The Feasibility of cortical bone trajectory screw fixation for lower thoracic spine

Abstract

The traditional pedicle screw fixation technique is described widely used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions (1,2), which can provide strength biomechanical properties for most spinal surgery. However, there are some drawbacks of traditional pedicle screw fixation. The trajectory is from lateral to medial, and the screw entry point is located on the cross of middle horizon line of transverse process and the middle vertical line or lateral wall of the upper facet (3,4). Therefore, surgeons need considerable paraspinal muscle dissection for traditional pedicle screw fixation.