John I. Shin

Frailty Index Is a Significant Predictor of Complications and Mortality After Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity

Study Design. Retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Objective. To determine if the modified Frailty Index (mFI) could be used to predict postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD). Summary of Background Data. Surgery for patients with ASD is associated with high complication rates and significant concerns present during risk stratification with older patients. The mFI is an evaluation tool to describe the frailness of an individual and how their preoperative status may impact postoperative survival and outcomes. Using a large nationwide database, we assessed the utility of this instrument in patients undergoing surgery for ASD. Methods. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program is a large multicenter clinical registry that prospectively collects preoperative variables, patient demographics, operative factors, and 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality outcomes from about 400 hospitals nationwide. Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to query the database for adults who underwent fusion for spinal deformity. The previously described mFI was calculated based on the number of positive factors and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors associated with mortality. Results. Overall, 1001 patients were identified and the mean mFI score was 0.09 (range: 0–0.545). Increasing mFI score was associated with higher complication, reoperation, and mortality rates (P < 0.05). mFI of 0.09 and 0.18 was an independent predictor of any complication, mortality, requiring a blood transfusion, pulmonary embolism/deep vein thrombosis, and reoperation (all P < 0.05). In comparison with age >60 years obesity class III, mFI was a superior predictor of several postoperative complications and reoperation. Conclusion. Frailty was an independent predictor of postoperative complications, mortality, and reoperation in patients undergoing surgery for ASD. Preoperative assessment of the mFI in this patient population can be utilized to improve current risk models. Level of Evidence: 3

Frailty Index as a Predictor of Adverse Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Cervical Spinal Fusion.

Study Design. Retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Objective. To investigate the applicability of the modified frailty index (mFI) as a predictor of adverse postoperative events in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior cervical fusion (PCF). Summary of Background Data. Prior studies have investigated the mFI and shown it as an independent predictor of adverse postoperative outcomes across multiple surgical specialties. However, this topic has not still been studied in patients undergoing cervical fusion or in spinal surgery. Methods. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program is a multicenter clinical registry that prospectively collects preoperative risk factors, intraoperative variables, and 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality outcomes from about 400 hospitals nationwide. Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to query the database for adults who underwent elective ACDF and PCF between 2005 and 2012. The mFI was calculated for each patient. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the mFI as a predictor for postoperative complications. Results. For ACDF group, Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications rate increased from 0.8% to 9.0% as mFI increased from 0 to ≥0.27, and mFI = 0.27 was found to be an independent predictor of Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications (odds ratio, OR, = 4.67, 95% confidence interval, CI, = 2.27–9.62, P < 0.001). For PCF groups, Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications rate increased from 0.7% to 20.0% as mFI increased from 0 to ≥0.36, and mFI ≥ 0.36 was identified as an independent predictor of Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications (OR = 41.26, 95% CI = 6.62–257.15, P < 0.001). Conclusion. The mFI was shown to be an independent predictor of Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications in patients undergoing ACDF or PCF. The mFI itself may be used to stratify risks in patients undergoing cervical fusion, or, the mFI scheme could be used as a platform upon which more efficient risk stratification could be done with addition of other variables. Level of Evidence: 4

Impact of Gender on 30-Day Complications After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.

Study Design. Retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Objective. To determine if postoperative morbidity for patients undergoing spinal deformity surgery varies by sex. Summary of Background Data. Influence of sex has been investigated in other surgical procedures but has not yet been studied in adult spinal deformity surgery. Methods. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program is a large multicenter clinical registry that prospectively collects preoperative risk factors, intraoperative variables, and 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality outcomes from about 400 hospitals nationwide. Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to query the database for adults who underwent fusion for spinal deformity. Patients were separated into groups of male and female sex. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the effect of sex on the incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Results. Female sex was found to be a predictor of any complication[odds ratio (OR): 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–1.7, P < 0.0001], intra- or postoperative RBC transfusion (OR: 1.6, 95% CI 1.4–1.9, P < .0001), urinary tract infection (OR: 2.0, 95% CI 1.2–3.3, P = 0.0046), and length of stay >5 days (OR: 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5, P = 0.0015). Male sex was associated with higher rate of pulmonary (2.9% vs. 2.0%, P = 0.0344) and cardiac complications (0.9% vs. 0.5%, P = 0.0497). However, male sex as an independent risk factor for pulmonary (OR: 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–2.1, P = 0.0715) and cardiac complications (OR: 1.9, 95% CI 0.9–4.0, P = 0.1076) did not reach significance. Conclusion. Female sex was found to increase overall morbidity, particularly for urinary tract infection, transfusion, and length of stay >5 days. Male sex was associated with greater incidence of pulmonary and cardiac complications. Thus, sex and other patient characteristics highlighted must be considered as part of surgical risk planning and patient counseling. Level of Evidence: 3

Pediatric Cervical Spine and Spinal Cord Injury: A National Database Study

Study Design. A retrospective administrative database analysis. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of pediatric cervical spine injury (PCSI) utilizing the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID). Summary of Background Data. PCSI is debilitating, but comprehensive analyses have been difficult due to its rarity. There have been a few database studies on PCSI; however, the studies employed databases that suffer from selection bias. Methods. The triennial KID was queried from years 2000 to 2012 using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. Pediatric admissions were divided into five age groups reflecting different developmental stages. PCSI was analyzed in terms of trend, demographics, injury characteristics, hospital characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes variables. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for PCSI among trauma admissions and to identify independent risk factors for mortality among PCSI admissions. Results. Over the past decade, the overall prevalence of traumatic PCSI was 2.07%, and the mortality rate was 4.87%. Most frequent cause of PCSI was transportation accidents, accounting for 57.51%. Upper cervical spine injury (C1–C4), cervical fracture with spinal cord injury, spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA), and dislocation showed a decreasing trend with age. Some comorbidities, including, but not limited to, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and paralysis were common across all age groups, while substance abuse showed a bimodal distribution. Independent risk factors for PCSI after trauma were older cohorts, non-Northeast region, and transportation accidents. For mortality after PCSI, independent risk factors were younger cohorts, transportation accidents, upper cervical spine injury, dislocation, and spinal cord injuries. Median length of stay and cost were 3.84 days and

The Incidence and Risk Factors for 30-Day Unplanned Readmissions After Elective Posterior Lumbar Fusion.

14 742. Conclusion. Pediatric patients are highly heterogeneous, constantly undergoing behavioral, environmental, and anatomical changes. PCSI after trauma is more common among older cohorts; however, mortality after sustaining PCSI is higher among younger patients. Level of Evidence: 4

Delaminated rotator cuff tear: extension of delamination and cuff integrity after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Study Design. Retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Objective. To perform a multiinstitutional assessment on the incidence and risk factors for unplanned readmissions following elective posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) surgery. Summary of Background Data. Understanding what may drive rehospitalizations is a necessary step toward higher quality care. Identifying risk factors for unplanned readmission is especially important for elective PLF, which is a common procedure that is known to be associated with significant adverse events. Methods. Adult patients undergoing PLF were identified using current procedure terminology (CPT) from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Both descriptive and comparative statistics were performed for patient characteristics, clinical factors, and postoperative complications. Subsequently, a step-wise multivariate logistic regression was employed. Results. Of the 2301 patients who met inclusion criteria for this study, 117 were unplanned readmissions (5.1%). These occurred at a mean of 15.9 days (range: 3–30 days) after surgery. The risk-adjusted analysis revealed that bleeding disorder (odds ratio, OR = 2.8, confidence intervals, CI = 1.0–7.6, P = 0.043), insulin dependent diabetes (OR = 2.5, CI = 1.4–4.4, P = 0.004), and total length of stay > 5 days (OR = 1.8, CI = 1.2–2.8, P = 0.009) were independent predictors for unplanned readmission. Significant postoperative complications included wound complications (OR = 27.6, CI = 13.9–54.8, P < 0.0001), pulmonary embolism and/or deep vein thrombosis/thrombophlebitis (OR = 11.9, CI = 5.0–28.5, P < 0.0001), sepsis (OR = 8.5, CI = 2.3–32.1, P = 0.002), and urinary tract infections (OR = 2.4, CI = 0.9–6.9, P = 0.094). Conclusion. The unplanned readmission rate for patients undergoing PLF was low, but this studys findings of potentially modifiable risk factors suggest that substantial improvement with this quality metric is possible. Level of Evidence:N/A

Impact of Resident Involvement on Morbidity in Adult Patients Undergoing Fusion for Spinal Deformity

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extension of delamination and the cuff integrity after arthroscopic repair of delaminated rotator cuff tears. METHODS Sixty-five patients with delaminated rotator cuff tears were retrospectively reviewed. The delaminated tears were divided into full-thickness delaminated tears and partial-thickness delaminated tears. To evaluate the medial extension, we calculated the coronal size of the delaminated portion. To evaluate the posterior extension, we checked the tendon involved. Cuff integrity was evaluated by computed tomography arthrography. RESULTS The mean medial extension in the full-thickness and partial-thickness delaminated tears was 18.1 ± 6.0 mm and 22.7 ± 6.3 mm, respectively (P = .0084). The posterior extension into the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus was 36.9% and 32.3%, respectively, in the full-thickness delaminated tears, and it was 27.7% and 3.1%, respectively, in the partial-thickness delaminated tears (P = .0043). With regard to cuff integrity, 35 cases of anatomic healing, 10 cases of partial healing defects, and 17 cases of retear were detected. Among the patients with retear and partial healing of the defect, all the partially healed defects showed delamination. Three retear patients showed delamination, and 14 retear patients did not show delamination; the difference was statistically significant (P = .0001). CONCLUSION The full-thickness delaminated tears showed less medial extension and more posterior extension than the partial-thickness delaminated tears. Delamination did not develop in retear patients, but delamination was common in the patients with partially healed defects.

Impact of Gender on 30-Day Complications After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty

Study Design. A retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine whether patients undergoing spinal deformity surgery with resident involvement are at an increased risk of morbidity. Summary of Background Data. Resident involvement has been investigated in other orthopedic procedures but has not been studied in adult spinal deformity surgery. Methods. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) is a large multicenter clinical registry that prospectively collects preoperative risk factors, intraoperative variables, and 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality outcomes from about 400 hospitals nationwide. Current procedural terminology (CPT) codes were used to query the database for adults who underwent fusion for spinal deformity between 2005 and 2012. Patients were separated into propensity score matched groups of those with and without resident involvement. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the effect of resident involvement on the incidence of postoperative morbidity and other surgical outcomes. Results. Resident involvement was an independent predictor of overall morbidity [odds ratio (OR) 2.2, P < 0.0001], wound complication (OR 2.5, P = 0.0252), intra-/postoperative transfusion (OR 2.3, P < 0.0001), and length of stay > 5 days (OR 2.0, P < 0.0001). However, resident involvement was not an independent predictor for other complications, such as mortality. Conclusion. Resident participation was associated with significantly longer operative times. As a result, higher rate of certain morbidity, but not mortality, was found, specifically for complications that have been previously associated with long operative duration. Level of Evidence: 3

Early Complications and Outcomes in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: An NSQIP Study Based on 5803 Patients

BACKGROUND Impact of gender on 30-day complications has been investigated in other surgical procedures but has not yet been studied in total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS Patients who received THA or TKA from 2012 to 2014 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on gender. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess associations between gender and patient factors and complications after THA or TKA and to assess whether gender was an independent risk factor. RESULTS THA patients consisted of 45.1% male and 54.9% female. In a multivariate analysis, female gender was found to be a protective factor for mortality, sepsis, cardiovascular complications, unplanned reintubation, and renal complications and as an independent risk factor for urinary tract infection, blood transfusion, and nonhome discharge after THA. TKA patients consisted of 36.7% male and 62.3% female. Multivariate analysis revealed female gender as a protective factor for sepsis, cardiovascular complications, and renal complications and as an independent risk factor for urinary tract infection, blood transfusion, and nonhome discharge after TKA. CONCLUSION There are discrepancies in the THA or TKA complications based on gender, and the multivariate analyses confirmed gender as an independent risk factor for certain complications. Physicians should be mindful of patients gender for better risk stratification and informed consent.

Frailty Is Predictive of Adverse Postoperative Events in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Fusion

Study Design: Retrospective analysis. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence, impact, and risk factors for short-term postoperative complications following elective adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. Methods: Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to query the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) for adults who underwent spinal deformity surgery from 2010 to 2014. Patients were separated into groups of those with and without complications. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the impact of patient characteristics and operative features on postoperative outcomes. Results: In total, 5803 patients were identified as having undergone ASD surgery in the NSQIP database. The average patient age was 59.5 (±13.5) years, 59.0% were female, and 81.1% were of Caucasian race. The mean body mass index was 29.5(±6.6), with 41.9% of patients having a body mass index of 30 or higher. The most common comorbidities were hypertension requiring medication (54.5%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (4.9%), and bleeding disorders (1.2%). Nearly a half of the ASD patients had an operative time >4 hours. The posterior fusion approach was more common (56.9%) than an anterior one (39.6%). The mean total relative value unit was 73.4 (±28.8). Based on multivariate analyses, several patient and operative characteristics were found to be predictive of morbidity. Conclusion: Surgical correction of ASD is associated with substantial risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Preoperative and intraoperative variables were associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This data may assist in developing future quality improvement activities and saving costs through measurable improvement in patient safety.