Influence of implant density on mechanical complications in adult spinal deformity surgery


Charles Y. P., Severac F., Nunez-Pereira S., Haddad S., Vila L., Pellise F., ...More

EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL, vol.33, no.12, pp.4643-4652, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 33 Issue: 12
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00586-024-08543-9
  • Journal Name: EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.4643-4652
  • Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective The purpose was to analyze how rod characteristics, screw density and cages influence the incidence of mechanical complications compared to patient-related factors and alignment in adult spinal deformity instrumented T9-T11 to pelvis. Methods Register data of 302 patients was analyzed. Relative lumbar lordosis (RLL) and relative sagittal alignment (RSA) was measured. Surgical data included rod characteristics, pedicle screw density and interbody cages. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used. Results Pseudarthrosis occurred in 24.1%. On univariate analysis Odds Ratio (OR) was 0.74 for >= 3 cages (p = 0.452), 0.48 for 4 rods (p = 0.008), 4.30 for high screw density (p = 0.001). Patient-related factors were non-significant. Multivariate OR was 0.59 for 4 rods (p = 0.084) and 4.67 for high screw density (p = 0.005). PJK/PJF occurred in 19.2%. Age > 60 had an OR 2.83 (p = 0.023), postoperative RSA malaligned OR 2.84 (p = 0.030), severely malaligned OR 6.54 (p < 0.001). Implant characteristics were non-significant. Multivariate OR was 1.26 for age > 60 (p = 0.657), 2.32 for malaligned RSA (p = 0.097), 5.69 for severely malaligned RSA (p = 0.001). Screw loosening occurred in 8.9%. Univariate OR was 0.95 for >= 3 cages (p = 0.920), 1.64 for 4 rods (p = 0.235), 0.25 for high screw density 1.5-2 (p = 0.011). Patient-related factors were non-significant. Multivariate OR for high screw density was 0.23 (p = 0.022). Conclusion Four rods decrease the pseudarthrosis risk. Cages have a secondary role. High screw density doesn't prevent from pseudarthrosis. Postoperative malalignment is the main PJK/PJF risk factor. Age plays a secondary role. Implant characteristics have a minor influence. High screw density constructs have a lower risk for screw loosening.