Implementation of an enhanced recovery pathway in Australia after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis delivers improved outcomes.

purposeTraditionally, spinal surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) has seen long hospital length of stay (LOS) and slow mobility progression. Postoperative enhanced recovery pathways (ERP) for this population in North America and Asia have successfully reduced LOS and hospital costs without increasing complications. This study assessed if ERP introduced in an Australian center achieves similar results.

methodsA pre-post intervention study compared a historical AIS cohort having a posterior spinal fusion (PSF) who received conventional care (CC) (2013-2014) with prospectively assessed ERP recipients (2016-2018) separated by 1-year implementation period. Patient characteristics, surgical details, postoperative analgesia, mobilization, LOS and complication outcomes were collected.

resultsThe 32 CC and 61 ERP recipients had similar demographics. ERP recipients had 44% decreased LOS (mean LOS 3.5 ± 0.9 days vs. CC 6.3 ± 0.9 days, p < 0.001) as all ERP milestones were achieved sooner including transition to oral analgesia (MD - 2 days, 95% CI 1.8-2.3), oral intake (MD - 2.3 days, 95% CI 2.0-2.6) and mobilization, with fewer physiotherapy sessions (5.2 vs 8, p < 0.001). Postoperative in-hospital costs were 50.2% less for ERP vs CC (AUD $8234 vs $16,545). Due to small sample size, no differences between the groups were detectable for complications (4.9% vs 6.3%) or readmission (1.6% vs 3.1%).

conclusionAn ERP for AIS after PSF in this Australian center improved functional recovery reducing LOS and by associated postoperative inpatient costs. Other Australian hospitals should consider an ERP for this population with larger-scale audit to assess impact upon complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.