Improved scores after 3-column osteotomies show procedure’s durability

The first long-term study of its kind showed that patients with spinal deformity who underwent 3-column osteotomies experienced significant improvements in the Oswestry Disability Index and Scoliosis Research Society scores at 5 years follow-up.

“In summary, this is the largest study of 3-column osteotomy procedures with long-term follow-up. We found significant and sustained improvements in radiographic spinal alignment as well as patient reported outcomes. This study documents the durability of these complex spinal operations in terms of radiographic and outcome measures,” Kevin R. O’Neill, MD, said in a presentation at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting.

O’Neill and colleagues analyzed the results of 3-column osteotomies performed in 118 patients (mean age 48 years) who had a minimum follow-up of 5 years. They noted in the study that sagittal alignment and average coronal alignment improved in all patients at 5 postoperative years.

There were no cases of paraplegia, however major complications were seen in 58% of patients. Revisions were necessary in 23%, according to results of the study.

“Patients undergoing 3-CO [3-column osteotomies]were found to have significant and sustained improvements in ODI and SRS scores and sagittal alignment at minimum 5 year follow up, thus demonstrating the durability of these complex spinal reconstructions, even surprisingly in those patients having a major complication and/or revision surgery,” O’Neill and colleagues wrote. – by Robert Linnehan

Reference:

O’Neill KR. Paper #104. Presented at: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting; March 11-15, 2014; New Orleans.

Disclosure: O’Neill has no relevant financial disclosures.