Richard E. McCarthy

Dual Growing Rod Technique Followed for Three to Eleven Years Until Final Fusion : The Effect of Frequency of Lengthening

Study Design. Retrospective case review of children completing dual growing rod treatment at our institutions. Patients had a minimum of 2 years follow-up. Objective. To identify the factors influencing dual growing rod treatment outcome followed to final fusion. Summary of Background Data. Published reports on dual growing rod technique results for early onset scoliosis demonstrate it to be safe and effective in curve correction and maintenance as well as in allowing spinal growth. Methods. Between 1990 and 2003, 13 patients with no previous surgery and noncongenital curves underwent final fusion. All had preoperative curve progression over 10° after unsuccessful nonoperative treatment. There were 10 females and 3 males. Average age was 6.6 ± 2.9 years at initial surgery. There were 3 idiopathic, 1 nonspine congenital anomaly, and 9 syndromic patients. Analysis included age at initial surgery and final fusion, number and frequency of lengthenings, and complications. Radiographic evaluation included changes in Cobb angle, T1–S1 length, and instrumentation length over the treatment period. Results. Cobb angle improved from 81.0 ± 23° to 35.8 ± 15° postinitial and 27.7 ± 17° after final fusion. Average number of lengthenings was 5.2 ± 3 at an interval of 9.4 ± 5 months. T1–S1 length increased from 24.4 ± 3.4 to 29.3 ± 3.6 cm postinitial and 35.0 ± 3.7 cm postfinal fusion. Average growth was 1.46 ± 0.66 cm/year. Those lengthened at ≤6 months (n = 7; range, 5.5–6.7 months) had a higher annual growth rate of 1.8 cm versus 1.0 cm (P = 0.018) from postinitial to postfinal and significantly greater scoliosis correction (79% vs. 48%, P = 0.007) than those lengthened less frequently (n = 6; range, 9–20 months). Six patients experienced complications: 3 within the treatment period, 2 postfinal, and 1 both during and after treatment. Conclusion. Dual growing rod technique resulted in 5.7 ± 2.9 cm of spinal growth during a 4.37 ± 2.4 year treatment period. There was significantly greater growth and correction achieved in those lengthened more frequently.

Complications in the surgical treatment of 19,360 cases of pediatric scoliosis: a review of the Scoliosis Research Society Morbidity and Mortality database.

Study Design. Retrospective review of a multicenter database. Objective. To determine the complication rates associated with surgical treatment of pediatric scoliosis and to assess variables associated with increased complication rates. Summary of Background Data. Wide variability is reported for complications associated with the operative treatment of pediatric scoliosis. Limited number of patients, surgeons, and diagnoses occur in most reports. The Scoliosis Research Society Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) database aggregates deidentified data, permitting determination of complication rates from large numbers of patients and surgeons. Methods. Cases of pediatric scoliosis (age ⩽18 years), entered into the Scoliosis Research Society M&M database between 2004 and 2007, were analyzed. Age, scoliosis type, type of instrumentation used, and complications were assessed. Results. A total of 19,360 cases fulfilled inclusion criteria. Of these, complications occurred in 1971 (10.2%) cases. Overall complication rates differed significantly among idiopathic, congenital, and neuromuscular cases (P < 0.001). Neuromuscular scoliosis had the highest rate of complications (17.9%), followed by congenital scoliosis (10.6%) and idiopathic scoliosis (6.3%). Rates of neurologic deficit also differed significantly based on the etiology of scoliosis (P < 0.001), with the highest rate among congenital cases (2.0%), followed by neuromuscular types (1.1%) and idiopathic scoliosis (0.8%). Neur-omuscular scoliosis and congenital scoliosis had the highest rates of mortality (0.3% each), followed by idiopathic scoliosis (0.02%). Higher rates of new neurologic deficits were associated with revision procedures (P < 0.001) and with the use of corrective osteotomies (P < 0.001). The rates of new neurologic deficit were significantly higher for procedures using anterior screw-only constructs (2.0%) or wire-only constructs (1.7%), compared with pedicle screw-only constructs (0.7%) (P < 0.001). Conclusion. In this review of a large multicenter database of surgically treated pediatric scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis had the highest morbidity, but relatively high complication rates occurred in all groups. These data may be useful for preoperative counseling and surgical decision-making in the treatment of pediatric scoliosis.

Rates of new neurological deficit associated with spine surgery based on 108,419 procedures: A report of the scoliosis research society morbidity and mortality committee

Study Design. Retrospective review of a prospectively collected, multicenter database. Objective. To assess rates of new neurologic deficit (NND) associated with spine surgery. Summary of Background Data. NND is a potential complication of spine surgery, but previously reported rates are often limited by small sample size and single-surgeon experiences. Methods. The Scoliosis Research Society morbidity and mortality database was queried for spinal surgery cases complicated by NND from 2004 to 2007, including nerve root deficit (NRD), cauda equina deficit (CED), and spinal cord deficit (SCD). Use of neuromonitoring was assessed. Recovery was stratified as complete, partial, or none. Rates of NND were stratified based on diagnosis, age (pediatric < 21; adult ≥ 21), and surgical parameters. Results. Of the 108,419 cases reported, NND was documented for 1064 (1.0%), including 662 NRDs, 74 CEDs, and 293 SCDs (deficit not specified for 35 cases). Rates of NND were calculated on the basis of diagnosis. Revision cases had a 41% higher rate of NND (1.25%) compared with primary cases (0.89%; P < 0.001). Pediatric cases had a 59% higher rate of NND (1.32%) compared with adult cases (0.83%; P < 0.001). The rate of NND for cases with implants was more than twice that for cases without implants (1.15% vs. 0.52%, P < 0.001). Neuromonitoring was used for 65% of cases, and for cases with new NRD, CED, and SCD, changes in neuromonitoring were reported in 11%, 8%, and 40%, respectively. The respective percentages of no recovery, partial, and complete recovery for NRD were 4.7%, 46.8%, and 47.1%, respectively; for CED were 9.6%, 45.2%, and 45.2%, respectively; and for SCD were 10.6%, 43%, and 45.7%, respectively. Conclusion. Our data demonstrate that, even among skilled spinal deformity surgeons, new neurologic deficits are inherent potential complications of spine surgery. These data provide general benchmark rates for NND with spine surgery as a basis for patient counseling and for ongoing efforts to improve safety of care.

The Spinal Appearance Questionnaire: Results of reliability, validity, and responsiveness testing in patients with idiopathic scoliosis

Study Design. Prospective, sequential enrollment. Objective. We report the development and testing of the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) for reliability, validity, and responsiveness in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Summary of Background Data. The SAQ was designed to measure patients’ and their parents’ perception of their spinal deformity’s appearance using standardized drawings and questions. This study was designed to test the instrument’s psychometric properties. Methods. The SAQ was administered as a test-retest to idiopathic scoliosis patients and parents for reliability and initial validity assessment (Group I). It was then administered to patients before surgery and 1 year after surgery (Group II) for responsiveness and further validity testing. Finally, both the SAQ and SRS instruments were administered to adolescent idiopathic patients before surgery and 1 year after surgery (Group III) for comparison of the 2 instruments. Results. Group I: The individual scale items had good to excellent reliability (Spearman’s rho, 0.57–0.99) and high internal scale consistency (Cronbach’s alpha >0.7). The mean scale scores differentiated between curves greater than 30° and lesser curves (P < 0.01). Surgery improved scores compared with those with “surgery recommended.” Group II: The domains correlated with clinical and radiographic aspects of the deformity before surgery. All of the domains showed significant difference after surgery (P < 0.0001) and large effect size for all domains except for the patient chest domain. Group III: Both the SAQ and the SRS instruments had significant improvement in all of their domains except for the SRS Activity scale. The relative efficiency of the SAQ domains to the SRS appearance domain (the most responsive SRS domain) was greater for 5 SAQ domains. Conclusion. The SAQ is reliable, responsive to curve improvement, and shows strong evidence of validity. It provides more detail than the SRS in the appearance domain, and provides explanation of spinal deformity’s concerns and improvements.

Does bone morphogenetic protein increasethe incidence of perioperative complicationsin spinal fusion?: A comparison of 55,862 cases of spinal fusion with and without bone morphogenetic protein

Study Design. Retrospective review of a multi-institutional, multisurgeon database. Objective. Assess for associations between bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) use and rate of complications in spinal fusion. Summary of Background Data. BMP is commonly used in spinal surgery to augment fusion; however, there is limited evidence demonstrating its associated complications. Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of all fusion cases submitted by members of the Scoliosis Research Society from 2004 to 2007. We stratified on the basis of the use of BMP and evaluated for complications and associated characteristics. Results. A total of 55,862 cases of spinal fusion were identified with BMP used in 21% (11,933) of the cases. Excluding anterior cervical fusions, there were no significant differences between fusions with and without BMP with regard to overall complications (8.4% vs. 8.5%; P = 0.5), wound infections (2.4% vs. 2.4%; P = 0.8), or epidural hematomas/seromas (0.2% vs. 0.2%; P = 0.3). Anterior cervical fusions with BMP were associated with more overall complications (5.8% vs. 2.4%; P < 0.001) and more wound infections (2.1% vs. 0.4%; P < 0.001) than fusions without BMP. On multivariate analysis for thoracolumbar and posterior cervical fusions, BMP use was not a significant predictor of complications (P = 0.334; odds ratio = 1.039; 95% confidence interval = 0.961–1.124; covariates were BMP use, patient age, revision vs. primary surgery). Multivariate analysis for anterior cervical spinal fusion demonstrated that BMP use remained a significant predictor of complications (P < 0.001, odds ratio = 1.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.516–1.721), after adjusting for the effects of patient age and whether the surgery was a revision procedure. Conclusion. BMP use with anterior cervical fusion was associated with an increased incidence of complications. Use of BMP was not associated with more complications in thoracolumbar and posterior cervical fusions.

Correlation of higher preoperative American Society of Anesthesiology grade and increased morbidity and mortality rates in patients undergoing spine surgery

OBJECT Patients with varied medical comorbidities often present with spinal pathology for which operative intervention is potentially indicated, but few studies have examined risk stratification in determining morbidity and mortality rates associated with the operative treatment of spinal disorders. This study provides an analysis of morbidity and mortality data associated with 22,857 cases reported in the multicenter, multisurgeon Scoliosis Research Society Morbidity and Mortality database stratified by American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, a commonly used system to describe preoperative physical status and to predict operative morbidity. METHODS The Scoliosis Research Society Morbidity and Mortality database was queried for the year 2007, the year in which ASA data were collected. Inclusion criterion was a reported ASA grade. Cases were categorized by operation type and disease process. Details on the surgical approach and type of instrumentation were recorded. Major perioperative complications and deaths were evaluated. Two large subgroups--patients with adult degenerative lumbar disease and patients with major deformity--were also analyzed separately. Statistical analyses were performed with the chi-square test. RESULTS The population studied comprised 22,857 patients. Spinal disease included degenerative disease (9409 cases), scoliosis (6782 cases), spondylolisthesis (2144 cases), trauma (1314 cases), kyphosis (831 cases), and other (2377 cases). The overall complication rate was 8.4%. Complication rates for ASA Grades 1 through 5 were 5.4%, 9.0%, 14.4%, 20.3%, and 50.0%, respectively (p = 0.001). In patients undergoing surgery for degenerative lumbar diseases and major adult deformity, similarly increasing rates of morbidity were found in higher-grade patients. The mortality rate was also higher in higher-grade patients. The incidence of major complications, including wound infections, hematomas, respiratory problems, and thromboembolic events, was also greater in patients with higher ASA grades. CONCLUSIONS Patients with higher ASA grades undergoing spinal surgery had significantly higher rates of morbidity than those with lower ASA grades. Given the common application of the ASA system to surgical patients, this grade may prove helpful for surgical decision making and preoperative counseling with regard to risks of morbidity and mortality.

Proximal femoral resection to allow adults who have severe cerebral palsy to sit.

Resection of the proximal end of the femur and interpositional arthroplasty was done in thirty-four patients (fifty-six hips) to allow the patients to sit comfortably and to make perineal care painless. All of the patients were severely handicapped because of cerebral palsy, were unable to walk, and were residents of one of two state institutions. After a minimum follow-up of two years, the result had not deteriorated in thirty-three of the thirty-four patients.

Safety and efficacy of growing rod technique for pediatric congenital spinal deformities.

Background Growing rod surgery is a modern alternative treatment for young children with early onset scoliosis. This is the first study focused on its use in progressive congenital spinal deformities. Methods A retrospective study of 19 patients from the international multicenter Growing Spine Study Group with progressive congenital spinal deformities undergoing growing rod surgery who had a minimum of 2 years follow-up. We analyzed demographic and radiographic data including age at initial surgery, number of abnormal vertebrae per patient, number of lengthenings postoperatively, Cobb angle of the major curve preoperative, postoperative initial and at last follow-up, T1-S1 length, space available for the lung (SAL), length of follow up, and complications. Results The mean age at surgery was 6.9 years (range: 3.2 to 10.7 y). The mean number of affected vertebrae per patient was 5.2 (range: 2 to 9 vertebrae). The mean number of lengthening was 4.2 (range: 1 to 10 lengthening) per patient. The major Cobb angle improved from 66 degrees (range: 40 to 95 degrees) preoperatively to 45 degrees (range: 13 to 79 degrees) initial postoperative and 47 degrees (range: 18 to 78 degrees) at the last follow-up. The mean T1-S1 length increased from 268.3 mm (range: 192 to 322 mm) postoperatively to a mean of 315.4 mm (range: 261 to 357 mm) at last follow-up. The mean T1-S1 length increase was 11.7 mm/y. The SAL ratio increased from 0.81 preoperatively to 0.94 at latest follow-up. The mean postoperative follow-up was 4 years (range: 2 to 6.6 y). Five patients (38%) had undergone final fusion and 14 are still under treatment. Complications have occurred in 8 patients (42%). There were 14 (14%) complications in 100 procedures: 11 implant related, 2 pulmonary, and 1 postoperative infection. There were no neurological complications. Conclusions Growing rods are a safe and effective treatment technique in selected patients with congenital spinal deformities. The deformity, spinal growth, and the SAL improved. The incidence of complication was relatively low. Level of Evidence Level IV, case series.

Luque fixation to the sacral ala using the Dunn-McCarthy modification

The Galveston-Luque technique of fixation to the pelvis requires solid bone and a strong pelvis. Because the majority of neuromuscular patients who require fixation to the pelvis have a weak and thin illum, an alternative to the Galveston technique was sought. A technique of rod contouring was developed that takes advantage of the reliable, stout bone of the sacral ala for fixation. Twenty-four patients have been instrumented with Luque rods and fused to the sacrum over the past 4 years using the technique. There have been no complications In this short follow-up.

S rod fixation to the sacrum in patients with neuromuscular spinal deformities.

A new form of pelvic fixation has been designed for use in patients with neuromuscular spinal deformities to overcome the problems imposed by the Galveston technique. One end of a Luque rod is prebent into an S shaped configuration and placed over the sacral ala supplying firm fixation across the lumbosacral junction without crossing the sacroiliac joint. It fixes firmly against the sacral ala by distracting against a hook or screw in the lumbar spine. A 12 year retrospective review of 67 patients with severe neuromuscular spinal deformities was accomplished. All surgeries were performed by one surgeon. All patients had good deformity correction with an average followup of 6 years and 2 months. Complications included: recurrence of pelvic obliquity (one patient), skin break-down over hardware (one patient), migration of hardware at sacrum (two patients), and rod breakage (five patients). The S rod is recommended for all patients with neuromuscular spinal deformities who require instrument fixation to the pelvis. Its ease of insertion and decreased operative time allow for a safe and dependable alternative fixation to the sacrum without crossing the sacroiliac joint.