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

Abstract 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.