Freehand Placement Research Articles

The influence of anatomy (normal versus scoliosis) on the free-hand placement of pedicle screws: Is misplacement more frequent in patients with anatomical deformity?

Study design: Retrospective prognostic study.Objective: To evaluate whether patients with anatomical deformity due to scoliosis have a higher frequency of inaccurate pedicle screw insertion and related complications using the free-hand technique compared with those whose normal anatomy had been impacted by trauma.Methods: Consecutively treated trauma patients with otherwise normal anatomy (48 patients instrumented with 291 screws, group A) and scoliosis patients (24 patients instrumented with 287 screws, group B) were evaluated. Screw position on CT was evaluated using the classification by Gertzbein and Robbins with modification by Karagoz Guzey. (See web appendix at www.aospine.org/ebsj for complete classification description.) Images were examined by two fellows and one junior staff member none of whom participated in patient management. Screw position was determined by consensus.Results: In group A, five (1.7%) out of 289 screws were severely misplaced and 26 (9%) screws caused either medial (3.8%) or lateral (5.2%) cortical breeches. The other 258 (89.3%) screws were fully contained within the cortical boundaries of the pedicle. In group B, seven (2.8%) out of 256 screws were severely misplaced. Thirty-three (13%) screws caused cortical breeches, either medial (9%), lateral (2%), or anterior (2%), and 216 (84.3%) screws were fully contained within the cortical boundaries of the pedicle and the vertebra. Neurological complications were reported in one patient with scoliosis. No vascular complications were reported in either group.Conclusions: The percentage of incorrectly placed screws was similar in both groups, trauma and deformity patients. The presence of vertebral anatomical changes related to adult scoliosis was not associated with an increase in the screw-related neurological or vascular complications.Methods evaluation and class of evidence (CoE)Methodological principle:Study design: Prospective cohort Retrospective cohort• Case control Case seriesMethods Patients at similar point in course of treatment Follow-up ≥85%• Similarity of treatment protocols for patient groups• Patients followed for long enough for outcomes to occur• Control for extraneous risk factorsEvidence class:IIIThe definiton of the different classes of evidence is available on page 73.

Free-hand placement of high thoracic pedicle screws with the aid of fluoroscopy: evaluation of positioning by CT scans in a four-year consecutive series

To evaluate the feasibility, safety and accuracy of pedicle screw placement in the upper thoracic spine using the free-hand technique with the aid of fluoroscopy; to analyze the methods used to verify correct screw positioning intra and postoperatively. All patients with instability of the cervicothoracic or upper thoracic spine and at least one screw placed in the segment T1-T6 as part of a posterior construct entered the study. Only C-arm intraoperative fluoroscopy was used to guide screw placement. We obtained excellent positioning in 98.07% of the screws. CT scans precisely demonstrated pedicle wall and anterolateral body violations. There was no hardware failure, no neurological or vascular injury and no loss of alignment during the follow-up period. Pedicle screws can be safely placed in the upper thoracic spine when strict technical principles are followed. Only a CT scan can precisely demonstrate vertebral body and medial pedicle cortical violations.

Accuracy of free-hand placement of thoracic pedicle screws in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: how much of a difference does surgeon experience make?

The use of thoracic pedicle screws for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has gained widespread popularity. However, the placement of pedicle screws in the deformed spine poses unique challenges, and surgeons experience a learning curve. The in vivo accuracy as determined by computed tomography (CT) of placement of thoracic pedicle screws in the deformed spine as a function of surgeon experience is unknown. We undertook a retrospective review to determine the effect of surgeon experience on the accuracy of thoracic pedicle screw placement in AIS. In 2005, we started to obtain routine postoperative CT scans on patients undergoing a spinal fusion. From a database of these patients, we selected AIS patients, who underwent a posterior spinal fusion. Fifteen consecutive patients for each of the following three groups stratified by attending surgeon experience were selected (N = 45): A) less than 20 cases of all pedicle screw constructs for AIS (surgeons <2 years of practice), B) 20-50 cases (surgeons 2-5 years of practice), and C) greater than 50 cases (surgeons greater than 5 years of practice). Intraoperative evaluation of all screws included probing of the pedicle screw tract, neurophysiologic monitoring, and fluoroscopic confirmation. A total of 856 thoracic pedicle screws were studied. Postoperative CT scans were evaluated by two spine surgeons and a consensus read established as follows: (1) In: intraosseous placement or <or=2-mm breach, (2) Out: >2-mm breach, either medial or lateral. Of the 856 screws, 104 demonstrated a >2-mm breach, for an overall rate of 12.1% (medial = 55, lateral = 49, P = 0.67). When the breach rates were stratified by surgeon experience, there was a trend toward decreased rate of breach for the most experienced surgeons, although this did not attain statistical significance (Group A: 12.7%, Group B: 12.9%, Group C: 10.8%, P = 0.58). However, the most experienced group (C) had a markedly decreased rate of medial breaches (3.5 vs. 7.4% and 8.4% for groups A and B, respectively, P < 0.01). The breach rate for the concave periapical screws was not statistically different from the overall breach rate (13.0% vs. 12.1%, P = 0.93). In conclusion, the overall accuracy of placement of pedicle screws in the deformed spine was 87.9%, with no neurologic, vascular, or visceral complications. Meticulous technique allows spine surgeons with a range of surgical experience to accurately and safely place thoracic pedicle screws in the deformed spine. The most experienced surgeons demonstrated the lowest rate of medial breaches.

Radiographic and clinical evaluation of free-hand placement of C-2 pedicle screws

Stabilization of the cervical spine can be challenging when instrumentation involves the axis. Fixation with C1-2 transarticular screws combined with posterior wiring and bone graft placement has yielded excellent fusion rates, but the technique is technically demanding and places the vertebral arteries (VAs) at risk. Placement of screws in the pars interarticularis of C-2 as described by Harms and Melcher has allowed rigid fixation with greater ease and theoretically decreases the risk to the VA. However, fluoroscopy is suggested to avoid penetration laterally, medially, and superiorly to avoid damage to the VA, spinal cord, and C1-2 joint, respectively. The authors describe how, after meticulous dissection of the C-2 pars interarticularis, such screws can be placed accurately and safely without the use of fluoroscopy. Prospective follow-up was performed in 55 consecutive patients who underwent instrumented fusion of C-2 by a single surgeon. The causes of spinal instability and type and extent of instrumentation were documented. All patients underwent preoperative CT or MR imaging scans to determine the suitability of C-2 screw placement. Intraoperatively, screws were placed following dissection of the posterior pars interarticularis. Postoperative CT scans were performed to determine the extent of cortical breach. Patients underwent clinical follow-up, and complications were recorded as vascular or neurological. A CT-based grading system was created to characterize such breaches objectively by location and magnitude via percentage of screw diameter beyond the cortical edge (0 = none; I = < 25% of screw diameter; II = 26-50%; III = 51-75%; IV = 76-100%). One-hundred consecutive screws were placed in the pedicle of the axis by a single surgeon using external landmarks only. In 10 cases, only 1 screw was placed because of a preexisting VA anatomy or bone abnormality noted preoperatively. In no case was screw placement aborted because of complications noted during drilling. Early complications occurred in 2 patients and were limited to 1 wound infection and 1 transient C-2 radiculopathy. There were 15 total breaches (15%), 2 of which occurred in the same patient. Twelve breaches were lateral (80%), and 3 were superior (20%). There were no medial breaches. The magnitude of the breach was classified as I in 10 cases (66.7% of breaches), II in 3 cases (20% of breaches), III in 1 case (6.7%), and IV in 1 case (6.7%). Free-hand placement of screws in the C-2 pedicle can be done safely and effectively without the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy or navigation when the pars interarticularis/pedicle is assessed preoperatively with CT or MR imaging and found to be suitable for screw placement. When breaches do occur, they are overwhelmingly lateral in location, breach < 50% of the screw diameter, and in the authors' experience, are not clinically significant.

Accuracy of implant placement using precision surgical guides with varying occlusogingival heights: An in vitro study

Surgical guides may interfere with effective use of surgical instrumentation during implant placement in the posterior segments where interocclusal distance may be limited. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the accuracy of posterior implant placement using 3 precision surgical guides with varying occlusogingival heights, and to evaluate the difference in accuracy of implant placement through precision guides as compared to freehand placement. Three groups of surgical guides were fabricated with occlusogingival heights of 4, 6, and 8 mm, respectively. A jig was fabricated to allow for accurate positioning in bone substitute blocks. Ninety implants were placed in the mandibular first molar site on a manikin. Thirty implants (Astra Tech AB) were placed for each group, with 15 through the guide and 15 freehand. Distances between a reference implant and each placed implant were measured at both implant and abutment levels using a coordinate measuring machine. Apex position and angular discrepancy were calculated using the coordinates of the centers of the implant platform and of the occlusal aspect of the abutment. Data was assessed using 2-way ANOVA (alpha=.05). Two-way ANOVA demonstrated that guide height did not significantly affect the accuracy of the implant position. The distance from the reference point to the point of measurement was significantly smaller for placement through the guide compared to freehand placement at both implant (P<.001) and abutment levels (P<.001). The angular discrepancy was also significantly smaller for placement through the guide (P<.001). Precision surgical guides with 4-mm occlusogingival height allow placement as accurate as precision guides with 8-mm height. Placement through the guide reproduced the target position more accurately than freehand insertion.

Computer-assisted cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty: usefulness, limits and future

The basic hypothesis for computer-assisted placement of the cup in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is that navigation will improve cup positioning around the targeted values previously defined in the literature as the gold standard for cup placement and reduce the number of outliers. Reducing the outliers will theoretically reduce the number of dislocation, improve range of motion and reduce wear. We will present the surgical technique, and the results of a prospective randomized study comparing computer-assisted cup positioning with free-hand placement. Furthermore we will outline some limitations of the navigation systems in hip surgery observed during our early experience through the results of complementary anatomical and clinical studies. Finally we will discuss the potential for future development of computer-assisted THA.

Positionnement acétabulaire assisté par ordinateur dans les prothèses totales de hanche: Étude prospective comparative randomisée

Purpose of the study Actetabular component malpositioning during total hip arthroplasty (THA) increases the risk of dislocation, reduces the range of motion, and can be the cause of early wear and loosening. There have been numerous reports on the optimal orientation of the acebaular component in THA. Lewinnek et al recommended an abduction angle of 40±10° and an anteversion of 15±10° for cup alignment in THA. In order to prevent malpostioned hip implants and improve the reproducibility of implant alignment in THA, numerous computer-assisted orthopedic systems have been described, using computed tomography (CT)-base or imageless navigation. Among the imageless systems available, one is based on Bone Morphing ® technology initially described by Stindel for computer-assisted knee arthroplasty and adapted for THA. The purpose of this study was to compare computer-assisted acetabular component insertion versus free hand placement. Material and methods A controlled randomized matched prospective study was performed in two groups of 30 patients. The study was approved by the French Ethics Committee. In the first group, cup positioning was assisted by an imageless computer-assisted orthopedics system based on Bone Morphing ® (CAOS+ group). In the control group, cup placement was free hand (CAOS- group). The same cementless cup was used in both groups. The same surgeon performed all procedures using an anterolateral approach. Cup anteversion and abduction angles were measured on 3D CT scan reconstructions obtained postoperatively for each patient by an independent observer using a special cup evaluation software. Results There were 16 males and 14 females in each group, mean age was 62 years (range 24-80) years, and mean body mass index was 25 in each group. Mean additional time of the CAOS procedure was 12 minutes (range 8-20). Intraoperative subjective agreement of the surgeon with the computer guidance system demonstrated a high correlation in 23 cases, a weak correlation in six cases and poor correlation in one case. There were no statistical differences between the CAOS+ and the CAOS- group regarding means of the abduction and anteversion angles, but a significant range of variance, the lowest variations being observed in the CAOS+ group. Discussion This study has shown the accuracy of cup positioning using a CT-free navigation system in a prospective randomized controlled protocol.

Poor accuracy of freehand cup positioning during total hip arthroplasty

Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between the acetabular cup position and the risk of dislocation, wear and range of motion after total hip arthroplasty. The present study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of the surgeon’s estimated position of the cup after freehand placement in total hip replacement. Peroperative estimated abduction and anteversion of 200 acetabular components (placed by three orthopaedic surgeons and nine residents) were compared with measured outcomes (according to Pradhan) on postoperative radiographs. Cups were placed in 49.7° (SD 6.7) of abduction and 16.0° (SD 8.1) of anteversion. Estimation of placement was 46.3° (SD 4.3) of abduction and 14.6° (SD 5.9) of anteversion. Of more interest is the fact that for the orthopaedic surgeons the mean inaccuracy of estimation was 4.1° (SD 3.9) for abduction and 5.2° (SD 4.5) for anteversion and for their residents this was respectively, 6.3° (SD 4.6) and 5.7° (SD 5.0). Significant differences were found between orthopaedic surgeons and residents for inaccuracy of estimation for abduction, not for anteversion. Body mass index, sex, (un)cemented fixation and surgical approach (anterolateral or posterolateral) were not significant factors. Based upon the inaccuracy of estimation, the group’s chance on future cup placement within Lewinnek’s safe zone (5–25° anteversion and 30–50° abduction) is 82.7 and 85.2% for anteversion and abduction separately. When both parameters are combined, the chance of accurate placement is only 70.5%. The chance of placement of the acetabular component within 5° of an intended position, for both abduction and anteversion is 21.5% this percentage decreases to just 2.9% when the tolerated error is 1°. There is a tendency to underestimate both abduction and anteversion. Orthopaedic surgeons are superior to their residents in estimating abduction of the acetabular component. The results of this study indicate that freehand placement of the acetabular component is not a reliable method.

Imageless navigation for insertion of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty

In a prospective randomised clinical study acetabular components were implanted either freehand (n = 30) or using CT-based (n = 30) or imageless navigation (n = 30). The position of the component was determined post-operatively on CT scans of the pelvis. Following conventional freehand placement of the acetabular component, only 14 of the 30 were within the safe zone as defined by Lewinnek et al (40 degrees inclination sd 10 degrees ; 15 degrees anteversion sd 10 degrees ). After computer-assisted navigation 25 of 30 acetabular components (CT-based) and 28 of 30 components (imageless) were positioned within this limit (overall p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between CT-based and imageless navigation (p = 0.23); both showed a significant reduction in variation of the position of the acetabular component compared with conventional freehand arthroplasty (p < 0.001). The duration of the operation was increased by eight minutes with imageless and by 17 minutes with CT-based navigation. Imageless navigation proved as reliable as that using CT in positioning the acetabular component.

Computer-assisted cup placement techniques in total hip arthroplasty improve accuracy of placement.

Malposition of the acetabular component during hip arthroplasty increases the occurrence of impingement, reduces range of motion, and increases the risk of dislocation and long-term wear. To prevent malpositioned hip implants, an increasing number of computer-assisted orthopaedic systems have been described, but their accuracy is not well established. The purpose of this study was to determine the reproducibility and accuracy of conventional versus computer-assisted techniques for positioning the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty. Using a lateral approach, 150 cups were placed by 10 surgeons in 10 identical plastic pelvis models (freehand, with a mechanical guide, using computer assistance). Conditions for cup implantations were made to mimic the operating room situation. Preoperative planning was done from a computed tomography scan. The accuracy of cup abduction and anteversion was assessed with an electromagnetic system. Freehand placement revealed a mean accuracy of cup anteversion and abduction of 10 degrees and 3.5 degrees, respectively (maximum error, 35 degrees). With the cup positioner, these angles measured 8 degrees and 4 degrees (maximum error, 29.8 degrees), respectively, and using computer assistance, 1.5 degrees and 2.5 degrees degrees (maximum error, 8 degrees), respectively. Computer-assisted cup placement was an accurate and reproducible technique for total hip arthroplasty. It was more accurate than traditional methods of cup positioning.

Ventricular catheter placement in children with hydrocephalus and small ventricles: the use of a frameless neuronavigation system.

Accurate placement of ventricular catheters in children with small ventricles can be difficult. Too often, shunt catheters are misplaced with regard to optimal position and trajectory. The objective of this study was to determine whether neuronavigation-guided free-hand placement of ventricular catheters is an effective adjunct for children with hydrocephalus and small ventricles. Nine children with hydrocephalus (ages 1-12 years) participated in this study. Four children were diagnosed as suffering from slit ventricle syndrome and 5 children had small to mildly dilated ventricles. Of the 9 shunted children, 6 underwent previous shunt placements, and 1 child previously underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy. In 8 children the primary procedure was insertion of ventricular catheters using a frameless neuronavigation system. In 1 child, the neuronavigation system was used after failure to insert the ventricular catheter using a standard technique. All children showed significant improvement of their symptoms and signs following the procedure and none of them required shunt revision during the follow up period (mean 8+/-5 months). The usage of a neuronavigation system is safe and may be beneficial for optimal positioning and trajectory of ventricular catheters in children with small ventricles or an abnormal ventricular anatomy.

Accuracy of computer-assisted cup placement in total hip arthroplasty

To determine the precision of conventional versus computer-assisted techniques in the positioning of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty, 150 cups were placed by 10 different surgeons in 10 identical plastic pelvis models. Free hand placement revealed a mean precision of cup anteversion and abduction of 10° and 3.5°, respectively. With the cup positioner, these angles measured 8° and 4° and using computer-assisted surgery, they decreased to 1.5° and 2.5°. This study demonstrates that computer-assisted surgery is clearly more precise than either of the two traditional methods, even for well-trained surgeons.

Virtual placement of frontal ventricular catheters using frameless neuronavigation: an "unbloody training" for young neurosurgeons.

To evaluate virtually the reliability of freehand puncture of the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle and to provide realistic, but unbloody training for young neurosurgeons. Virtual placement of ventricular catheters was performed repeatedly by neurosurgical doctors and thereafter controlled by neuronavigation. With the help of a frameless stereotactic navigation device they virtually had to hit the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle on the MRI of 29 brains with normal ventricular sizes and 60 pathological ventricles, respectively. The catheter placement was simulated using the pointer of the navigation system (EasyGuide Neuro). The monitor screen was blinded, so that on-line control was impossible. Virtual elongation of the pointer tip was performed on the workstation and the position of the virtual catheter was evaluated on a printout. Virtual freehand catheter placement was performed 145 times into the MRIs of the normal brains. In 66 cases (45%) the site of the catheter tip was judged as accurate as shown by the navigation system. No difference concerning the number of correctly placed catheters was observed when comparing more and less experienced doctors. The results in the 60 pathological MRIs of patients differed with respect to the size of the ventricles: in narrow ventricles an accurate placement succeeded in 7 of 22 cases (32%), moderately enlarged ventricles were accurately hit in 15 out of 32 cases (46%) and wide ventricles in 5 of 6 attempts (83%), respectively. This setup is a simple, practicable tool for neurosurgical education. The virtual freehand placement of ventricular drains controlled by neuronavigation provides an unbloody training of a routine neurosurgical procedure in a realistic setting without the risk of injuring a patient. Neuronavigation systems can serve therefore as a link between learning from observation and handling the real situation.

MRI confirmation of accuracy of freehand placement of mesial temporal lobe depth electrodes in the investigation of intractable epilepsy.

Stereotactic techniques are commonly used to place intracerebral depth electrodes. We placed 15 depth electrodes (9R, 6L) freehand, orthogonally into temporal lobes in 12 patients undergoing monitoring with subdural strip electrodes in the evaluation of their intractable epilepsy. Coronal MRI was performed with the electrodes in place. The mean distance from the closest depth electrode contact to the hippocampus was 0.8 mm (range 0-5 mm). In 11 instances the closest contact was either within or making contact with the hippocampus, and in another three it was within 3 mm. For 13 electrodes, the most distal contact was the closest to the hippocampus, for two the penultimate contact was closest. There were no complications from electrode placement. Ictal onset was mesial temporal in 11 patients and frontal in one. Temporal onset was detectable in the depth electrode in each case, usually simultaneously with the onset in the subdural electrode although often the discharge was better developed in the depth electrode. We conclude that freehand placement of depth electrodes orthogonally into the temporal lobe can achieve a degree of accuracy sufficient to localize seizure onset in the mesial temporal lobe.