Rod Fracture After Apparently Solid Radiographic Fusion in Adult Spinal Deformity Patients.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-19-2018

Publication Title

World Neurosurg

Keywords

ASD; Adult spinal deformity; Fusion; Pseudarthrosis; Rod Fracture

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Rod fracture occurs with delayed fusion or pseudarthrosis after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. Rod fracture after apparent radiographic fusion has not been previously investigated.

METHODS: Patients with ASD in a multicenter database were assessed for radiographic fusion by a committee of 3 spinal deformity surgeons. Fusions were rated as bilaterally fused (A), unilaterally fused (B), partially fused (C), or not fused (D). Patients with grade A or B fusion and 2-year follow-up were included. Patients with radiographic fusion were evaluated for subsequent rod fracture. Adjusted analyses were conducted with multiple logistic regression, using backwards-variable selection to a threshold of P < 0.2, to assess for associated factors.

RESULTS: Of 402 patients with radiographically apparent solid fusion, 9.5% (38) subsequently suffered a broken rod. On multivariate analysis, greater rates of rod fracture were seen among patients of age group 60-69 years (vs. 18-49), body mass index 30-34 and 35+ (vs.

CONCLUSIONS: Rod fracture occurred in 9.5% of patients with apparently solid radiographic fusion after ASD surgery. Advanced age, obesity, small diameter rods (5.5 mm), osteotomy, and lower comorbidity burden were significantly associated with rod fracture. Nearly one-half of these patients noted worsening pain, and 21.1% required revision surgery. Instrumentation failure may occur and may be symptomatic even in the setting of apparent fusion on plain radiographs.

Clinical Institute

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Clinical Institute

Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)

Department

Neurosciences

Department

Orthopedics

Department

Surgery

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