Surgical Technique: Power Pedicle Preparation and Screw Insertion in the Treatment of Pediatric Spinal Deformity

Abstract

Pedicle screw fixation has been shown to be safe and effective treatment for spinal deformity 1-6, and is the mainstay of posterior spinal instrumentation. Classically, pedicle preparation and screw insertion has been performed with manual tools and a manual technique. At our institution, power pedicle preparation and screw insertion has been used for the last 12 years with over 20,000 pedicle screws. Power pedicle preparation has the potential to decrease the force required for insertion on the patient, increase proprioception for the surgeon, increase accuracy, and possibly decreasing the incidence of overuse injuries for the spine surgeon.