Safety of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) for the treatment of subaxial cervical spine injuries, a single center comparative matched analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) and Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF) are both common surgical procedures in the management of pathologies of the subaxial cervical spine. While recent reviews have demonstrated ACCF to provide better decompression results compared to ACDF, the procedure has been associated with increased surgical risks. Nonetheless, the use of ACCF in a traumatic context has been poorly described. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of ACCF as compared to the more commonly performed ACDF. METHODS: All patients undergoing ACCF or ACDF for subaxial cervical spine injuries spanning over 2 disc-spaces and 3 vertebral-levels, between 2006 and 2018, at the study center, were eligible for inclusion. Patients were matched based on age and preoperative ASIA score. RESULTS: After matching, 60 patients were included in the matched analysis, where 30 underwent ACDF and ACCF, respectively. Vertebral body injury was significantly more common in the ACCF group (p = 0.002), while traumatic disc rupture was more frequent in the ACDF group (p = 0.032). There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of surgical complications, including implant failure, wound infection, dysphagia, CSF leakage between the groups (p ≥ 0.05). The rates of revision surgeries (p > 0.999), mortality (p = 0.222), and long-term ASIA scores (p = 0.081) were also similar. CONCLUSION: Results of both unmatched and matched analyses indicate that ACCF has comparable outcomes and no additional risks compared to ACDF. It is thus a safe approach and should be considered for patients with extensive anterior column injury.

Predictors of early mortality following surgical or nonsurgical treatment of subaxial cervical spine fractures: a retrospective nationwide registry study.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic subaxial cervical spine fractures are a significant public health concern due to their association with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Despite being mostly caused by low-energy trauma, these fractures significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. Currently, research regarding early mortality based on the choice of treatment following these fractures is limited. Identifying predictors of early mortality may aid in postoperative patient monitoring and improve outcomes. PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify predictors of 30-days, 90-days, and 1-year mortality in adults treated for subaxial fractures. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of the nationwide Swedish Fracture Register (SFR). PATIENT SAMPLE: All adult patients in the SFR who underwent treatment for a subaxial cervical fracture (n = 1,963). OUTCOME MEASURES: Analyzed variables included age, sex, injury mechanism, neurological function, fracture characteristics, and treatment type. The primary endpoints were 30-days, 90-days, and 1-year mortality. METHODS: About 1,963 patients in the SFR, treated for subaxial cervical fractures between 2013 and 2021, were analyzed. Surgical procedures included anterior, posterior, or anteroposterior approaches. Nonsurgical treatment included collar treatment or medical examinations without intervention. Stepwise regression and Cox regression analysis were used to determine predictors. Model performance was tested using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: 620 patients underwent surgery and 1,343 received nonsurgical treatment. Surgical cases had primarily translation fractures, with 323 (52%) displaying no neurological deficits. Mortality rates at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year were 22/620 (3.5%), 35/620 (5.6%), and 53/620 (8.5%), respectively. Age and SCI were predictors of mortality. Nonsurgically treated patients mostly had compression fracture, with 1,214 (90%) experiencing no neurological deficits. Mortality rates at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year were 41/1,343 (3.1%), 71/1,343 (5.3%), and 118/1,343 (8.7%). Age, male sex, SCI and fractures occurring at the C3 or C6 levels were predictors of mortality. An intact neurological function was a positive predictor of survival among nonsurgically treated patients (AUC >0.78). CONCLUSIONS: Age and SCI emerged as significant predictors of early mortality in both surgically and nonsurgically treated patients. An intact neurological function served as a protective factor against early mortality in nonsurgically treated patients. Fractures at C3 or C6 vertebrae may impact mortality.

Long-term outcomes after surgery for subaxial cervical spine injuries in octogenarians, a matched population-based cohort study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate surgical outcomes in octogenarians with subaxial cervical spine injuries and determine the predictors of complications and mortality. METHODS: Eligible for inclusion were all patients surgically treated between 2006 and 2018, with either anterior or posterior fixation for subaxial spine injuries. A cohort of octogenarians was identified and matched 1:1 to a corresponding cohort of younger adults. Primary outcomes were perioperative complications and mortality. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were included in each of the octogenarian and younger groups (median age: 84.0 vs. 38.5). While the risks for surgical complications, including dural tears and wound infections, were similar between groups, the risks of postoperative medical complications, including respiratory or urinary tract infections, were significantly higher among the elderly (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were no differences in operative time (p = 0.625) or estimated blood loss (p = 0.403) between groups. The 30 and 90-day mortality rates were significantly higher among the elderly (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001). These differences were due to comorbidities in the octogenarian cohort as they were revoked when propensity score matching was performed to account for the differences in American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade. Multivariable logistic regression revealed age and ASA score to be independent predictors of complications and the 90-day mortality, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Octogenarians with comorbidities were more susceptible to postoperative complications, explaining the increased short-term mortality in this group. However, octogenarians without comorbidities had similar outcomes compared to the younger patients, indicating that overall health, including comorbidities, rather than chronological age should be considered in surgical decision-making.

Predictors of failure after primary anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for subaxial traumatic spine injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic subaxial fractures account for more than half of all cervical spine injuries. The optimal surgical approach is a matter of debate and may include anterior, posterior or a combined anteroposterior (360º) approach. Analyzing a cohort of patients initially treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for traumatic subaxial injuries, the study aimed to identify predictors for treatment failure and the subsequent need for supplementary posterior fusion (PF). METHODS: A retrospective, single center, consecutive cohort study of all adult patients undergoing primary ACDF for traumatic subaxial cervical spine fractures between 2006 and 2018 was undertaken and 341 patients were included. Baseline clinical and radiological data for all included patients were analyzed and 11 cases of supplementary posterior fixation were identified. RESULTS: Patients were operated at a median of 2.0 days from the trauma, undergoing 1-level (78%), 2-levels (16%) and ≥ 3-levels (6.2%) ACDF. A delayed supplementary PF was performed in 11 cases, due to ACDF failure. On univariable regression analysis, older age (p = 0.017), shorter stature (p = 0.031), posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) injury (p = 0.004), injury to ligamentum flavum (p = 0.005), bilateral facet joint dislocation (p < 0.001) and traumatic cervical spondylolisthesis (p = 0.003) predicted ACDF failure. On the multivariable regression model, older age (p = 0.015), PLL injury (p = 0.048), and bilateral facet joint dislocation (p = 0.010) remained as independent predictors of ACDF failure. CONCLUSIONS: ACDF is safe and effective for the treatment of subaxial cervical spine fractures. High age, bilateral facet joint dislocation and traumatic PLL disruption are independent predictors of failure. We suggest increased vigilance regarding these cases.

Reliability of thoracolumbar burst fracture classification in the Swedish Fracture Register.

BACKGROUND: The Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) is a national quality register for all types of fractures in Sweden. Spine fractures have been included since 2015 and are classified using a modified AOSpine classification. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the classification of thoracolumbar burst fractures in the SFR. METHODS: Assessments of medical images were conducted in 277 consecutive patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture (T10-L3) identified in the SFR. Two independent reviewers classified the fractures according to the AOSpine classification, with a third reviewer resolving disagreement. The combined results of the reviewers were considered the gold standard. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of the reviewers was determined with Cohen's kappa and percent agreement. The SFR classification was compared with the gold standard using positive predictive values (PPV), Cohen's kappa and percent agreement. RESULTS: The reliability between reviewers was  high (Cohen's kappa 0.70-0.97). The PPV for correctly classifying burst fractures in the SFR was high irrespective of physician experience (76-89%), treatment (82% non-operative, 95% operative) and hospital type (83% county, 95% university). The inter-rater reliability of B-type injuries and the overall SFR classification compared with the gold standard was low (Cohen's kappa 0.16 and 0.17 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The SFR demonstrates a high PPV for accurately classifying burst fractures, regardless of physician experience, treatment and hospital type. However, the reliability of B-type injuries and overall classification in the SFR was found to be low. Future studies on burst fractures using SFR data where classification is important should include a review of medical images to verify the diagnosis.

The Effect of Concomitant Spinal Cord Injury on Postoperative Health-related Quality of Life After Traumatic Subaxial Cervical Spine Injuries: A Nationwide Registry Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of spinal cord injury (SCI) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients surgically treated for traumatic subaxial cervical spine injuries and investigate the agreement between objective neurologic outcomes and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in that context. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study on prospectively collected multi-institutional registry data. SETTING: Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with traumatic subaxial spine injuries identified in the Swedish Spine Registry (Swespine) between 2006 and 2016. INTERVENTIONS: Anterior, posterior, or anteroposterior cervical fixation surgery. MAIN OUTCOMES: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) consisting of EQ-5D-3Lindex and Neck Disability Index (NDI). RESULTS: Among the 418 identified patients, 93 (22%) had a concomitant SCI. In this group, 30 (32%) had a complete SCI (Frankel A), and the remainder had incomplete SCIs (17%) Frankel B; 25 (27%) Frankel C; 22 (24%) Frankel D. PROMs significantly correlated with the Frankel grade (P<.001). However, post hoc analysis revealed that the differences between adjacent Frankel grades failed to reach both statistical and clinical significance. On univariable linear regression, the Frankel grade was a significant predictor of a specific index derived from the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire (EQ-5D-3Lindex) at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively as well as the NDI at 1 and 2 years postoperatively (P<.001). Changes of PROMs over time from 1, to 2, and 5 years postoperatively did not reach statistical significance, regardless of the presence and degree of SCI (P>.05). CONCLUSION: Overall, the Frankel grade significantly correlated with the EQ-5D-3Lindex and NDI and was a significant predictor of PROMs at 1, 2, and 5 years. PROMs were stable beyond 1 year postoperatively regardless of the severity of the SCI.

Dysphagia, health-related quality of life, and return to work after occipitocervical fixation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) on dysphagia, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and return to work after occipitocervical fixation (OCF). Postoperative radiographic measurements were evaluated to identify possible predictors of dysphagia. METHODS: All individuals (≥ 18 years) who underwent an OCF at the study center or were registered in the Swedish spine registry (Swespine) between 2005 and 2019, and were still alive when the study was conducted, were eligible for inclusion. There was no overlap between the cohorts. Prospectively collected data on dysphagia (Dysphagia Short Questionnaire DSQ), HRQoL (EQ5D-3L) and return to work were used. Radiological and baseline patient data were retrospectively collected. In addition, HRQoL data of a matched sample of individuals was elicited from the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006. RESULTS: In total, 54 individuals were included. At long-term follow-up, 26 individuals (51%) had no dysphagia, and 25 (49%) reported some degree of dysphagia: 11 (22%) had mild dysphagia, and 14 (27%) had moderate to severe dysphagia. On a group level, the OCF sample scored significantly lower EQVAS and EQ-5Dindex values compared to the general population (60.0 vs. 80.0, p = 0.016; 0.43 vs. 0.80, p < 0.001). Individuals working preoperatively returned to work after surgery. Of those responding, 88% stated that they would undergo the OCF operation if it was offered today. No predictors of dysphagia based on radiographic measurements were identified. CONCLUSION: Occipitocervical fixation results in a high frequency of long-term dysphagia. The HRQoL of OCF patients is significantly reduced compared to matched controls. However, most patients are satisfied with their surgery. No radiographic predictors of long-term dysphagia could be identified. Future prospective and systematic studies with larger samples and more objective outcome measures are needed to elucidate the causes of dysphagia in OCF.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Thoracolumbar Spinal Fractures in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are prone to spinal fractures even after low-energy trauma. Posterior fusion through open surgery has been the standard procedure for spinal fractures in patients with AS. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been proposed as an alternative treatment option. There are few literature reports regarding patients with AS being treated for spinal fractures with MIS. This study aims to present the clinical outcome of a series of patients with AS treated with MIS for spinal fractures. METHODS: We included a consecutive series of patients with AS who underwent MIS for thoracolumbar fractures between 2014 and 2021. The median follow-up was 38 (12-75) months. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed, and data on surgery, reoperations, complications, fracture healing, and mortality were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (39 [91%] men) were included with a median (range) age of 73 (38-89) years. All patients underwent image-guided MIS with screws and rods. Three patients underwent reoperations, all due to wound infections. One patient (2%) died within 30 days and 7 (16%) died within the first year after surgery. Most patients with a radiographic follow-up of 12 months or more (29/30) healed with a bony fusion on computed tomography (97%). CONCLUSION: Patients with AS and a spinal fracture are at risk of reoperation and have significant mortality during the first year. MIS provides adequate surgical stability for fracture healing with an acceptable number of complications and is an adequate choice in treating AS-related spinal fractures.

Outcome and Health-Related Quality of Life After Combined Anteroposterior Surgery Versus Anterior Surgery Alone in Subaxial Cervical Spine Fractures : Analysis of a National Multicenter Data Set.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational study on prospectively collected data. OBJECTIVES: To compare patient-reported outcomes and complications after anteroposterior surgery or anterior surgery in subaxial cervical spine fractures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is no consensus regarding the optimal surgical approach for subaxial cervical spine fractures. Although anterior surgery is often sufficient to restore stability, anteroposterior surgery is sometimes preferred in severe instability. The effects of a more extensive procedure on patient-reported outcomes have not been investigated. We hypothesized that patient-reported outcomes and complication rates were similar between these surgical approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals treated with either a combined anteroposterior or anterior surgery alone between 2006 and 2016 and with at least 1-year follow-up were identified in the Swedish Spine Registry. Cases were matched 1:2 for age (±5 y). Outcomes were Neck Disability Index (NDI), EQ-5D-3L index, satisfaction, reoperations, and surgeon-reported and patient-reported complications within 90 days. Mann-Whitney U -tests and χ 2 tests were used in statistical comparisons. RESULTS: The median [interquartile range] number of instrumented vertebrae was 3 [2-5.5] in the anteroposterior group and 2 [2-3] in the anterior group ( P <0.001). The mean±SD follow-up time was 3.5±2.3 years in the anteroposterior and 3.8±2.0 years in the anterior group ( P =0.39), respectively. At follow-up, Neck Disability Index was 20 [6-37] in the anteroposterior group and 18 [3.5-40] in the anterior group ( P =0.69), and the median EQ-5D-3L index was 0.73 [0.12-0.80] in the anteroposterior group and 0.75 [0.62-0.89] in the anterior group ( P =0.27). Satisfaction with the treatment was reported by 90% in the anteroposterior group and by 87% in the anterior group ( P =0.98). None of the individuals in the anteroposterior and 6 of the individuals in the anterior group were reoperated ( P =0.18). CONCLUSION: Patients operated on with anteroposterior or anterior surgery for subaxial cervical spine fractures are equally satisfied and report similar health-related quality of life measures.

Evolution of patient-reported outcome measures, 1, 2, and 5 years after surgery for subaxial cervical spine fractures, a nation-wide registry study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: A longer duration of patient follow up arguably provides more reliable data on the long-term effects of a treatment. However, the collection of long-term follow up data is resource demanding and often complicated by missing data and patients being lost to follow up. In surgical fixation for cervical spine fractures, data are lacking on the evolution of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) beyond 1-year of follow up. We hypothesized that the PROMs would remain stable beyond the 1-year postoperative follow up mark, regardless of the surgical approach. PURPOSE: To assess the trends in the evolution of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 1, 2-, and 5-years following surgery in patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries. STUDY DESIGN: Nation-wide observational study on prospectively collected data. PATIENT SAMPLE: Individuals treated for subaxial cervical spine fractures with anterior, posterior, or combined anteroposterior approaches, between 2006 and 2016 were identified in the Swedish Spine Registry (Swespine). OUTCOME MEASURES: PROMs consisting of EQ-5D-3Lindex and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were considered. METHODS: PROMs data were available for 292 patients at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Five-years PROMs data were available for 142 of these patients. A simultaneous within-group (longitudinal) and between group (approach-dependent) analysis was performed using mixed ANOVA. The predictive ability of 1-year PROMs was subsequently assessed using linear regression. RESULTS: Mixed ANOVA revealed that PROMs remained stable from 1- to 2-years as well as from 2- to 5-years postoperatively and were not significantly affected by the surgical approach (p<0.05). A strong correlation was found between 1-year and both 2- and 5-years PROMs (R>0.7; p<0.001). Linear regression confirmed the accuracy of 1-year PROMs in predicting both 2- and 5-years PROMs (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: PROMs remained stable beyond 1-year of follow up in patients treated with anterior, posterior, or combined anteroposterior surgeries for subaxial cervical spine fractures. The 1-year PROMs were strong predictors of PROMs measured at 2, and 5 years. The 1-year PROMs were sufficient to assess the outcomes of subaxial cervical fixation irrespective of the surgical approach.

Validity of the short musculoskeletal function assessment questionnaire in patients with a spine fracture.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to validate the use of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire in patients with a spine fracture. METHODS: Cross-sectional cohort of individuals that had sustained a spine fracture (C1-L5) one year earlier. Patients were asked to fill out SMFA, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho) was used to assess convergent validity for each patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). Bland-Altman plots were used to assess PROM agreement. RESULTS: 82 patients completed all questionnaires. The correlations between SMFA Dysfunction and Bother indices and ODI were 0.89 and 0.86, with EQ-5D-3L index 0.89 and 0.80, and with EQ-VAS 0.80 and 0.73, respectively. The correlation for separate categories of the SMFA dysfunction index (daily activities, emotional status, arm and hand function, mobility) ranged between 0.71-0.87 for ODI, 0.72-0.84 for EQ-5D-3L index, and 0.67-0.77 for EQ-VAS. A selection of the ten items of SMFA that had the highest correlations with ODI resulted in a correlation of 0.91. The agreements between SMFA indices and ODI in Bland-Altman plots were good with small differential biases and minimal proportional biases, but worse for SMFA and EQ-5D-3L index and EQ-VAS. CONCLUSION: The SMFA indices are highly correlated with ODI in patients with a spine fracture. The Dysfunction index and Bother index, or selected SMFA items, may be used to assess outcome in patients with spine fractures as an alternative to ODI.

Study protocol: The SunBurst trial-a register-based, randomized controlled trial on thoracolumbar burst fractures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The treatment for patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurological deficit or complete rupture of the posterior ligament complex (PLC) is controversial and includes both surgical and non-surgical options. Current evidence on which treatment is optimal remains inconclusive. In this study we compare surgical with non-surgical treatment. METHODS: The study is a nationwide, multicenter, register-based randomized controlled trial (R-RCT). Patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture will be identified by the Swedish Fracture Register. The admitting physician will be notified during the registration process and the patient will be screened for eligibility. Patients, 18 to 66 years old without neurologic deficit to more than a single nerve root and without complete rupture of the PLC, are eligible for the study. 202 patients will be randomized in a 1:1 relation to either surgical or non-surgical treatment. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and radiological data, will be collected at the time of injury, after 3-4 months, and after 1 year. Additional data from national health registries will be collected after 1 year. OUTCOME: The primary outcome is the ODI 1 year after injury. Secondary outcomes include additional PROMs, adverse events, drug consumption, sick leave, healthcare consumption, and imaging data. INTERPRETATION: The primary outcome is the ODI 1 year after injury. Secondary outcomes include additional PROMs, adverse events, drug consumption, sick leave, healthcare consumption, and imaging data. Estimated duration - The study started on September 1, 2021 and will continue for approximately 4 years. Trial registration - The trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.com, NCT05003180.