A new study published in Spine examined examines whether the deformity angulation ratio can assess neurologic risks in patients undergoing surgical correction for spinal deformity.
The researchers analyzed data from 35 pediatric spinal deformity correction procedures with three-column osteotomies. The researchers found:
1. The sagittal curve magnitude and total curve magnitude were associated with increased transcranial motor-evoked potential changes.
2. The total deformity angulation ratio above 45 degrees per level and sagittal DAR above 22 degrees per level were associated with a 75 percent increase of motor-evoked potential alert.
3. The incidence of a motor-evoked potential alert increased to 90 percent when the sagittal DAR was 28 degrees per level.
4. The researchers concluded that identifying the accurate patient and procedural risk factors in severe deformity correction can prepare the surgical team to improve safety and outcomes for complex procedures.