The risk factors of neurologic deficits of one-stage posterior vertebral column resection for patients with severe and rigid spinal deformities

To determine the risk factors of neurologic deficits during PVCR correction, so as to help improve safety during and after surgery.

A consecutive series of 76 patients with severe and rigid spinal deformities who were treated with PVCR at a single institution between October 2004 and July 2011 were included in our study. Of the 76 patients, 37 were male and 39 female, with an average age of 17.5 years (range 10–48 years). There were 52 adolescent patients (with an age <18 years) and 24 adult patients (with an age ≥18 years). Preoperatively, postoperatively and 6 months after surgery, we performed systemically neurologic function evaluations of each patients through meticulous physical examination. Any new abnormality or deterioration in evaluation of neurologic function than preoperative is reckoned postoperative neurologic deficits. Ten variables that might affect the safety of neurologic deficits during PVCR procedures, including imaging factors, clinical factors and operational factors, were analyzed using univariate analysis. Then the variables with statistical difference were analyzed by using multi-factor unconditional logistic regression analysis.

No patient in this series had permanent paraplegia and nerve root injury due to operation. Change of neurologic status was found in six patients after surgery. Results of single-factor comparison demonstrated that the following seven variables were statistically different (P < 0.05): location of apex at main curve (X ₃), Cobb angle at the main curve at the coronal plane (X ₄), scoliosis associated with thoracic hyperkyphosis (X ₅), level of vertebral column resected (X ₆), number of segmental vessels ligated (X ₇), preexisting neurologic dysfunction (X ₈), and associated with intraspinal and brain stem anomalies (X ₉). The multi-factor unconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that X ₈ (OR = 49.322), X ₉ (OR = 18.423), X ₅ (OR = 11.883), and X ₆ (OR = 8.769) were independent and positively correlated with the neurologic deficit.

Preexisting neurologic dysfunction, associated with intraspinal and brain stem anomalies, scoliosis associated with thoracic hyperkyphosis and level of vertebral column resected are independent risk factors for neurologic deficits during PVCR procedure.