Durability of Supplementary Rod Constructs Compared to Dual-Rod Constructs in Long-Segment Posterior Thoracolumbar Spinal Fusion A Multicenter Retrospective Study

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare the long-term durability and outcomes of supplementary rod constructs versus dual-rod constructs in patients who underwent primary or revision long-segment posterior thoracolumbar instrumented spinal fusion. This multicenter retrospective comparative cohort study includes patients aged 45 years and older who had their index surgery between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2020. The study focuses on reducing the risk of rod fractures and other mechanical complications after spinal fusion surgery. The study groups consist of patients treated with either supplementary rod constructs or dual-rod constructs during their spinal fusion surgery. Supplementary rod constructs include additional rods alongside the traditional two primary rods, spanning multiple vertebral levels, while dual-rod constructs use two primary rods. The index surgery can be primary or revision and may include posterior spinal fusion with or without additional approaches. Follow-up periods include an initial 2-year post-surgery period for primary analysis and an extended follow-up up to 10 years and 3 months to evaluate long-term outcomes. Participants medical records will be reviewed to collect data on rod fractures, time to fracture, rod configurations, treatments for fractures, recurrent fractures, mechanical failures, and surgical complications. The primary outcome is the occurrence of the first rod fracture within 2 years after surgery. The study involves retrospective data analysis with at least 3 months of follow-up after the index surgery, allowing researchers to assess clinical outcomes and benefits of supplementary rod constructs over time.

Durability of Suppl. Rod Constructs-SuppleMentAry Rod Technique for Long-segment Posterior Instrumented Spinal Fusions