Kitchen elbow sign predicts surgical outcomes in adults with spinal deformity: a retrospective cohort study

Kitchen elbow sign (KE-Sign) is a skin abnormality on the extensor side of the elbow and forearm that is often observed in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). The significance of KE-Sign in surgical cases was investigated. Overall, 114 patients with ASD treated with long spinal fusion were reviewed and divided into KE-Sign positive and negative groups. The preoperative and 1-year follow-up evaluations included radiographic parameters [C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence (PI) and lumbar lordosis (LL)], the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analogue scales (VASs) for low back pain, leg pain, and satisfaction, and Short Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36). Multi-regression analysis was performed to identify patient satisfaction predictors and improvement in the ODI as dependent variables and preoperative background factors as independent variables. Preoperative characteristics showed no significant difference between both groups. Improvement in the ODI and VAS for satisfaction were significantly superior in the KE-Sign positive group. In multiple regression analysis, KE-Sign and preoperative ODI were significantly associated with improvement in the ODI; age, KE-Sign, preoperative low back pain VAS, and leg pain VAS were significantly associated with satisfaction. KE-Sign can be a predictor of better surgical outcomes in ASD patients.