Alcoholism as a predictor for pseudarthrosis in primary spine fusion: An analysis of risk factors and 30-day outcomes for 52,402 patients from 2005 to 2013.

Introduction: This study assessed the incidence and risk factors for pseudarthrosis among primary spine fusion patients.
Methods: Retrospective review of ACS-NSQIP (2005-2013). Differences in comorbidities between spine fusion patients with and without pseudarthrosis (Pseud, N-Pseud) were assessed using chi-squared tests and Independent Samples t -tests. Binary logistic regression assessed patient-related and procedure-related predictors for pseudarthrosis.
Results: 52,402 patients (57yrs, 53%F, 0.4% w/pseudarthrosis). Alcohol consumption (OR:2.6[1.2-5.7]) and prior history of surgical revision (OR:1.6[1.4-1.8]) were risk factors for pseudarthrosis operation. Pseud patients at higher risk for deep incisional SSI (at 30-days:OR:6.6[2.0-21.8]). Pseud patients had more perioperative complications (avg:0.24 ± 0.43v0.18 ± 0.39, p =0.026).
Conclusions: Alcoholism and surgical revision are major risk factors for pseudarthrosis in patients undergoing spine fusion.