Proximal and distal mechanical repercussions of instrumentation by double rods and interbody grafts in adult scoliosis

Introduction: Correction of adult scoliosis by instrumentation with double rods and interbody grafts aims to reduce the risk of pseudarthrosis with rod fracture. An increase in instrumentation rigidity can lead to an increase in stresses at the proximal and distal ends of the construct. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and clinical repercussions of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), proximal junctional failure (PJF) and iliac screw loosening.Materiel and methods: An analysis of patients operated on for adult scoliosis with instrumentation to the pelvis using 4 rods and interbody cages was carried out from a prospective register. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Scoliosis Research Society 22 (SRS-22) clinical scores and radiological parameters were collected preoperatively, postoperatively at 3 months, 1 year and 2 years. The appearance of PJK, PJF or distal screw loosening was sought; the clinical impact and the risk factors were analyzed by Bayesian inference.Results: Fifty-one patients with a mean age of 64.5 years were included. The clinical scores improved significantly (Pr > 0.95) at 2 years: VAS back 6.9 versus 2.6, VAS leg 4.9 versus 2.5, ODI 48.2 versus 25.4, SRS-22 2.4 versus 3.5. The radiological parameters were corrected (Pr > 0.95): Cobb angle 63.9 degrees versus 22.8 degrees, spinosacral angle (SSA) 112.4 degrees versus 118.8 degrees, T1-pelvic angle (TPA) 24, 8 degrees versus 20.8 degrees, lumbar lordosis 43.8 degrees versus 51.0 degrees, thoracic kyphosis 45.2 degrees versus 53.6 degrees. Thirteen patients (25.5%) presented with PJK and 11 (21.6%) with PJF. Seven patients (13.7%) presented with iliac screw loosening. None of these complications was associated with a significant deterioration in clinical scores. Cranial migration of the lumbar apex increased the risk of distal screw loosening: Odds-Ratio 10.31 (Pr > 0.999). Two patients were re-operated on for PJF and one patient for iliac screw loosening (5.9%). No rod fracture with pseudarthrosis was found.Conclusion: Instrumentation with double rods and interbody grafts was associated with a rate of 47.1% of mechanical repercussions at the extremity of the construct. However, these complications were not associated with a significant deterioration in clinical scores.(c) 2023 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.