Complications in spine surgery

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rani Nasser ◽  
Sanjay Yadla ◽  
Mitchell G. Maltenfort ◽  
James S. Harrop ◽  
D. Greg Anderson ◽  
...  

Object The overall incidence of complications or adverse events in spinal surgery is unknown. Both prospective and retrospective analyses have been performed, but the results have not been critically assessed. Procedures for different regions of the spine (cervical and thoracolumbar) and the incidence of complications for each have been reported but not compared. Authors of previous reports have concentrated on complications in terms of their incidence relevant to healthcare providers: medical versus surgical etiology and the relevance of perioperative complications to perioperative events. Few authors have assessed complication incidence from the patient's perspective. In this report the authors summarize the spine surgery complications literature and address the effect of study design on reported complication incidence. Methods A systematic evidence-based review was completed to identify within the published literature complication rates in spinal surgery. The MEDLINE database was queried using the key words “spine surgery” and “complications.” This initial search revealed more than 700 articles, which were further limited through an exclusion process. Each abstract was reviewed and papers were obtained. The authors gathered 105 relevant articles detailing 80 thoracolumbar and 25 cervical studies. Among the 105 articles were 84 retrospective studies and 21 prospective studies. The authors evaluated the study designs and compared cervical, thoracolumbar, prospective, and retrospective studies as well as the durations of follow-up for each study. Results In the 105 articles reviewed, there were 79,471 patients with 13,067 reported complications for an overall complication incidence of 16.4% per patient. Complications were more common in thoracolumbar (17.8%) than cervical procedures (8.9%; p < 0.0001, OR 2.23). Prospective studies yielded a higher incidence of complications (19.9%) than retrospective studies (16.1%; p < 0.0001, OR 1.3). The complication incidence for prospective thoracolumbar studies (20.4%) was greater than that for retrospective series (17.5%; p < 0.0001). This difference between prospective and retrospective reviews was not found in the cervical studies. The year of study publication did not correlate with the complication incidence, although the duration of follow-up did correlate with the complication incidence (p = 0.001). Conclusions Retrospective reviews significantly underestimate the overall incidence of complications in spine surgery. This analysis is the first to critically assess differing complication incidences reported in prospective and retrospective cervical and thoracolumbar spine surgery studies.

2021 ◽  
pp. 219256822199478
Author(s):  
Karim Shafi ◽  
Francis Lovecchio ◽  
Maria Sava ◽  
Michael Steinhaus ◽  
Andre Samuel ◽  
...  

Study Design: Retrospective case series. Objective: To report contemporary rates of complications and subsequent surgery after spinal surgery in patients with skeletal dysplasia. Methods: A case series of 25 consecutive patients who underwent spinal surgery between 2007 and 2017 were identified from a single institution’s skeletal dysplasia registry. Patient demographics, medical history, surgical indication, complications, and subsequent surgeries (revisions, extension to adjacent levels, or for pathology at a non-contiguous level) were collected. Charlson comorbidity indices were calculated as a composite measure of overall health. Results: Achondroplasia was the most common skeletal dysplasia (76%) followed by spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (20%); 1 patient had diastrophic dysplasia (4%). Average patient age was 53.2 ± 14.7 years and most patients were in excellent cardiovascular health (88% Charlson Comorbidity Index 0-4). Mean follow up after the index procedure was 57.4 ± 39.2 months (range). Indications for surgery were mostly for neurologic symptoms. The most commonly performed surgery was a multilevel thoracolumbar decompression without fusion (57%). Complications included durotomy (36%), neurologic complication (12%), and infection requiring irrigation and debridement (8%). Nine patients (36%) underwent a subsequent surgery. Three patients (12%) underwent a procedure at a non-contiguous anatomic zone, 3 (12%) underwent a revision of the previous surgery, and another 3 (12%) required extension of their previous decompression or fusion. Conclusions: Surgical complication rates remain high after spine surgery in patients with skeletal dysplasia, likely attributable to inherent characteristics of the disease. Patients should be counseled on their risk for complication and subsequent surgery.


2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 69-72
Author(s):  
Marcos Vinicius Ribeiro dos SANTOS ◽  
Gustavo Enrique Correia FERREIRA ◽  
Eduardo Cirne Pedrosa de OLIVEIRA ◽  
Flavio KREIMER ◽  
Josemberg Marins CAMPOS ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: Despite of benefits of bariatric surgery for obesity treatment, the procedure may be related to some complications. AIM: Analyze studies to address the relation between nephrolithiasis and bariatric surgery. METHODS: Ten papers about this theme were selected from 2005-2013 in Pubmed, describing the relation of nephrolithiasis or their risk factors with several types of bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Retrospective studies with minimal follow-up of three years demonstrated 7,65% in surgery patients and 4,63% non-surgery with nephrolithiasis (p<0,05). Prospective studies (8 of 10) revealed large percentage of calculi appearing and significant increase in oxaluria. CONCLUSION: There is correlation between obesity surgery and nephrolithiasis.


Author(s):  
Steve Kisely ◽  
Lane Strathearn ◽  
Jake Moses Najman

Abstract Introduction Retrospective studies show a strong association between self-reported child abuse and subsequent tobacco use. Prospective studies using reports to statutory agencies are less common with limited information on people in their 30s. In addition, there have been no comparisons of the effect of self- and agency-reported abuse on smoking. We therefore assessed the effect on the prevalence and persistence of smoking at the 30-year-old follow-up of prospective agency notifications of child abuse compared to retrospective self-reports of maltreatment in the same birth cohort. Methods There were 2443 young adults with data on smoking and child abuse at 30-year-old follow-up. Information on self-reported abuse was collected using the Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and linked to notifications of child maltreatment to statutory agencies. Results The prevalence of self- and agency-reported maltreatment was 600 (24.7%) and 142 (5.8%) respectively. At follow-up, 565 participants smoked (23.1 %) but only 91 (3.8%) smoked 20 or more cigarettes a day. Of the 206 participants who smoked at 14 years, 101 were still smoking at follow-up. On adjusted analyses, both self- and agency-reported maltreatment showed a significant association with the prevalence and persistence of smoking from 14 years old. However, associations were weaker for some of the agency-notified child maltreatment subtypes possibly because of lower numbers. Conclusions Child maltreatment is associated with both an increased prevalence and persistence of smoking at 30-year-old follow-up irrespective of reporting source. This is despite self- and agency-reported maltreatment possibly representing different populations. Smoking cessation programmes should therefore target both groups. Implications Retrospective studies show an association between self-reported child abuse and subsequent tobacco use. Prospective studies of reports to statutory agencies are less common with limited information on people in their 30s. In addition, there have been no comparisons of self- and agency-reported abuse on smoking outcomes even though they may represent different populations. We therefore compared the effect of both on smoking outcomes at 30-year-old follow-up of 2443 adults from the same birth cohort. On adjusted analyses, both self- and agency-reported maltreatment showed significant associations with the prevalence and persistence of smoking. Smoking prevention and cessation programmes should therefore target both groups.


2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd R. Borenstein ◽  
Kapil Anand ◽  
Quanlin Li ◽  
Timothy P. Charlton ◽  
David B. Thordarson

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is commonly pursued for patients with painful arthritis. Outpatient TAA are increasingly common and have been shown to decrease costs compared to inpatient surgery. However, there are very few studies examining the safety of outpatient TAA. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 65 consecutive patients who received outpatient TAA to identify complication rates. Methods: The medical records of 65 consecutive outpatient TAA from October 2012 to May 2016 with a minimum 6-month follow-up were reviewed. All patients received popliteal and saphenous blocks prior to surgery and were managed with oral pain medication postoperatively. All received a STAR total ankle. Demographics, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, and perioperative complications including wound breakdown, infection, revision, and nonrevision surgeries were observed. Mean follow-up was 16.6 ± 9.1 months (range, 6-42 months). Results: There were no readmissions for pain control and 1 patient had a wound infection. The overall complication rate was 15.4%. One ankle (1.5%) had a wound breakdown requiring debridement and flap coverage. This patient thrombosed a popliteal artery stent 1 month postop. The 1 ankle (1.5%) with a wound infection occurred in a patient with diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the safety of outpatient TAA. The combination of regional anesthesia and oral narcotics provided a satisfactory experience with no readmissions for pain control and 1 wound infection. The 1 wound breakdown complication (1.5%) was attributed to arterial occlusion and not outpatient management. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 688-694
Author(s):  
Valerio Da Ros ◽  
Francesco Diana ◽  
Federico Sabuzi ◽  
Emanuele Malatesta ◽  
Antioco Sanna ◽  
...  

BackgroundThe management of ruptured posterior circulation perforator aneurysms (rPCPAs) remains unclear. We present our experience in treating rPCPAs with flow diverter stents (FDs) and evaluate their safety and efficacy at mid- to long-term follow-up. A diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for rPCPAs is also proposed.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from all consecutive patients with rPCPAs treated with FDs at our institutions between January 2013 and July 2019. Clinical presentations, time of treatments, intra- and perioperative complications, and clinical and angiographic outcomes were recorded, with a mid- to long-term follow-up. A systematic review of the literature on rPCPAs treated with FDs was also performed.ResultsSeven patients with seven rPCPAs were treated with FDs. All patients presented with an atypical subarachnoid hemorrhage distribution and a low to medium Hunt–Hess grade. In 29% of cases rPCPAs were identified on the initial angiogram. In 57% of cases, FDs were inserted within 2 days of the diagnosis. Immediate aneurysm occlusion was observed in 14% of the cases and in 71% at the first follow-up (mean 2.4 months). At mean follow-up of 33 months (range 3–72 months) one case of delayed ischemic complication occurred. Six patients had a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 and one patient had an mRS score of 4 at the latest follow-up.ConclusionsThe best management for rPCPAs remains unclear, but FDs seem to have lower complication rates than other treatment options. Further studies with larger series are needed to confirm the role of FDs in rPCPA.


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin S. Smith ◽  
Eric Klineberg ◽  
Virginie Lafage ◽  
Christopher I. Shaffrey ◽  
Frank Schwab ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE Although multiple reports have documented significant benefit from surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity (ASD), these procedures can have high complication rates. Previously reported complications rates associated with ASD surgery are limited by retrospective design, single-surgeon or single-center cohorts, lack of rigorous data on complications, and/or limited follow-up. Accurate definition of complications associated with ASD surgery is important and may serve as a resource for patient counseling and efforts to improve the safety of patient care. The authors conducted a study to prospectively assess the rates of complications associated with ASD surgery with a minimum 2-year follow-up based on a multicenter study design that incorporated standardized data-collection forms, on-site study coordinators, and regular auditing of data to help ensure complete and accurate reporting of complications. In addition, they report age stratification of complication rates and provide a general assessment of factors that may be associated with the occurrence of complications. METHODS As part of a prospective, multicenter ASD database, standardized forms were used to collect data on surgery-related complications. On-site coordinators and central auditing helped ensure complete capture of complication data. Inclusion criteria were age older than 18 years, ASD, and plan for operative treatment. Complications were classified as perioperative (within 6 weeks of surgery) or delayed (between 6 weeks after surgery and time of last follow-up), and as minor or major. The primary focus for analyses was on patients who reached a minimum follow-up of 2 years. RESULTS Of 346 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 291 (84%) had a minimum 2-year follow-up (mean 2.1 years); their mean age was 56.2 years. The vast majority (99%) had treatment including a posterior procedure, 25% had an anterior procedure, and 19% had a 3-column osteotomy. At least 1 revision was required in 82 patients (28.2%). A total of 270 perioperative complications (145 minor; 125 major) were reported, with 152 patients (52.2%) affected, and a total of 199 delayed complications (62 minor; 137 major) were reported, with 124 patients (42.6%) affected. Overall, 469 complications (207 minor; 262 major) were documented, with 203 patients (69.8%) affected. The most common complication categories included implant related, radiographic, neurological, operative, cardiopulmonary, and infection. Higher complication rates were associated with older age (p = 0.009), greater body mass index (p ≤ 0.031), increased comorbidities (p ≤ 0.007), previous spine fusion (p = 0.029), and 3-column osteotomies (p = 0.036). Cases in which 2-year follow-up was not achieved included 2 perioperative mortalities (pulmonary embolus and inferior vena cava injury). CONCLUSIONS This study provides an assessment of complications associated with ASD surgery based on a prospective, multicenter design and with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Although the overall complication rates were high, in interpreting these findings, it is important to recognize that not all complications are equally impactful. This study represents one of the most complete and detailed reports of perioperative and delayed complications associated with ASD surgery to date. These findings may prove useful for treatment planning, patient counseling, benchmarking of complication rates, and efforts to improve the safety and cost-effectiveness of patient care.


2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter G. Campbell ◽  
Sanjay Yadla ◽  
Rani Nasser ◽  
Jennifer Malone ◽  
Mitchell G. Maltenfort ◽  
...  

Object Present attempts to control health care costs focus on reducing the incidence of complications and hospital-acquired conditions (HACs). One approach uses restriction or elimination of hospital payments for HACs. Present approaches assume that all HACs are created equal and that payment restrictions should be applied uniformly. Patient factors, and especially patient comorbidities, likely impact complication incidence. The relationship of patient comorbidities and complication incidence in spine surgery has not been prospectively reported. Methods The authors conducted a prospective assessment of complications in spine surgery during a 6-month period; an independent auditor and a validated definition of perioperative complications were used. Initial demographics captured relevant patient comorbidities. The authors constructed a model of relative risk assessment based on the presence of a variety of comorbidities. They examined the impact of specific comorbidities and the cumulative effect of multiple comorbidities on complication incidence. Results Two hundred forty-nine patients undergoing 259 procedures at a tertiary care facility were evaluated during the 6-month duration of the study. Eighty percent of the patients underwent fusion procedures. One hundred thirty patients (52.2%) experienced at least 1 complication, with major complications occurring in 21.4% and minor complications in 46.4% of the cohort. Major complications doubled the median duration of hospital stay, from 6 to 12 days in cervical spine patients and from 7 to 14 days in thoracolumbar spine patients. At least 1 comorbid condition was present in 86% of the patients. An increasing number of comorbidities strongly correlated with increased risk of major, minor, and any complications (p = 0.017, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Patient factors correlating with increased risk of specific complications included systemic malignancy and cardiac conditions other than hypertension. Conclusions Comorbidities significantly increase the risk of perioperative complications. An increasing number of comorbidities in an individual patient significantly increases the risk of a perioperative adverse event. Patient factors significantly impact the relative risk of HACs and perioperative complications.


2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan M. Loewy ◽  
Thomas H. Sanders ◽  
Arthur K. Walling

Background: Limited intermediate and no real long-term follow-up data have been published for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in the United States. This is a report of clinical follow-up data of a prospective, consecutive cohort of patients who underwent TAA by a single surgeon from 1999 to 2013 with the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) prosthesis. Methods: Patients undergoing TAA at a single US institution were enrolled into a prospective study. These patients were followed at regular intervals with history, physical examination, and radiographs; American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale scores were obtained and recorded. Primary outcomes included implant survivability and functional outcomes scores. Secondary outcomes included perioperative complications such as periprosthetic or polyethylene fracture. Between 1999 and 2013, a total of 138 STAR TAAs were performed in 131 patients; 81 patients were female. The mean age at surgery was 61.5 ± 12.3 years (range, 30-88 years). The mean duration of follow-up for living patients who retained both initial components at final follow-up was 8.8±4.3 years (range 2-16.9 years). Results: The mean change in AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot scores from preoperative to final follow-up was 36.0 ± 16.8 ( P < .0001). There were 21 (15.2%) implant failures that occurred at a mean 4.9 ± 4.5 years postoperation. Ten polyethylene components in 9 TAAs (6.5%) required replacement for fracture at an average 8.9 ± 3.3 years postoperatively. Fourteen patients died with their initial implants in place. Conclusion: This cohort of patients with true intermediate follow-up after TAA with the STAR prosthesis had acceptable implant survival, maintenance of improved patient-reported outcome scores, and low major complication rates. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 205031211668518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamdy Aboutaleb ◽  
Mohamed Omar ◽  
Shady Salem ◽  
Mohamed Elshazly

Objectives: We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and outcome of shock wave lithotripsy versus semirigid ureteroscopy in the management of the proximal ureteral stones of diameter exceeding 15 mm. Methods: During the 2009−2014 study period, 147 patients presenting with the proximal ureteral stones exceeding 15 mm in diameter were treated. Both shock wave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy were offered for our patients. A 6/8.9 Fr semirigid ureteroscope was used in conjunction with a holmium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser. The stone-free rate was assessed at 2 weeks and 3 months post-treatment. All patients were evaluated for stone-free status, operation time, hospital stay, perioperative complications, and auxiliary procedures. Results: Of the 147 patients who took part in this study, 66 (45%) had undergone shock wave lithotripsy and 81 (55%) underwent ureteroscopy. At the 3-month follow-up, the overall stone-free rate in the shock wave lithotripsy group was 39/66 (59%) compared to 70/81 (86.4%) in the ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy group. Ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy achieved a highly significant stone-free rate ( p = 0.0002), and the mean operative time, auxiliary procedures, and postoperative complication rates were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: In terms of the management of proximal ureteral stones exceeding 15 mm in diameter, ureteroscopy achieved a greater stone-free rate and is considered the first-line of management. Shock wave lithotripsy achieved lower stone-free rate, and it could be used in selected cases.


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