Definition, Frequency and Risk Factors for Intra-Operative Spinal Cord Injury: A Knowledge Synthesis.



Fehlings, Michael G, Quddusi, Ayesha, Skelly, Andrea C, Brodt, Erika D, Moghaddamjou, Ali, Malvea, Anahita, Hejrati, Nader, Srikandarajah, Nisaharan, Alvi, Mohammed Ali, Stabler-Morris, Shay
et al (show 4 more authors) (2024) Definition, Frequency and Risk Factors for Intra-Operative Spinal Cord Injury: A Knowledge Synthesis. Global spine journal, 14 (3_supp). 80S-104S.

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Abstract

<h4>Study design</h4>Mixed-methods approach.<h4>Objectives</h4>Intra-operative spinal cord injury (ISCI) is a devastating complication of spinal surgery. Presently, a uniform definition for ISCI does not exist. Consequently, the reported frequency of ISCI and important risk factors vary in the existing literature. To address these gaps in knowledge, a mixed-methods knowledge synthesis was undertaken.<h4>Methods</h4>A scoping review was conducted to review the definitions used for ISCI and to ascertain the frequency of ISCI. The definition of ISCI underwent formal review, revision and voting by the Guidelines Development Group (GDG). A systematic review of the literature was conducted to determine the risk factors for ISCI. Based on this systematic review and GDG input, a table was created to summarize the factors deemed to increase the risk for ISCI. All reviews were done according to PRISMA standards and were registered on PROSPERO.<h4>Results</h4>The frequency of ISCI ranged from 0 to 61%. Older age, male sex, cardiovascular disease including hypertension, severe myelopathy, blood loss, requirement for osteotomy, coronal deformity angular ratio, and curve magnitude were associated with an increased risk of ISCI. Better pre-operative neurological status and use of intra-operative neuromonitoring (IONM) were associated with a decreased risk of ISCI. The risk factors for ISCI included a rigid thoracic curve with high deformity angular ratio, revision congenital deformity with significant cord compression and myelopathy, extrinsic intradural or extradural lesions with cord compression and myelopathy, intramedullary spinal cord tumor, unstable spine fractures (bilateral facet dislocation and disc herniation), extension distraction injury with ankylosing spondylitis, ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) with severe cord compression, and moderate to severe myelopathy.<h4>Conclusions</h4>ISCI has been defined as "a new or worsening neurological deficit attributable to spinal cord dysfunction during spine surgery that is diagnosed intra-operatively via neurophysiologic monitoring or by an intraoperative wake-up test, or immediately post-operatively based on clinical assessment". This paper defines clinical and imaging factors which increase the risk for ISCI and that could assist clinicians in decision making.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: intra-operative spinal cord injury, neuro, spinal cord injury, trauma
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences > School of Medicine
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 09 Apr 2024 08:50
Last Modified: 09 Apr 2024 13:20
DOI: 10.1177/21925682231190613
Open Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/21925682231190613
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URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3180167