Crossing the Cervico-Thoracic Junction in Long Posterior Cervical Fusions Reduces Caudal Adjacent Segment Pathology.

TitleCrossing the Cervico-Thoracic Junction in Long Posterior Cervical Fusions Reduces Caudal Adjacent Segment Pathology.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsCho W, Auerbach JD, K Riew D
JournalGlobal Spine J
Pagination2192568220984470
Date Published2021 Jan 28
ISSN2192-5682
Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case control.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to compare clinical outcomes and rates of symptomatic caudal adjacent segment pathology (ASP) in posterior cervical fusions (PCF) constructs with end-instrumented vertebrae in the cervical spine (EIV-C) to PCF constructs that end in the proximal thoracic spine (EIV-T).

METHODS: Retrospective review of 1714 consecutive cervical spinal fusion cases was done. Two groups were identified: 36 cervical end-instrumented vertebra patients (age56 ± 10 yrs) and 53 thoracic EIV patients (age 57 ± 9 yrs). Symptomatic ASP was defined as revision surgery or nerve root injection (or recommended surgery or injection) at the adjacent levels.

RESULTS: EIV-C patients had a significantly higher rate of caudal-level symptomatic ASP requiring intervention compared with EIV-T patients (39% vs 15%, p = 0.01). The development of caudal-level ASP was highest at C7 (41%), followed by C6 (40%). The overall complication rate and surgical revision rates, however, were similar between the groups. Neck Disability Index outcomes at 2 years postop were significantly better in the EIV-T group (24.5 vs. 34.0, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Long PCF that cross the C-T junction have superior clinical outcomes and reduced rates of caudal breakdown, at the expense of longer fusions and higher EBL, with no increase in the rate of complications. Crossing the C-T junction affords protection of the caudal adjacent levels without adding significant operative time or morbidity.

DOI10.1177/2192568220984470
Alternate JournalGlobal Spine J
PubMed ID33504198