Predictive Factors for Acute Proximal Junctional Failure after Adult Deformity Surgery with Upper Instrumented Vertebrae in the Thoracolumbar Spine*

Study Type Retrospective cohort study. Introduction Acute proximal junctional failure (APJF) was recently defined by the International Spine Study Group as: postoperative fracture of the upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) or UIV + 1; UIV implant failure; proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) increase > 15 degrees; or need for proximal extension of the fusion within 6 months of surgery.1 The incidence and revision rates of APJF have been reported to be higher when the UIV is located in the lower thoracolumbar (TL) spine mostly because of high incidence of UIV or UIV + 1 fractures.2 Sagittal deformity overcorrection has been considered as a potential risk factor.3 4 Objective The purpose of this study is to assess independent predictive factors and timing for revisions of APJF in adult deformity patients with UIV in the TL (T9–L2) spine. Methods Retrospective review of 135 consecutive patients with minimum 2-year follow-up, treated at a single institution for adult spinal deformity, all with UIV in the TL spine (T9–L2). Fusions were divided into three cohorts based on the UIV location (T9–T10 vs. T11–T12 vs. L1–L2). Demographic data were reviewed and radiographic parameters were measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, at 6 months and at the final follow-up. Incidence and failure modes of APJF, as well as timing for APJF revision are reported. Risk factors for APJF were assessed with univariate and multivariate regression analysis models. Results A total of 135 consecutive patients were reviewed, with mean follow-up 42 months (24–126). Mean age was 66 years (24–86). There were no differences in the preoperative radiographic parameters between patients in any of the three cohorts with APJF. The incidence of APJF was 38.5%, with a trend toward higher APJF in the T9–T10 group (p = 0.07) (Table 1). When UIV was at T10, the incidence of APJF was 57.1%, significantly higher than the adjacent vertebrae, T9 and T11 (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively). The overall revision rate for APJF was 17%, most often for UIV fracture, while PJK > 15 degrees alone had the highest 2 and 5 years survival (100%) (Fig. 1). Univariate analysis revealed preoperative sagittal vertical axis > 5 cm, postoperative PJA > 5 degrees and thoracic kyphosis > 30 degrees, and instrumentation to the pelvis as risk factors for APJF (Table 2). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed postoperative PJA > 5 degrees, and greater correction of lumbar lordosis (LL) as independent risk factors for APJF (Table 3). Conclusion The incidence of APJF in adult deformity patients is high if the UIV is in the lower thoracic or lumbar spine, with a trend toward higher rates when the UIV is at T10. Fracture at the UIV lead to the highest revision rate, while PJK > 15 degrees without fracture or hardware failure had the longest revision-free survival. Postoperative PJA > 5 degrees and greater correction of LL are independent risk factors for APJF.