The Role of Potentially Modifiable Factors in a Standard Work Protocol to Decrease Complications in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Systematic Review, Part 2.

STUDY DESIGN: Structured literature review. OBJECTIVES: To review the current literature for potentially modifiable patient and surgical factors that could be incorporated into a Standard Work protocol to decrease complications in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Application of lean methodology to health care involves standardization of work flow. Successful implementation of LEAN management can lead to dramatic reduction in variability and waste. Frailty, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) concentration, vitamin D level, mental health status, intraoperative fluid management (IFM), and tranexamic acid (TXA) administration may be modified to reduce complications after ASD surgery. METHODS: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE/PubMed, Ovid, and Google Scholar databases were used to identify abstracts and citations for this review. Each topic was developed into an appropriate clinical question that included the patient population, surgical intervention, a comparison group, and outcomes measure (PICO question). From 373 initial citations with abstract, 134 articles underwent full-text review. The best available evidence for clinical questions regarding the influence of these factors was provided by 43 included studies. RESULTS: We found fair evidence supporting an association between preoperative mental health disorders, frailty, vitamin D deficiency, and higher HbA1c levels and increased complications. Conversely, we found good evidence supporting an association between the use of intraoperative TXA and an optimized intraoperative fluid management and decreased complications. CONCLUSION: Gaps in the existing literature limit our ability to evaluate if all of the patient and surgical factors selected for this review are associated with increased or decreased complications and reoperations in ASD surgery. However, for both intraoperative TXA usage and optimized intraoperative fluid management that were supported by good evidence, developing Standard Work Protocols may optimize care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Seeing the spine in 3D: how will it change what we do?

BACKGROUND: The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) has appointed a committee to evaluate the clinical relevance and impact of 3D analysis on scoliotic deformities and to develop a 3D classification of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The goal of this article is to summarize and present the work done in recent years within this committee and show how 3D analysis of AIS has the potential to change our current methods to analyse and treat scoliosis. METHODS: A database of 600 3D reconstructions of the spine of patients with AIS has been established using calibrated PA and lateral radiographs obtained from either digital radiographs or the EOS system. The 3D reconstructions were done using dedicated software and analyzed with the "da Vinci" view, a schematic top view representation of the 3D reconstructions, which summarizes the position of the End-Apex-End vertebrae planes (planes of maximum curvature). RESULTS: Preliminary work was done using 3D reconstructions in 409 patients with AIS. Fuzzy clustering techniques were used to show that the cohort could be segmented in 5 easily differentiated curve patterns similar to those of the Lenke and King classifications. Two subsequent articles have shown that 3D reconstructions can be divided in different groups based on the location of the plane of maximum curvature of their curves. One study of 66 cases has shown a consistent loss of kyphosis within the 5 thoracic apical vertebrae. Finally, a study of 172 Lenke 1 curves analyzed by ISO Data cluster analysis has confirmed the presence of 2 statistically different subtypes according to the planes passing through the End-Apex-End vertebrae of the main thoracic curve. CONCLUSIONS: The study presented suggests that a valid and clinically useful 3D classification of AIS is within reach. 3D analysis has the potential to improve our comprehension of AIS curve types and automatic 3D classification may help decrease the known variability of current 2D classifications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, systematic review of retrospective comparative studies.

Outcomes of surgical treatment in male versus female adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.

STUDY DESIGN: This research was part of a multicenter study of the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). OBJECTIVE: To compare the radiographic and perioperative surgical treatment outcomes of male AIS patients with female AIS patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The results of treatment in male patients with idiopathic scoliosis have not been widely reported. Only 1 study has evaluated the differences in operative treatment outcomes between male and female patients with AIS. METHODS: Data were collected for patients who met the indications for surgical intervention at 8 separate institutions. Radiographic, perioperative, and pulmonary function variables for male and female AIS patients treated surgically were analyzed. A univariate analysis of variance with the alpha level adjusted to P < or = 0.01 was used. RESULTS: The data for 547 (449 females and 98 males) patients were included in this analysis. Posterior instrumentation (vs. anterior instrumentation) was performed slightly more often in males than females (51% vs. 44%, respectively). The preoperative primary curve magnitude was similar for both genders, but flexibility was less in males (44% vs. 49%; P = 0.01). Postoperative percent correction and the ratio of percent correction to preoperative flexibility were both similar in males versus females. Analysis of the perioperative variables yielded that estimated blood loss was higher in males than females (1342 vs. 898 cc, respectively; P = 0.001). Males reported greater pain on postoperative day 1 (6.1 vs. 5.4; P = 0.01), however, conversion to oral pain medication was similar for both. Preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function was similar for both genders. CONCLUSION: Male AIS patients had slightly more rigid primary curves compared to females but a similar degree of postoperative scoliosis correction. Differences in the preoperative status and perioperative course did not compromise the outcomes of surgical treatment as in all other measures; the results were comparable between the genders.

Use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to reduce perioperative morbidity in scoliosis surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: A case series of idiopathic scoliosis patients treated with thoracoscopic anterior instrumentation was compared to a similar group of patients treated by open anterior instrumentation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the morbidity associated with thoracoscopic instrumentation compared to the open approach for thoracic scoliosis. METHODS: A consecutive group of thoracoscopically treated patients with Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was compared to similar patients gathered from the DePuy-AcroMed Harms Study Group database. Perioperative outcome measures as well as early postoperative functional outcomes (pulmonary function, shoulder strength) were compared. RESULTS: There were 38 thoracoscopic instrumentation cases with greater than 6 months' follow-up that were compared to 68 anterior open instrumentation cases. The radiographic outcomes were similar (60% +/- 11% vs. 59% +/- 17% thoracic curve correction for the thoracoscopic and open groups, respectively). The reduction in forced vital capacity was significantly (P = 0.01) greater in the open group (0.6 +/- 0.3 L) compared to the endoscopic group (0.4 +/- 0.3 L). There was a trend towards greater return of shoulder girdle strength and range of motion 6 weeks after surgery in the thoracoscopic patients. CONCLUSION: The thoracoscopic approach for instrumentation of scoliosis has advantages of reduced chest wall morbidity compared with the open thoracotomy method but allows comparable curve correction.

Analysis of patient and parent assessment of deformity in idiopathic scoliosis using the Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale (WRVAS) compared with clinical parameters and written descriptions of the deformity from idiopathic scoliosis patients and their parents. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The WRVAS demonstrates seven visible aspects of spinal deformity in an analogue scale. Higher scores reflect worsening deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The WRVAS was administered to 182 idiopathic scoliosis patients at four centers in conjunction with open-ended questions about patients' and their parents' perceptions of their spinal deformity. The open-ended responses were categorized as either "deformity noted" or "no deformity noted." RESULTS: WRVAS scores strongly correlate with curve magnitude (P = 0.01) and clearly differentiates curves of 30 degrees or more from lesser curves. Among treatment groups, patients with surgery recommended had significantly higher scores than that of other patients. The instrument differentiated those noting no deformity from those noting a deformity. The correlation between patients' and parents' scores was high (Spearman's rho = 0.8). When a deformity was noted, parents gave higher scores than did their children for rib prominence, shoulder level, scapular rotation, and the total score, but not for the other dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing scores of the WRVAS are strongly correlated with curve magnitude lending construct validity to this type of assessment tool. Patients with "surgery recommended" report more visible deformity on the scale than observed, braced, and postoperative patients, supporting the hypothesis that surgery improves the perceived appearance. Parents perceive more deformity of the ribs and shoulders more than did the patients, but other aspects of the deformity are identified equally. WRVAS scores correlate significantly with curve magnitude and treatment. Parents and patients have similar scores, but with parents perceiving more deformity of the ribs and shoulders than patients.

A multicenter study analyzing the relationship of a standardized radiographic scoring system of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and the Scoliosis Research Society outcomes instrument.

STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter study examining the association between radiographic and outcomes measures in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between an objective radiographic scoring system and patient quality of life measures as determined by the Scoliosis Research Society outcomes instrument. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although surgical correction of scoliosis has been reported to be positively correlated with patient outcomes, studies to date have been unable to demonstrate an association between radiographic measures of deformity and outcomes measures in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: A standardized radiographic deformity scoring system and the Scoliosis Research Society outcome tool were used prospectively in seven scoliosis centers to collect data on patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A total of 354 data points for 265 patients consisting of those with nonoperative or preoperative curves >or=10 degrees, as well as those with surgically treated curves, were analyzed. Correlation analysis was performed to identify significant relationships between any of the radiographic measures, the Harms Study Group radiographic deformity scores (total, sagittal, coronal), and the seven Scoliosis Research Society outcome domains (Total Pain, General Self-Image, General Function, Activity, Postoperative Self-Image, Postoperative Function, and Satisfaction) as well as Scoliosis Research Society outcomes instrument total scores. Radiographic measures that were identified as significantly correlated with Scoliosis Research Society outcome scores were then entered into a stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: The coronal measures of thoracic curve and lumbar curve magnitude were found to be significantly correlated with the Total Pain, General Self-Image, and total Scoliosis Research Society scores (P < 0.0001). The thoracic and upper thoracic curve magnitudes were also correlated with General Function (P < 0.002). The "coronal" subscore as well as the "total" score of the Harms Study Group radiographic scoring system were also significantly correlated with these Scoliosis Research Society domain and total scores. No radiographic measures taken after surgery were significantly correlated with the postoperative domains of the Scoliosis Research Society outcomes instrument. Stepwise regression analysis of these radiographic measures as predictors of Scoliosis Research Society scores resulted in adjusted R2 values of 0.03-0.07 (P < 0.0001). Although these results show that a significant association exists between the radiographic Cobb angle measure of the scoliosis and the Scoliosis Research Society outcomes scores, the low R2 values indicate that variables other than the radiographic appearance of the deformity (e.g., psychosocial, functional) must also be affecting these scores. CONCLUSION: The Cobb angle measure of the major deformity has a small, but statistically significant, correlation with the reported Total Pain, General Self-Image, and General Function as measured by the Scoliosis Research Society outcomes instrument. None of the radiographic measures in this population correlated with postoperative domain scores of the Scoliosis Research Society outcomes tool.

A multicenter study of the outcomes of the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) outcome instrument.

STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter study of the outcomes of the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using the Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire (SRS 24). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the patient based outcome of the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A paucity of information exists with respect to patient measures of outcome regarding the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. To our knowledge, no prospective outcome study on this topic thus far exists. METHODS: Using the SRS 24 questionnaire, seven scoliosis centers agreed to prospectively assess outcome for surgically treated patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Data were collected before surgery and at 24 months after surgery. Data were analyzed using paired and independent samples t test for all seven SRS 24 questionnaire domains (Pain, General Self-Image, Postoperative Self-Image, Postoperative Function, Function From Back Condition, General Level of Activity, and Satisfaction) using Statistical Package for Social Science. The domains were analyzed with respect to the total cohort, gender, curve magnitude, and type of surgery using independent-samples t tests. RESULTS: A total of 242 patients were included in our analysis. A baseline preoperative pain level of 3.68 of 5 was found. This improved to 4.63 after surgery, representing an improvement of 0.95 points. Surgical intervention was associated with improving outcome when compared with preoperative status. Pain, General Self-Image, Function From Back Condition, and Level of Activity all demonstrated statistically significant improvement as compared with preoperative status (P < 0. 001). Overall, patients were highly satisfied with the results of surgery. CONCLUSION: Preoperative pain exists in our adolescent scoliosis population. Pain scores were improved in our study population at the 2-year postsurgical follow-up. Statistically significant improvements were likewise seen in the General Self-Image, Function From Back Condition, and Level of Activity domains. The present study demonstrates the ability of surgery to improve the outcome of patients afflicted with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.