Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Global sagittal malalignment is significantly correlated with health-related quality-of-life scores in the setting of spinal deformity. In order to address rigid deformity ...patterns, the use of spinal osteotomies has seen a substantial increase. Unfortunately, variations of established techniques and hybrid combinations of osteotomies have made comparisons of outcomes difficult.
OBJECTIVE:
To propose a classification system of anatomically-based spinal osteotomies and provide a common language among spine specialists.
METHODS:
The proposed classification system is based on 6 anatomic grades of resection (1 through 6) corresponding to the extent of bone resection and increasing degree of destabilizing potential. In addition, a surgical approach modifier is added (posterior approach or combined anterior and posterior approaches). Reliability of the classification system was evaluated by an analysis of 16 clinical cases, rated 2 times by 8 different readers, and calculation of Fleiss kappa coefficients.
RESULTS:
Intraobserver reliability was classified as “almost perfect”; Fleiss kappa coefficient averaged 0.96 (range, 0.92-1.0) for resection type and 0.90 (0.71-1.0) for the approach modifier. Results from the interobserver reliability for the classification were 0.96 for resection type and 0.88 for the approach modifier.
CONCLUSION:
This proposed anatomically based classification system provides a consistent description of the various osteotomies performed in spinal deformity correction surgery. The reliability study confirmed that the classification is simple and consistent. Further development of its use will provide a common frame for osteotomy assessment and permit comparative analysis of different treatments.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Global sagittal malalignment is significantly correlated with health-related quality-of-life scores in the setting of spinal deformity. In order to address rigid deformity ...patterns, the use of spinal osteotomies has seen a substantial increase. Unfortunately, variations of established techniques and hybrid combinations of osteotomies have made comparisons of outcomes difficult.
OBJECTIVE:
To propose a classification system of anatomically-based spinal osteotomies and provide a common language among spine specialists.
METHODS:
The proposed classification system is based on 6 anatomic grades of resection (1 through 6) corresponding to the extent of bone resection and increasing degree of destabilizing potential. In addition, a surgical approach modifier is added (posterior approach or combined anterior and posterior approaches). Reliability of the classification system was evaluated by an analysis of 16 clinical cases, rated 2 times by 8 different readers, and calculation of Fleiss kappa coefficients.
RESULTS:
Intraobserver reliability was classified as "almost perfect"; Fleiss kappa coefficient averaged 0.96 (range, 0.92-1.0) for resection type and 0.90 (0.71-1.0) for the approach modifier. Results from the interobserver reliability for the classification were 0.96 for resection type and 0.88 for the approach modifier.
CONCLUSION:
This proposed anatomically based classification system provides a consistent description of the various osteotomies performed in spinal deformity correction surgery. The reliability study confirmed that the classification is simple and consistent. Further development of its use will provide a common frame for osteotomy assessment and permit comparative analysis of different treatments.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Improved understanding of rod fracture (RF) in adult spinal deformity could be valuable for implant design, surgical planning, and patient counseling.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate ...symptomatic RF after posterior instrumented fusion for adult spinal deformity.
METHODS:
A multicenter, retrospective review of RF in adult spinal deformity was performed. Inclusion criteria were spinal deformity, age older than 18 years, and more than 5 levels posterior instrumented fusion. Rod failures were divided into early (⩽12 months) and late (>12 months).
RESULTS:
Of 442 patients, 6.8% had symptomatic RF. RF rates were 8.6% for titanium alloy, 7.4% for stainless steel, and 2.7% for cobalt chromium. RF incidence after pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) was 15.8%. Among patients with a PSO and RF, 89% had RF at or adjacent to the PSO. Mean time to early RF (63%) was 6.4 months (range, 2-12 months). Mean time to late RF (37%) was 31.8 months (range, 14-73 months). The majority of RFs after PSO (71%) were early (mean, 10 months). Among RF cases, mean sagittal vertical axis improved from preoperative (163 mm) to postoperative (76.9 mm) measures (P < .001); however, 16 had postoperative malalignment (sagittal vertical axis >50 mm; mean, 109 mm).
CONCLUSION:
Symptomatic RF occurred in 6.8% of adult spinal deformity cases and in 15.8% of PSO patients. The rate of RF was lower with cobalt chromium than with titanium alloy or stainless steel. Early failure was most common after PSO and favored the PSO site, suggesting that RF may be caused by stress at the PSO site. Postoperative sagittal malalignment may increase the risk of RF.
Introduction
Pelvic tilt is an established measure of position which has been tied to sagittal plane spinal deformity. Increased tilt is noted in the setting of the aging spine and sagittal ...malalignment syndromes such as flatback (compensatory mechanism). However, the femoral heads are often poorly visualized on sagittal films of scoliosis series in adults, limiting the ability to determine pelvic incidence and tilt. There is a need to establish a coronal plane (better visualization) pelvic parameter which correlates closely with pelvic tilt.
Methods
This is a retrospective review of 71 adult patients (47 females and 24 males) with full-length standing spine radiographs. Visualization of all spinal and pelvic landmarks was available coronally and sagittally (including pelvis and acetabuli). Pelvic tilt was calculated through validated digital analysis software (SpineView
®
). A new parameter, the sacro-femoral-pubic angle (midpoint of S1 endplate to centroid of acetabuli to superior border of the pubic symphysis) was analyzed for correlation (and predictive ability) with sagittal pelvic tilt.
Results
The sacro-femoral-pubic angle (SFP angle) was highly correlated to PT, and according to this analysis, pelvic tilt could be estimated by the formula: PT = 75 − (SFP angle). A Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.74 (
p
< 0.005) and predictive ability of 76% accuracy was obtained (±7.5°). The correlation and predictive ability was greater for males compared to females (male:
r
= 0.87 and predictive model = 93%; female:
r
= 0.67 and predictive model = 67%).
Conclusion
The pelvic tilt is an essential measure in the context of radiographic evaluation of spinal deformity and malalignment. Given the routinely excellent visibility of coronal films this study established the SFP as a coronal parameter which can reliably estimate pelvic tilt. The high correlation and predictive ability of the SFP angle should prompt further study and clinical application when lateral radiographs do not permit assessment of pelvic parameters.