Surgical strategies and outcomes in degenerative myelopathy at the cervico-thoracic junction: a multicenter retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes of patients with cervico-thoracic junction degenerative myelopathy.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study was conducted, involving 51 adult patients with spondylotic myelopathy crossing the cervico-thoracic junction. Data on demographics, comorbidities, surgical procedures, complications, and short-term outcomes were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess associations with postoperative outcomes, ensuring statistical rigor (e.g., multicollinearity and event-per-variable thresholds). T1-slope values were measured before and after surgery. A change within ± 2° was defined as "stable".

RESULTS

Patients underwent anterior-only (n = 13), posterior-only (n = 25), or combined anterior-posterior (n = 13) approaches. The mean preoperative T1-slope was 24.5° ± 7.6°, and the postoperative T1-slope was 28.2° ± 8.1° (p = 0.04). Posterior-only approaches were associated with greater early increases in T1-slope and higher complication rates. Higher ASA scores (> 2) were significantly correlated with postoperative complications. Surprisingly, general comorbidities were not independently associated with worse outcomes. Multilevel myelopathy involving C7-T1 correlated with more frequent complications and T1-slope changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical strategy and ASA classification emerged as key factors in short-term outcomes for CTJ myelopathy. While posterior-only approaches showed worse early radiographic and clinical results, causality cannot be inferred due to the retrospective design. Early changes in sagittal alignment (T1-slope) may reflect the quality of postoperative alignment correction, but their long-term clinical significance requires prospective evaluation. Tailored, risk-adapted surgical planning may help optimize outcomes in this complex anatomical region.