. We sought to compare PROMs from two-level ACDF with single-level ACCF procedures. We evaluate these results in the context of minimum clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds, which have not been performed previously. METHODS: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the Quality Outcomes Database Spine Collaborative Research Study Group compared two-level ACDF and single-level ACCF at 3-, 12-, and 24 months postoperatively. PROMs included arm pain Numeric Rating Scale, neck pain Numeric Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, and North American Spine Society Patient Satisfaction Index. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine differences in perioperative outcomes, as well as the impact of two-level ACDF vs one-level ACCF on PROMs. MCID thresholds were based off previously established limits. RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty patients were included (236 ACDF, 94 ACCF), and the follow-up rate was 82% at 2 years. There was a significantly higher baseline age, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, proportion of diabetes, osteoarthritis, ambulation dependence, and myelopathy severity in the ACCF cohort. On multivariable analysis, the ACCF group had greater average length of stay and estimated blood loss. There were no significant differences between reoperation rates or nonroutine discharge. There were similar rates of MCID achievement for PROMs at all time points. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that both ACDF and ACCF procedures for cervical spondylotic myelopathy are able to achieve similar, clinically meaningful improvements in PROMs by 2 years. Patients undergoing single-level ACCF have more estimated blood loss and longer length of stay, as well as worse baseline myelopathy. Both procedures have efficacious, durable outcomes. It is reasonable that other factors, such as radiographic characteristics and patient symptoms, may influence patient selection for ACDF vs ACCF.

OBJECTIVE Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) offers both indirect decompression and segmental correction through restoration of disc height. However, stresses exerted on the vertebral endplates by the interbody device can result in implant subsidence and loss of correction. The present time-to-event analysis aimed to identify predictors of interbody subsidence. METHODS Patients who underwent 1- or 2-level TLIF were identified. Data on demographics, surgical details, preoperative bone quality using CT-based Hounsfield units (HU), and pre- and postoperative lumbopelvic parameters were collected. Univariable analyses were conducted to identify predictors of subsidence (≥ 2-mm intrusion of interbody into cranial or caudal vertebrae) and significant subsidence (≥ 4-mm intrusion). Multivariable Cox regression was performed to identify independent predictors of subsidence, expressed as hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS A total of 198 patients treated at 241 levels were included (median age 66.6 years, IQR 59.5, 73.7 years; 56.6% were women). In 92 levels (38.2%) there was some subsidence and in 25 (10.4%) there was significant subsidence. Implanted levels demonstrating subsidence (≥ 2 mm) were associated with lower HU in cranial and caudal vertebrae; had interbodies positioned farther from the anterior apophyseal ring; were implanted with taller, more lordotic interbodies; and underwent greater disc height restoration. Those showing significant subsidence (≥ 4 mm) were similarly associated with lower HU in the cranial and caudal vertebrae; had interbodies positioned farther from the anterior apophyseal ring of the caudal vertebrae; and underwent greater disc height restoration. Multivariable Cox regression showed that time to subsidence was predicted by greater implant height (HR 1.20/mm, 95% CI 1.05–1.38; p = 0.009), greater postoperative disc height (HR 1.21/mm, 95% CI 1.09–1.34; p < 0.001), and greater disc height restoration (HR 1.11/mm, 95% CI 1.04–1.19; p = 0.002). The time-to-subsidence analysis for significant (≥ 4 mm) subsidence showed that it was predicted by lower HU in the cranial vertebrae (HR 0.98/unit, 95% CI 0.97–0.99; p = 0.001); increasing number of levels instrumented (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.04–1.52; p = 0.016); and greater disc height restoration (HR 1.33/mm, 95% CI 1.18–1.51; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This time-to-event analysis suggests that interbody subsidence following TLIF is best predicted by implantation of a taller interbody and aggressive disc height restoration. Significant subsidence is similarly predicted by aggressive disc height restoration along with poor baseline bone quality. The results suggest the need to balance aggressive correction at the time of surgery against the increased risk of subsequent interbody subsidence.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine independent risk factors for vertebral compression fracture (VCF) following stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in metastatic spine disease. METHODS Patients treated with SBRT for spinal metastasis at a single tertiary care center between 2008 and 2019 were retrospectively identified. Patients with CT scans obtained within 1 year of SBRT completion were included. Variables collected included demographics, Spine Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS), primary tumor pathology, Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini (WBB) classification, chemoradiation treatment details, and bone quality as assessed by Hounsfield units (HUs) on CT. HUs were measured for the medullary bone of the metastatic level, the tumor, and the vertebral bodies cephalad and caudal to the metastasis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of post-SBRT pathological fracture. RESULTS A total of 292 patients (mean age 66 years) with 392 unique lesions were included. The most common pathologies were prostate (n = 193), kidney/renal cell (n = 46), and lung (n = 33). The most common tumor levels were thoracic (n = 206 lesions) and lumbar (n = 128 lesions). SBRT was generally delivered in 1–3 fractions with doses ranging from 16 to 24 Gy in 1 fraction and 24–36 Gy in 3 fractions. Of the 392 lesions, 73 suffered VCF: 21 (29%) with < 25% height loss, 15 (21%) with 25%–40% height loss, and 37 (51%) with > 40% height loss. On univariate analysis, patients with VCF had lower average HUs (156 ± 52 vs 202 ± 89, p < 0.001), more WBB sectors involved (3 ± 2 vs 3 ± 1, p < 0.001), higher SINSs (8 ± 3 vs 6 ± 2, p < 0.001), were more commonly female (33% vs 22%, p = 0.05), and more commonly had nonprostate pathology (67% vs 47%, p = 0.003). VCF rates were similar between moderate (< 20 Gy in 1 fraction, < 30 Gy in 3 or 5 fractions) and high-dose (> 20 Gy in 1 fraction, > 30 Gy in 3 or 5 fractions) radiation schema (15% VCF vs 16% no VCF, respectively; p = 0.99). On multivariable logistic regression, independently significant predictors of VCF were HUs ≤ 229 (OR 6, p < 0.001), affected levels ≥ 3 WBB segments (OR 3, p < 0.001), and an SINS ≥ 8 (OR 2, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Low pre-radiation HUs, involvement of more WBB sectors, and a higher SINS were independent predictors of VCF following SBRT for metastatic spine disease.

Study Design: Analysis of prospectively collected data. Objective: To assess if systemic illness severity affects cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) surgery outcomes. Summary of Background Data: It remains unclear if CSM patients with poor physical status/severe systemic illness benefit as much from surgery as those in good condition. Methods: Using the Quality Outcomes Database CSM cohort and the American Association of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade as a surrogate for illness burden, we compared patients with (ASA 3–4) and without (ASA 1–2) severe systemic illness, including rates of readmission and 24-month minimal clinically important differences (MCID) achievement for patient-reported outcomes (PROs)—numerical rating score (NRS) arm and neck pain, neck pain-related disability (NDI), and quality of life (EQ-5D). Results: Of 1141 CSM patients, 1062 had ASA grades recorded. Of these 1062 patients, 70.2% had a 2-year follow-up for mJOA, and 81%–84% had a follow-up for NRS arm and neck, NDI, and EQ-5D. Five hundred twenty-one patients (49.1%) had mild (ASA 1–2) and 541 (50.9%) had severe systemic illness (ASA 3–4). The severe disease cohort was older (63.3±11.0 vs. 57.4±11.7), had higher BMI (31.4±7.0 vs. 28.9±5.6), had more comorbidities (diabetes, coronary artery disease, depression), and had less independent ambulation (71.3% vs. 90.6%) ( P <0.05). At baseline, severe disease patients had worse NRS arm (5.2±3.5 vs. 4.7±3.4) and neck (5.5±3.2 vs. 5.1±3.3) pain, NDI (40.5±20.1 vs. 36.8±21.0), and EQ-5D (0.53±0.22 vs. 0.59±0.22) scores ( P <0.05). Perioperatively, the severe disease cohort had longer hospitalizations (2.4±2.6 vs. 1.7±2.0 days) and increased nonhome discharges (17% vs. 5%) ( P <0.05). The severe disease cohort had higher 90-day readmissions (7.6% vs. 2.5%), including surgery-related (3.7% vs. 1.5%) and non–surgery-related reasons (3.9% vs. 1.0%) ( P <0.05). On multivariate analysis, increased ASA grade was significantly associated with 90-day readmissions (OR: 2.55 per 1-grade increase, 95% CI: 1.38–4.83). However, both severe and mild disease cohorts had similarly high rates of achieving 2-year MCID for mJOA (67.5% vs. 66.0%), NRS arm (72.0% vs. 74.1%), neck (69.5% vs. 69.4%) pain, NDI (63.1% vs. 68.1%), and EQ-5D (67.9% vs. 66.9%) ( P >0.05). Conclusion: Patients with severe systemic illness (higher ASA) have worse baseline PROs and higher 90-day readmissions. However, they achieve similar MCID rates for mJOA and all measured PROs 2 years postoperatively.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model for automatically detecting Hounsfield unit (HU) values at the L1 vertebra in preoperative thoracolumbar CT scans. This model serves as a screening tool for osteoporosis in patients undergoing spine surgery, offering an alternative to traditional bone mineral density measurement methods like dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. METHODS The authors utilized two CT scan datasets, comprising 501 images, which were split into training, validation, and test subsets. The nnU-Net framework was used for segmentation, followed by an algorithm to calculate HU values from the L1 vertebra. The model’s performance was validated against manual HU calculations by expert raters on 56 CT scans. Statistical measures included the Dice coefficient, Pearson correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman plots to assess the agreement between AI and human-derived HU measurements. RESULTS The AI model achieved a high Dice coefficient of 0.91 for vertebral segmentation. The Pearson correlation coefficient between AI-derived HU and human-derived HU values was 0.96, indicating strong agreement. ICC values for interrater reliability were 0.95 and 0.94 for raters 1 and 2, respectively. The mean difference between AI and human HU values was 7.0 HU, with limits of agreement ranging from −21.1 to 35.2 HU. A paired t-test showed no significant difference between AI and human measurements (p = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS The AI model demonstrated strong agreement with human experts in measuring HU values, validating its potential as a reliable tool for automated osteoporosis screening in spine surgery patients. This approach can enhance preoperative risk assessment and perioperative bone health optimization. Future research should focus on external validation and inclusion of diverse patient demographics to ensure broader applicability.

OBJECTIVE Previous research suggests elective surgical procedures performed later in the week have worse outcomes. This study investigated whether the day of the week on which elective anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery was performed impacts clinical outcomes. METHODS Using data from the Quality Outcomes Database, a nationwide, multicenter prospective registry, this study included patients undergoing elective ACDF for cervical spondylosis. Patients were categorized into groups based on the surgery day (early week, Monday and Tuesday; late week, Thursday and Friday). Analyzed outcomes included postoperative complications, readmissions, reoperations, and patient-reported outcomes. Statistical methods included the independent t-test, Pearson’s chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS The study analyzed 19,818 patients, with 41.7% undergoing surgery early in the week and 36.9% later. There were no significant differences in 30-day mortality, readmissions, or reoperations between the two groups. Early-week surgical procedures were associated with a higher incidence of postoperative dysphagia requiring nasogastric tubes (0.6% vs 0.3%, p = 0.02) and a higher incidence of vocal cord paralysis (0.5% vs 0.3%, p = 0.01). The data indicate a surgical selection bias with more complex surgical procedures and higher risk patients typically scheduled earlier in the week, which likely contributed to the increased rates of dysphagia. Conversely, patients who underwent operations on Fridays were more likely to be discharged on the same day compared to those earlier in the week (p = 0.02), without a significant difference in length of stay overall. Surgical procedures performed later in the week were more likely to be performed at ambulatory surgical centers rather than inpatient facilities (p < 0.01), indicating a strategic selection of healthier patients for end-of-week procedures. CONCLUSIONS The day of elective ACDF surgery does not affect mortality, readmissions, or reoperation rates. However, early-week surgical procedures may see slightly higher rates of postoperative dysphagia and vocal cord paralysis, likely due to the scheduling of more complex cases or higher risk patients during these days. Overall, the authors’ data confirm that day of surgery does not influence overall patient recovery significantly. This information is useful for surgical planning and for providing patient reassurance that the day of the week does not significantly impact surgical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) can be associated with urinary dysfunction, leading to an inability or marked difficulty with micturition. This study aimed to evaluate the urinary dysfunction, long-term prognosis, and recovery in patients with CSM following surgical intervention. METHODS The CSM cases of the Quality Outcomes Database SpineCORe study group were analyzed. Urinary control was assessed using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) urinary function subscore. Improvement was defined as a minimum improvement of 1 point in the mJOA urinary function subscore at the 2-year follow-up. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted as appropriate. RESULTS Of 1141 patients, 772 (67.7%) patients were identified with a minimum 2-year follow-up mJOA score, and 249 (32.3%) of these patients reported baseline urinary dysfunction. Of those 249 patients with baseline urinary control problems, 193 (77.5%) had improvement in urinary function postoperatively, and more women than men had improved urinary control after CSM surgery (54.9% vs 45.1%, p = 0.03). Apart from sex, demographic characteristics of patients who experienced urinary function improvement versus those who did not were similar. Patients who experienced urinary function improvement had lower overall baseline mJOA scores (10.2 vs 13, p < 0.01). Both cohorts reported similar rates of postoperative satisfaction (North American Spine Society scores of 1 and 2) (89.1% vs 85.9%, p = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS Among the one-third of patients with CSM experiencing urinary dysfunction, nearly 78% achieve improved urinary function at the 2-year postoperative follow-up. Women are more likely to experience improvement in this function. Patients with and without improvements in urinary function are equally satisfied with their surgery and report similar outcomes on long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) allows for direct and indirect decompression and segmental lordosis in sagittal plane correction. This study compares the effectiveness of “Bullet” type and “Banana” type devices for sagittal plane correction. METHODS: Patients who underwent 1-level or 2-level TLIF for degenerative pathology at a single tertiary care center were identified. Details were extracted on demographics, interbody dimensions, and preoperative and postoperative lumbopelvic parameters from upright radiographs. Cages were categorized as “Bullet” or “Banana” type based on morphology and manufacturer description of optimal position. Univariable comparisons between levels treated with “Bullet” and “Banana” type interbodies were performed. Multivariable linear regression was performed to identify independent predictors of postoperative segmental lordosis and change in segmental lordosis. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety eight unique patients (median 66.6 years; [IQR 59.5, 73.7]; 56.6% female) were included with 241 levels treated, of which 114 (52.7%) were treated with “Banana” type interbodies and 127 (47.3%) with “Bullet” type. “Banana” type interbodies afforded both greater postoperative segmental lordosis (8.1 [6.2, 10.7] vs 7.5 [5.2, 9.6]; P = .048) and greater increase in segmental lordosis (3.3 [0.7, 7.0] vs 2.3 [0.1, 4.2]; P = .015). On multivariable linear regression, only preoperative segmental lordosis (β = 0.322 per degree; [0.244, 0.399]; P < .001), implant listed lordosis (β = 0.146 per degree; 95% CI [0.048, 0.244]; P = .004), preoperative pelvic incidence (0.072 per degree; [0.034, 0.111]; P < .001), and use of bilateral TLIF windows (β = 3.133; [1.213, 5.053]; P = .001) were predictive of postoperative segmental lordosis. CONCLUSION: The present analysis suggests that baseline lumbopelvic anatomy, interbody lordosis, and the use of bilateral TLIF windows are the most important predictors of postoperative segmental lordosis. Use of “Banana” vs “Bullet” type interbodies was not predictive of segmental lordosis achieved on immediate postoperative upright radiographs. Further work is merited to determine whether the 2 interbody types demonstrate differences regarding subsidence risk or maintenance of correction.