C-arm Fluoroscopic Guidance Research Articles

Utilization of a novel patient-specific 3D-printing template for percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy: results from a randomized controlled trial.

The learning curve for percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) is steep, especially for the puncturing and localization procedures. The implementation of 3D printing technology may solve this problem. A novel individualized 3D-printing template (3D-PT) was designed and utilized in PETD. A prospective randomized controlled trial was performed. A total of 28 patients with lumbar disc herniation treated with PETD were analyzed. Of these, 14 patients were treated with the assistance of 3D printing technology (3D-PT group) in conjunction with fluoroscopy, while the remaining 14 patients were treated exclusively under the guidance of C-arm fluoroscopy (control group). The number of puncture attempts in the 3D-PT group was significantly less than in the control group (1.36 ± 0.63 vs. 6.07 ± 3.08, p = 0.000). The 3D-PT group exhibited a significant reduction in both intraoperative puncture fluoroscopies (2.71 ± 1.27 vs. 12.14 ± 6.15, p = 0.000) and the overall number of fluoroscopies (2.71 ± 1.27 vs. 17.43 ± 6.27, p = 0.000). In the 3D-PT group, there was a significant reduction in both the puncture time (5.77 ± 1.82 vs. 13.99 ± 4.36, p = 0.000) and the total operation time (60.39 ± 9.78 vs. 76.25 ± 17.78, p = 0.007). Complications were not observed in either group. The application of the novel individualized 3D-PT for PETD is effective and safe. The technique has substantial potential and is worth widely promoting.

Evaluation of Augmented Reality Surgical Navigation in Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: Clinical Study.

The puncture procedure in percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is non-visual, and the learning curve for PELD is steep. An augmented reality surgical navigation (ARSN) system was designed and utilized in PELD. The system possesses three core functionalities: augmented reality (AR) radiograph overlay, AR puncture needle real-time tracking, and AR navigation. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness. A total of 20 patients with lumbar disc herniation treated with PELD were analyzed. Of these, 10 patients were treated with the guidance of ARSN (ARSN group). The remaining 10 patients were treated using C-arm fluoroscopy guidance (control group). The AR radiographs and AR puncture needle were successfully superimposed on the intraoperative videos. The anteroposterior and lateral AR tracking distance errors were 1.55 ± 0.17 mm and 1.78 ± 0.21 mm. The ARSN group exhibited a significant reduction in both the number of puncture attempts (2.0 ± 0.4 vs. 6.9 ± 0.5, p = 0.000) and the number of fluoroscopies (10.6 ± 0.9 vs. 18.5 ± 1.6, p = 0.000) compared with the control group. Complications were not observed in either group. The results indicate that the clinical application of the ARSN system in PELD is effective and feasible.

Evaluation of the resection efficiency and safety of an enhanced power plasma generator using cadaveric intervertebral discs.

Plasma energy has been used to provide minimally invasive interventional treatment for spinal problems. However, this procedure has been used for limited indications mainly because of its small resection range. To overcome this problem, we designed the enhanced power plasma device. This device seeks to maximize the resection area by modifying the electrode arrangement and enhancing the maximum electric power. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficiency and safety of this newly designed plasma generator, a device for percutaneous disc decompression. We performed an intradiscal procedure on 7 fresh human cadaver lumbar spine specimens using the enhanced power plasma under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance at various voltages. As a result, the volume of the removed area was proportional to the applied magnitude of the electric power level. In particular, under the high-power level condition after 500s treatment, nearly the entire nucleus pulposus was eliminated. The generated plasma density also tends to grow along with the given electric power. The highest level of temperature rise did not exceed the level that would lead to degeneration in the collagen tissue of the intervertebral disc. Histopathologic examination also demonstrated that there was no thermal damage to the surrounding neural tissues. In conclusion, we speculate that the concepts of this newly designed enhanced plasma generator could be applied to remove huge disc materials without thermal or structural damage to the adjacent target tissues in future spine clinics.

Intraoperative CT-guided navigation versus fluoroscopy for percutaneous pedicle screw placement in 192 patients: a comparative analysis

BackgroundPercutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) placement is a key step in several minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) procedures. Traditional technique for PPS makes use of C-arm fluoroscopy assistance (FA). More recently, newer intraoperative imaging techniques have been developed for PPS, including CT-guided navigation (CTNav). The aim of this study was to compare FA and CTNav techniques for PPS with regard to accuracy, complications, and radiation dosage.Materials and methodsA total of 192 patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and canal stenosis who underwent MISS posterior fusion ± interbody fusion through transforaminal approach (TLIF) were retrospectively reviewed. Pedicle screws were placed percutaneously using either standard C-arm fluoroscopy guidance (FA group) or CT navigation (CTNav group). Intraoperative effective dose (ED, mSv) was measured. Screw placement accuracy was assessed postoperatively on a CT scan using Gertzbein and Robbins classification (grades A–E). Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were compared in both groups before and after surgery.ResultsA total of 101 and 91 procedures were performed with FA (FA group) and CTNav approach (CTNav group), respectively. Median age was 61 years in both groups, and the most commonly treated level was L4–L5. Median ED received from patients was 1.504 mSv (0.494–4.406) in FA technique and 21.130 mSv (10.840–30.390) in CTNav approach (p < 0.001). Percentage of grade A and B screws was significantly higher for the CTNav group (96.4% versus 92%, p < 0.001), whereas there were 16 grade E screws in the FA group and 0 grade E screws in the CTNav group (p < 0.001). A total of seven and five complications were reported in the FA and CTNav group, respectively (p = 0.771).ConclusionsCTNav technique increases accuracy of pedicle screw placement compared with FA technique without affecting operative time. Nevertheless, no significant difference was noted in terms of reoperation rate due to screw malpositioning between CTNav and FA techniques. Radiation exposure of patients was significantly higher with CTNav technique.Level of Evidence: Level 3.

A Case of Migrated Esophageal Foreign Body Removal Through Cervical Approach Under C-Arm Fluoroscopic Guidance

Foreign bodies in the upper airway and the esophagus are common and often removed in the outpatient setting using the rigid or flexible laryngoscope. Although most esophageal foreign bodies are removed from the digestive tract, in some cases, surgical intervention is required due to its difficult location. Esophageal foreign bodies often removed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy, but when they penetrate the esophagus and move to deep neck spaces, other approaches should be taken into consideration. We report a rare case of a 13-year-old patient whose esophageal foreign body moved to a deep neck compartment, which was embedded in the anterior vertebral muscle. We decided to perform neck exploration under C-arm guidance, successfully targeted and removed the foreign body.

Investigating Patient-Level Radiation Exposure in Hand and Wrist Fracture Surgery.

Although occupational exposure to radiation has been previously studied in the hand surgery literature, there is a paucity of studies looking at radiation exposure to the patient during fluoroscopy-guided hand surgery. We aimed to describe the level of radiation experienced by patients undergoing common hand and wrist fracture fixation and to identify risk factors for increased radiation exposure. We performed a retrospective review of patients at a single institution who underwent fracture fixation of the hand, wrist, or forearm requiring mini c-arm fluoroscopic guidance from 2016 to 2020. Data points collected included patient demographics, procedural details, and indicators of radiation exposure including dose-area product (DAP), total intraoperative images, and total fluoroscopy time. Effective dose (ED) was calculated using DAP, field size, and a previously established conversion factor. The final sample included 361 patients with an average age of 46 years. Procedures included fixation of forearm fractures (3.3%), distal radius fractures (35.7%), metacarpal fractures (30.8%), and phalangeal fractures (30.2%). The median number of intraoperative images acquired was 36, median total fluoroscopy time was 43 seconds, median DAP was 4.8 cGycm2, and median ED was 0.13 μSv. Distal (metacarpal and phalangeal) fractures required more intraoperative images and longer total fluoroscopy time (49 images, 61 seconds) compared with proximal (forearm and distal radius) fractures (39 images, 47 seconds) (images, P = 0.004; exposure time, P = 0.004). However, distal fractures had a lower average ED compared with proximal fractures (0.15 vs 0.19 μSv, P = 0.020). When compared with open procedures, percutaneous procedures had higher DAPs (8.8 vs 4.9 cGycm2, P < 0.001), higher ED (0.22 vs 0.15 μSv, P < 0.001), more intraoperative images (65 vs 36 images, P < 0.001), and longer total fluoroscopy time (81.9 vs 44.4 seconds, P < 0.001). Patient-level radiation exposure during fluoroscopy-guided hand and wrist procedures is low relative to other common imaging modalities, such as dental radiographs, chest x-rays, and computed tomography scans, and is comparable with less than a few hours of natural background radiation exposure, highlighting the overall safety of this important technology. Further study should be performed to establish reference ranges, which could lead to improved patient counseling and evidence-based guidelines on patient shielding.

Recent update on epidural blood patch.

Epidural blood patch (EBP) is the injection of autologous blood into the epidural space with the intent of sealing off a dural tear and stopping the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). EBP may cause an increase in intracranial pressure due to the mass effect of the injected blood volume, causing CSF from the spinal compartment to enter the intracranial compartment. EBP is usually considered in the management of moderate to severe headache (HA) attributed to low CSF pressure, such as post-dural puncture HA (PDPH), CSF fistula HA, and HA attributed to spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) that does not respond to conservative management. However, prophylactic administration of EBP after accidental dural puncture can hardly be substantiated at present. EBP is generally safe but may rarely be associated with serious complications. Therefore, it should be carefully planned and performed under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. Although many studies on PDPH and SIH have been conducted until recently, only few reviews have summarized the effectiveness of EBP from the perspective of a pain physician. This article reviews the current literature on the indication, contraindication, procedural consideration, post-procedural management, outcomes, and complications of EBP and the considerations for EBP in patients with COVID-19.

A retrospective study of the use of percutaneous vesselplasty for pathological vertebral compression fractures

To assess percutaneous vesselplasty's safety and efficacy in treating pathological vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). This retrospective review covered nine patients with an equal number of symptomatic pathological VCFs treated with vesselplasty. The study assessed the patients' pain scores, subjective conditions, imaging guidance, and incidence of procedure-related complications. The VCFs were at the T4 and L5 spine regions. The procedure success rate was 100%. In 88.89% (8/9) of the examined cases, there was a posterior vertebral body or pedicle involvement or both. Two patients with high thoracic VCFs underwent combined computed tomography and mobile C-arm fluoroscopy guidance. The other patients underwent digital subtraction angiography guidance. The average visual analog scale (VAS) score and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before the treatment were 7.78 ± 0.67 standard deviation (SD) and 75.45 ± 7.55, respectively. The average VAS score and ODI 3 months after the treatment were 2.67 ± 0.50 (SD) and 32.45 ± 6.19 (P < 0.001), respectively. There were no recorded cases of symptomatic cement leakage or other operation-associated complications. Percutaneous vesselplasty appears to be a safe and effective minimally invasive local treatment for pathological VCFs. This approach may offer benefits in improving pain, mobility, and function and minimizing the bone cement leakage rate while providing a safe and effective alternative treatment for pathological VCFs.

A real-time 3D electromagnetic navigation system for percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in traumatic thoraco-lumbar fractures: implications for efficiency, fluoroscopic time, and accuracy compared with those of conventional fluoroscopic guidance.

Navigation is becoming more useful in percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF). The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency, fluoroscopic time, accuracy, and clinical outcomes of PPSF with a novel electromagnetic navigation (EMN) system for thoraco-lumbar (TL) fractures with those of PPSF with conventional C-arm fluoroscopic (CF) guidance. A retrospective study was conducted. A total of 162 screws were implanted in 29 patients with the assistance of the EMN system (EMN group), and 220 screws were inserted in 40 patients by using CF guidance (CF group). The duration of surgery, placement time per screw, fluoroscopic time per screw, accuracy of pedicle screw placement, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. The duration of surgery and placement time per screw in the EMN group were significantly lower than those in the CF group (P < 0.05). The fluoroscopic time per screw in the CF group was significantly longer than that in the EMN group (P < 0.05). The learning curve of PPSF in the EMN group was steeper than that in the CF group. The accuracy of pedicle screw placement in the EMN group was more precise than that in the CF group (P < 0.05). The VAS scores in the EMN group were significantly lower than those in the CF group at one-week postoperatively (P < 0.05). Compared with PPSF by using conventional fluoroscopic guidance, PPSF with the aid of the EMN system can increase the efficiency and accuracy of pedicle screw placement and reduce the fluoroscopic time.

O-arm navigation for sacroiliac screw placement in the treatment for posterior pelvic ring injury.

This study aims to investigate the application value of O-arm navigation system in sacroiliac screw placement for the treatment of unstable pelvic ring injury. A total of 40 patients (mean age = 30.75 ± 14.99years, 25 males, 15 females) were included. From January 2016 to July 2018, 40 patients with posterior pelvic ring injury treated in our hospital were included. Of them, 19 patients underwent O-arm navigation for screw placement (O-arm group) while the other 21 received C-arm fluoroscopy guidance (C-arm group) for sacroiliac screw placement. Intraoperative outcomes and the outcome of screw placement were compared between groups. The quality of radiological images was assessed by Matta's radiological outcome grade. The outcome of complex pelvic fracture treatment was evaluated by Majeed Functional score. All demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Compared with the C-arm groups, the O-arm group had a shorter surgery time (33.19 ± 3.14 vs. 48.35 ± 4.38min, P < 0.001), a higher overall good outcome "excellent + good" rate of screw placement (95.45% vs. 73.91%, P < 0.05), and a significantly higher Majeed Functional score better outcome of complex pelvic fracture treatment at 1 and 3months postoperation (both P < 0.05). Our results demonstrated that O-arm navigation system is feasible and safe for the treatment of posterior pelvic ring injury and can effectively improve the accuracy and safety of sacroiliac screw placement, shorten the operation time, and help rapid postoperative functional recovery.

Radiofrequency Treatment of Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia (Conventional vs. Pulsed): A Prospective Randomized Control Study.

Background:Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) is a chronic pain disorder causing unilateral, severe brief stabbing recurrent pain in the distribution of one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. Conventional radiofrequency (CRF) and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) are two types of minimally invasive treatment. CRF selectively ablates the part of ganglion to provide the relief, but it has been found to be associated with some side effects such as dysesthesia or sensory loss in 6%–28% and loss of corneal reflex in 3%–8% of patients. PRF is a comparatively newer modality which is a nondestructive and neuromodulatory method of delivering radiofrequency energy to the gasserian ganglion to produce a therapeutic effect.Aims:We aimed to compare the efficacy of CRF with long-duration, fixed voltage PRF in the treatment of idiopathic TGN.Setting:This study was conducted in a tertiary care center research institute.Study Design:This was a prospective randomized trial.Materials and Methods:Twenty-seven adult patients of TGN were included in the study and randomly allocated into two groups (CRF and PRF). All procedures were performed operation suite with C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. Both, pre- and postprocedure, the patients were assessed for pain on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Pain Intensity Scale at 1 week and thereafter at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. Patients with a BNI score ≥4 after 1 month were considered a failure and offered other modes of treatment. A reduction in VAS score ≥50% and a BNI score <4 were considered as effective.Statistical Analysis:Discreet variables were recorded as proportions, ordinal variables and continuous variables with non-Gaussian distribution as medians with interquartile range, and continuous variables with Gaussian distribution as mean ± standard deviation. Association between ordinal variables was tested by Fisher's exact test/Chi-square test whenever appropriate. Equality of means/median was tested by using paired/unpaired t-test or nonparametric tests depending upon the distribution of data. P ≤ 0.5 was considered statistically significant. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 13.04 windows.Results:Efficacy in terms of decrease in VAS ≥50% at 1 month was 33.33% and 83.33% in the PRF and CRF groups, respectively, which was statistically significant(P = 0.036). Effective reduction in BNI scores at the 7th day, 1 month, and 2 months postprocedure was evaluated and found in 41.67% and 83.33% of patients in the PRF and CRF groups, respectively, which was statistically insignificant (P = 0.089). There was a statistically significant reduction in BNI scores in PRF and CRF group patients at 3 and 6 months (at 3 months, 33.33% and 83.33%, P = 0.036 and at 6 months, 25% and 83.33%, P = 0.012). In the CRF group, mild hypoesthesia was evident in three patients which improved by the end of 1 month while no side effects were seen in the PRF group.Conclusion:CRF is a more effective procedure to decrease pain in comparison to long-duration, fixed voltage PRF for the treatment of idiopathic TGN. Although the side effects are more with CRF, they are mild and self-limiting.

C-arm fluoroscopic-guided subarachnoid block in a super morbidly obese patient.

Sir, Regional anaesthesia often offers several advantages for morbidly obese patients. However, needle insertion for central neuraxial blockade in these patients is challenging.[1] We report successful spinal anaesthesia under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance in a 68-year-old super morbidly obese female patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 51 kg/m2 undergoing intramedullary nailing of right femoral diaphyseal fractures. The patient had old cerebral infarction with right hemiplegia under medication with 100 mg aspirin daily. During rehabilitation, she fell and had right femoral diaphyseal fractures diagnosed by radiograph. Subsequently, whole-body computed tomography (CT) scan was performed to rule out other traumas. Because of diminished respiratory conditions, spinal anaesthesia was selected. We determined the spinal needle insertion point (paramedian approach) and measured the distance from the skin to the subarachnoid space by examining the axial CT scan around the L3/L4 lumbar interspace [Figure 1], suggesting that the distance was approximately 10 cm. Due to anticipated difficulty, we decided to perform spinal anaesthesia under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance instead of the conventional or ultrasound (US)-guided spinal anaesthesia.Figure 1: In the preoperative computed tomography scan at the level of the L3/L4 interspace, the estimated distance from the spinal needle insertion point to the subarachnoid space is approximately 10 cmIn the operating theatre, we observed her lumbar spine structure from a lateral view under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. After the L3/L4 interspace was identified, the tip of a 25-G, 90 mm Quincke needle was introduced in the L3/L4 lumbar interspace via the paramedian approach [Figure 2]. After inserting the needle fully with a hard push into the skin, the backflow of clear cerebrospinal fluid was obtained. Subsequently, isobaric bupivacaine (0.5%, 15 mg) was injected. Complete analgesia below the thoracic 6 level was achieved in 10 min after bupivacaine administration. Total procedure time was 8 min, with a total fluoroscopic exposure of less than 5 s using the one-shot imaging method. Her surgery and postoperative course were uneventful.Figure 2: The C-arm fluoroscopic image of the patient's lumbar spine from the lateral view shows that the Quincke needle is accurately proceeding to the L3/L4 interspaceFluoroscopy-guided lumbar puncture has been generally performed in the department of radiology. Radiologists have been frequently consulted to perform lumbar puncture under fluoroscopic guidance because of the current increase in the BMI of the general population.[2] Accordingly, outside the operating theatre, lumbar puncture under fluoroscopic guidance is common. However, there have only been a few reports describing fluoroscopy-guided neuraxial block performed in the operating theatre.[34] Ultrasonography could help in the pre-anaesthetic evaluation of the lumbar spine in predicted difficult cases. Recently, spinal anaesthesia under real-time US guidance has been reported in predicted difficult cases.[5] However, there have been some problems with that technique.[56] Similar to the conventional technique, US-guided techniques occasionally indicate an incorrect intervertebral space.[6] Furthermore, it has been reported that much longer procedural time is required, and procedural difficulty is significantly higher in the US-guided technique compared to the conventional technique in predicted difficult cases.[5] Real-time US-guided spinal anaesthesia requires one-handed manipulation of a spinal needle. In contrast, fluoroscopic guidance enables practitioners to visualise the accurate intervertebral space and needle paths in real-time and use both hands for needle manipulation. We estimated that the patient could not maintain the lateral decubitus position for a prolonged time due to poor respiratory conditions and pain. Furthermore, C-arm machine is routinely available in orthopaedic theatres and hence its use for assessing spinal needle position does not entail additional expenditure. Therefore, we chose the C-arm fluoroscopy-guided technique from the beginning. In this case, the patient's lumbar spine was observed only from a lateral view. However, observation from both lateral and anteroposterior views is preferable to detect the exact needle tip position safely. Regarding practitioners” exposure to radiation, previous reports described that the one-shot imaging method could effectively reduce radiation exposure compared to the continuous imaging method.[7] In this case, we also used the same method to reduce exposure. In conclusion, in predicted difficult cases, the neuraxial block under fluoroscopic guidance can be helpful owing to easy visualisation of the accurate intervertebral space and needle paths in real-time and needle manipulation with both hands. However, this technique is limited to non-pregnant patients. DECLARATIONS Ethics approval and consent to participate Not applicable. Consent for publication Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report. Availability of data and materials The data are not available for public access because of patient privacy concerns but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest. Acknowledgments The authors are grateful to the radiological technologist Mr. Nobuyuki Shigeoka for maintaining and uploading the fluoroscopic images appropriately.

P1.17-29 8-year Experience of Navigational Bronchoscopy for Preoperative Localization of Subcentimeter Lung Nodules in a Small Community Hospital

With the advent of lung cancer screening, CT imaging has led to the identification of sub-centimeter nodules that are challenging to localize for both diagnosis and resection. The traditional approaches are problematic because biopsies often have poor diagnostic yield, resulting in repeat attempts at tissue collection, delay in time to treatment, and increased cost. Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) is a newer technology that allows greater precision in preoperative localization of nodules to obtain tissue for diagnosis and fiducial marker placement. Our institution has adopted a practice that combines simultaneous ENB for nodule localization and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for resection with single anesthetic administration and operating room team. We aimed to evaluate changes in time to treatment, time to surgery, and length of stay. Retrospective review of all patients who underwent nodule localization and VATS or robotic-assisted VATS (RATS) between (May 2011- March 2019). ENB localization was performed with transbronchial injection of ICG and/or placement of gold fiducial markers. A total of 72 patients underwent VATS or RATS. During the first two years of the study period, ENB was performed with portable C-arm fluoroscopic guidance with diagnostic yield of 48%. Surgery was performed on average 29.7 days (4-190 days) after ENB (3 patients had non-diagnostic bronchoscopy and were followed with serial CT scans that resulted in >100 days until surgery). In August 2017 utilization of Cone Beam CT scan began during ENB, which resulted in reduction in time to surgery to average of 20.1 days (1-39 days). After persistent low diagnostic yield with bronchoscopy and demand for expedient diagnosis, in February 2018, ENB and surgical resection were performed simultaneously with single anesthetic administration and OR team. Furthermore, in December 2018 utilization of daVinci Xi robot began for RATS with ICG injection during ENB for intraoperative localization of nodules. The hospital length of stay (LOS) and time to treatment (from the initial identification of a lung nodule to surgery) for Super D bronchoscopy group (SDB) (n=36) is 5.7/63.8 days, SDB-with cone beam technology (n=8) is 4.5/62.8 days, respectively. Transition to simultaneous resection (n=28) resulted in 100% diagnostic yield, further decrease of both hospital LOS and time to treatment, to 3.6 days and 43.7 days, respectively. Our data demonstrates that intraoperative ENB lung lesion localization with simultaneous VATS/RATS resection results in decreased hospital length of stay, reduced time to treatment, and 100% diagnostic yield. Both metrics significantly impact patient satisfaction and healthcare costs.

The utility of mini C-arm in the fixation of unstable paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures

BackgroundPediatric supracondylar humerus fractures have traditionally been reduced and fixed with conventional C-arm (CCA) fluoroscopy guidance. With the increase in popularity of the newer mini C-arm (MCA) system within other fields of surgery due to its ease of use and lower radiation emission, the same adoption should be explored in pediatric orthopedic surgeries. The purpose of this study is to compare the MCA and CCA primarily in reduction and fixation outcomes and secondarily in other perioperative parameters. MethodsRetrospective analysis of 193 patients who underwent surgical fixation for displaced supracondylar humerus fractures. 44 and 149 cases were performed with the MCA and CCA respectively. Baumann’s angle and the intersection of anterior humeral line (AHL) were assessed on postoperative anterior posterior and lateral radiographs and adequate reduction was defined by an angle between 64 and 81˚, and AHL intersecting middle third of the capitellum. Surgical time, fluoroscopy duration, number of images and radiation exposure were obtained from the surgical notes. ResultsAmongst the CCA cases, there were greater satisfactory coronal plane reduction (p < 0.05), while no difference in sagittal plane accuracy (p > 0.05) was seen. In MCA group, longer surgical (p < 0.05) and fluoroscopy times (p < 0.05), and greater number of shots (p < 0.05) was noted. However overall radiation exposure in the MCA group was still lower (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe MCA system is potentially less accurate in coronal plane reduction and more challenging to use. However, pitfalls can easily be avoided. Usage should be advocated as overall radiation exposure can be reduced. Level of evidenceLevel III retrospective comparative study.

"Targeted Percutaneous Vertebroplasty" Versus Traditional Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture.

Objective. In this randomized, nonblinded, controlled study, the feasibility and precision of "targeted percutaneous vertebroplasty" ("targeted PVP") for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) was evaluated. Methods. A total of 42 patients, aged 50 to 87 years, with OVCF were randomly divided into 2 groups: A and B. Group A underwent "targeted PVP," and group B underwent traditional PVP with the guidance of C-arm fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy times for skin puncture points (FTSPP), total radiation doses (TRD), total fluoroscopy times (TFT), and operation time were set as the main evaluation indicators. Results. FTSPP (1.52 ± 0.51 in group A vs 6.62 ± 2.58 in group B, U < .001), TRD (6.26 ± 1.51 in group A vs 11.32 ± 4.21 in group B, P < .001), TFT (16.57 ± 2.79 in group A vs 26.05 ± 6.18 in group B, P < .001), and operation time (20.05 ± 3.38 in group A vs 25.43 ±5.11 in group B, U < .001) were statistically different in the 2 groups. The incidence of cement leakage that occurred in group A (1/21, 4.76%) was significantly less than that in group B (9/21, 42.9%, P < 0.05). Conclusions. "Targeted PVP" may achieve (1) less skin positioning fluoroscopy times, less total fluoroscopy times and dose, shorter operation time, which is more precise than traditional PVP; (2) less incidence of cement leakage; and (3) visualization of the fractured vertebra, which is probably more valuable for the treatment of complicated OVCF patients.

The role of super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP) in the treatment of symptomatic lower pole renal stones (LPSs) after the failure of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) or retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS).

To assess the safety and efficacy of super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP) in the treatment of symptomatic lower pole renal stones (LPSs) after the failure of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) or retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), we retrospectively evaluated 44 patients with symptomatic LPSs with previously failed SWL or RIRS and consequently underwent SMP from October 2014 to March 2016. The percutaneous renal access was performed 12-14F with C-arm fluoroscopy or ultrasonographic guidance. Stone disintegration was performed using either Holmium laser or pneumatic lithotripter. Perioperative parameters along with operations were assessed in detail. A total of 44 patients (mean age 49.1 ± 13.7years) were included in the study. Stone size was 18.4 ± 6.0mm (range 9-29), operative time was 63.9 ± 32.7min (range 14-145) and hospital stay was 2.8 ± 1.2days (range 1-5). The hemoglobin drop was 12.4 ± 8.8g/L (range 0-31), and no patients required blood transfusion. Complete stone-free status was achieved in 40 (90.9%) patients. Clinically insignificant residual fragments were observed in three (6.8%) patients and only one (2.3%) patient had a 6mm residual calculus. A total of three minor complications (urinary tract infection, hemorrhage resolved by hemostatics and renal colic requiring analgesics) were observed postoperatively. For symptomatic LPSs after the failure of SWL or RIRS, SMP is a safe and efficient auxiliary option and even might be an alternative to SWL or RIRS, while further considering the stone-free rates and stone-related events.

Feasibility of Navigable Percutaneous Disk Decompressor (L'DISQ-C) for Cervical Disk Herniation.

To assess the procedural efficacy and safety of a Navigable Percutaneous Disk Decompressor (L'DISQ-C) for cervical disk herniation. We performed intradiskal decompression on cervical spine specimens from five human cadavers using the L'DISQ-C under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. We evaluated our success for positioning the navigable wand tip into the target region and recorded temperature variation at various distances from the wand tip in the cervical nucleus pulposus. The histologic effect of plasma decompression was examined microscopically using harvested tissues adjacent to the procedure site. We successfully navigated the tip of the L'DISQ-C into the target region of the posterior cervical disks on the first insertion attempt in all C3-C4 to C6-C7 disks and in 50% of the C2-C3 and C7-T1 disks. The average temperature elevations within the nucleus pulposus ranged from 4.14 ± 0.08°C to 12.17 ± 0.76°C at various distances from the wand tip with or without saline infusion. A histologic examination showed only minor denaturation at the marginal border of the procedure tract. We effectively navigated the L'DISQ-C wand tip into the posterior target region of six cadaveric cervical disks and performed percutaneous resection of the target disk tissues without significant thermal or structural damage to adjacent tissues.

Ordinary Cannulated Compression Screws or Headless Cannulated Compression Screws? A Synthetic Bone Biomechanical Research in the Internal Fixation of Vertical Femoral Neck Fracture.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to verify whether the headless cannulated compression screw (HCCS) has higher biomechanical stability than the ordinary cannulated compression screw (OCCS) in the treatment of vertical femoral neck fractures. Materials and Methods 30 synthetic femur models were equally divided into 2 groups, with 50°, 60°, and 70° Pauwels angle of femoral neck fracture, under 3D printed guiding plates and C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. The femur molds were fixed with three parallel OCCSs as OCCS group and three parallel HCCSs as HCCS group. All specimens were tested for compressive strength and maximum load to failure with a loading rate of 2 mm/min. Results The result showed that there was no significant difference with the compressive strength in the Pauwels angle of 50° and 60°. However, we observed that the maximum load to failure with the Pauwels angle of 50°, 60°, and 70° and the compressive strength with 70° of HCCS group showed better performance than the OCCS group. Conclusion HCCS performs with better biomechanical stability than OCCS in the treatment of vertical femoral neck fracture, especially with the Pauwels angle of 70°.

Multimodal management of forgotten encrusted ureteral stents

Background: Forgotten ureteral stents are seen in urologic practice because of ignorance of patients or failure of physician to counsel the patients. They can cause significant morbidity and pose a management and legal dilemma.Objectives: To evaluate the effi cacy and feasibility of different endourological approaches like percutaneous nephrolithotomy, ureteroscopic lithotripsy, cystolithotripsy and extracorporeal lithotripsy in the treatment of forgotten encrusted ureteral stents.Methods: Total 10 patients with forgotten encrusted double J stents from January 2013 to Nov 2015 were included. Mean age of the patients was 38.4 years (1.5 -5 years). All patients were evaluated for stent encrustation and associated stone burden by X-ray KUB and Intravenous Urography. Combined endourological procedures like percutaneous nephrolithotomy, ureteroscopic lithotripsy, cystolithotripsy and extracorporeal lithotripsy and even open surgery was done to remove these stents. The patients characteristics, indications for stenting, indwelling time, site of encrustation, hospital stay etc were all noted.Results: Total 10 patients presented with forgotten Double J stents. Out of three patients with large encrustations both in renal pelvis and urinary bladder, one patient underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy and cystolithotripsy. Rest two patients underwent extracorporeal lithotripsy for two sessions for renal pelvic encrustation and cystolithotripsy for urinary bladder encrustation. Four patients underwent ureteroscopic and cystolithotripsy. Two patients in whom all fractured coils were in urinary bladder, underwent cystolithotripsy. All the stents were removed under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. In one patient, open ureterotomy was done to remove the knotted stent.Conclusion: The use of Double J stent should be limited. The combination of various endourological techniques and extracorporeal lithotripsy can achieve effective stent and stone treatment with minimal morbidity and hospital stay.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 5, No. 4, Issue 18, Oct.-Dec., 2016, page: 116-119

Simple New Screw Insertion Technique without Extraction for Broken Pedicle Screws.

Spinal transpedicular screw fixation is widely performed. Broken pedicle screw rates range from 3%-7.1%. Several techniques have been described for extraction of broken pedicle screws. However, most of these techniques require special instruments. We describe a simple, modified technique for management of broken pedicle screws without extraction. No special instruments or drilling in an adjacent pedicle are required. We used a high-speed air drill with a round burr. With C-arm fluoroscopy guidance, the distal fragment of a broken pedicle screw was palpated using free-hand technique through the screw entry hole. A high-speed air drill with a round burr (not a diamond burr) was inserted through the hole. Drilling began slowly and continued until enough space was obtained for new screw insertion. Using this space, we performed new pedicle screw fixation medially alongside the distal fragment of the broken pedicle screw. We performed the insertion with a previously used entry hole and pathway in the pedicle. The same size pedicle screw was used. Three patients were treated with this modified technique. New screw insertion was successful in all cases after partial drilling of the distal broken pedicle screw fragment. There were no complications, such as screw loosening, dural tears, or root injury. We describe a simple, modified technique for management of broken pedicle screws without extraction. This technique is recommended in patients who require insertion of a new screw.