Risk factor analysis for progressive spinal deformity after resection of spinal cord tumors─a retrospective study of 272 cases

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Progressive spinal deformity has become a well-recognized complication of spinal cord tumors (SCTs)resection. However, the factors affecting post-operative spinal stability remain to be further research. Here, we described the current largest series of risk factors analysis for progressive spinal deformity following resection of SCTs. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of the patients with resection of SCTs between January 2009 and December 2018.All patients who underwent resection of spinal cord tumors performed regular postoperative follow-up were identified and included in the study. Clinical, radiological, surgical, histopathological, and follow-up data were collected. The incidence of postoperative progressive kyphosis or scoliosis was calculated. The statistical relationship between postoperative progressive spinal deformity and radiographic, clinical, and surgical variables was assessed by using univariate tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-two patients (mean age 42.56 ± 16.18 years)with median preoperative modified McCormick score of 3 met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 7（2.6%）patients were found to have spinal deformity preoperatively, and the extent of spinal deformity in these 7 patients deteriorated after surgery. 36 (13.2%) were new cases of postoperative progressive deformity. The mean duration of follow-up was 21.8 months (median 14 months, range 6–114 months). In subsequent multivariate logistic regression analysis, age≤18 years(p=0.027), extent of tumor involvement(p = 0.019)and preoperative spinal deformity(p=0.008)was the independent risk factors (p < 0.05), increasing the odds of postoperative progressive spinal deformity by 3.94- , 0.69- and 27.11-fold, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of postoperative progressive spinal deformity was 15.8%, mostly in these patients who had younger age (≤18 years), tumors involved in multiple segments and preoperative spinal deformity. The risk factors of postoperative progressive spinal deformity warrants serious reconsideration that when performing resection of spinal cord tumors in these patients with such risk factors, the surgeons need to provide surgical fusion to reduce the risk of reoperation, neurologic compromise and patient’s medical burdens.