Placement Of Lumbosacral Pedicle Screws Research Articles

Accuracy of Lumbosacral Pedicle Screw Placement in Dogs: A Novel 3D Printed Patient-Specific Drill Guide versus Freehand Technique in Novice and Expert Surgeons.

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of pedicle screw placement at the canine lumbosacral junction using a novel unilateral three-dimensional printed patient-specific guide (3D-PSG) versus a freehand drilling technique. Additionally, accuracy of screw placement between a novice and an experienced surgeon was determined. Preoperative computed tomography images from 20 lumbosacral cadaveric specimens were used to design a novel unilateral 3D-PSG for the L7 and sacral vertebrae which was printed in acryl-nitrile butadiene styrene plastic. A novice and an expert surgeon each placed 3.5mm cortical screws in 10 cadavers; on the left using the unilateral 3D-PSG and by the freehand (anatomic landmark) technique on the right. Sixty screws were placed using the unilateral 3D-PSG and 60 using the freehand technique. There was no statistical difference in accuracy for the comparison between methods performed by the expert (p = 0.679) and novice (p = 0.761) surgeon, nor between an expert and novice surgeon overall (p = 0.923). Unexpectedly, the use of a unilateral 3D-PSG increased variability for the expert surgeon in our study (p = 0.0314). Using a novel unilateral 3D-PSG did not improve the accuracy of screw placement for lumbosacral stabilization by a novice surgeon compared with an expert surgeon in lumbar spine surgery. This may reflect a suboptimal PSG design.

Development and validation of an automated planning tool for navigated lumbosacral pedicle screws using a convolutional neural network

Background contextNavigation and robotic systems have been increasingly applied to spinal instrumentation but dedicated screw planning is a time-consuming prerequisite to tap the full potential of these techniques. PurposeTo develop and validate an automated planning tool for lumbosacral pedicle screw placement using a convolutional neural network (CNN) to facilitate the planning process. Study Design/SettingRetrospective analysis and processing of CT and screw planning data randomly selected from a consecutive registry of CT-navigated instrumentations from a single academic institution. Patient SampleData from 179 cases was processed for CNN training and validation (155 for training, 24 for validation) leveraging a total of 1182 screws (1052 for training, 130 for validation). Outcome MeasuresQuantitative and qualitative (Gertzbein-Robbins classification [GR]) validation via comparison of automatically and manually planned reference screws, inter-rater and intra-rater variability. MethodsAnnotated data from CT-navigated instrumentation was used to train a CNN operating in a vertebra instance-based approach employing a state-of-the-art U-Net framework. Internal five-fold cross-validation and external validation on an independent cohort not previously involved in training was performed. Quantitative validation of automatically planned screws was performed in comparison to corresponding manually planned screws by calculating the minimal absolute difference (MAD) of screw head and tip points, length and diameter, screw direction and Dice coefficient. Results were evaluated in relation to inter-rater and intra-rater variability of manual screw planning. ResultsAutomated screw planning was successful in all targeted 130 screws. Compared with manually planned screws as a reference, mean MAD of automatically planned screws was 4.61±2.27 mm for screw head, 3.96±2.19 mm for tip points and 5.51±3.64° for screw direction. These differences were either statistically comparable or significantly smaller when compared with interrater variability of manual screw planning (p>.99 for head point and direction, p=.004 for tip point, respectively). Mean Dice coefficient of 0.61±0.16 indicated significantly greater agreement of automatic screws with the manual reference compared with interrater agreement (Dice 0.56±0.18, p<.001). Automatically planned screws were marginally shorter (MAD 3.4±3.2 mm) and thinner (MAD mean 0.3±0.6 mm) compared with the manual reference, but with statistical significance (p<.0001, respectively). Automatically planned screws were GR grade A in 96.2% in qualitative validation. Planning time was significantly shorter with the automatic approach (0:41 min vs. 6:41 min, p<.0001). ConclusionsWe derived and validated a fully automated planning tool for lumbosacral pedicle screws using a CNN. Our validation showed noninferiority to manual screw planning and provided sufficient accuracy to facilitate and expedite the screw planning process. These results offer a high potential to improve workflows in spine surgery when integrated into navigation or robotic assistance systems.

Accuracy and Safety of Percutaneous Lumbosacral Pedicle Screw Placement Using Dual-Planar Intraoperative Fluoroscopy.

Study DesignRetrospective case series with prospective arm.PurposeTo assess the safety and accuracy of percutaneous lumbosacral pedicle screw placement (PLPSP) in the lumbosacral spine using intraoperative dual-planar fluoroscopy (DPF).Overview of LiteratureThere are several techniques available for achieving consistent, safe, and accurate results with PLPSP. There is a paucity of literature describing the beneficial operative, economic, and clinical outcomes of DPF, the most readily accessible image guidance system.MethodsFrom 2004 to 2014, 451 consecutive patients underwent PLPSP using DPF, for a total of 2,345 screw placement. The results of prospectively obtained postoperative computed tomography (CT) examinations of an additional 41 consecutive patients were compared with the results of 104 CT examinations obtained postoperatively due to clinical symptomatology; these results were interpreted by three reviewers. The rates of revision indicated by misplaced screws with consistent clinical symptomatology were compared between groups. Pedicle screw placement was graded according to 2-mm increments in medial pedicle wall breach and measurement of screw axis placement.ResultsSeven of the 2,345 pedicle screws placed percutaneously with the use of the dual-planar fluoroscopic technique required revision because of a symptomatic misplaced screw, for a screw revision rate of 0.3%. There were no statistically significant demographic differences between patients who had screws revised and those who did not. All screws registered greater than 10 mA on electromyographic stimulation. In the 41 prospectively obtained CT examinations, one out of 141 screws (0.7%) was revised due to pedicle wall breach; whereas among the 104 patients with 352 screws, three screws were revised (0.9%).ConclusionsDPF is an extremely accurate, safe, and reproducible technique for placement of percutaneous pedicle screws and is a readily available and cost-effective alternative to CT-guided pedicle screw placement techniques. Postoperative CT evaluation is not necessary with PLPSP unless the patient is symptomatic. Acceptable electromyographic thresholds may need to be reevaluated.

Surgical Navigation Technology Based on Augmented Reality and Integrated 3D Intraoperative Imaging: A Spine Cadaveric Feasibility and Accuracy Study.

Study Design.A cadaveric laboratory study.Objective.The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of thoracic pedicle screw placement using augmented reality surgical navigation (ARSN).Summary of Background Data.Recent advances in spinal navigation have shown improved accuracy in lumbosacral pedicle screw placement but limited benefits in the thoracic spine. 3D intraoperative imaging and instrument navigation may allow improved accuracy in pedicle screw placement, without the use of x-ray fluoroscopy, and thus opens the route to image-guided minimally invasive therapy in the thoracic spine.Methods.ARSN encompasses a surgical table, a motorized flat detector C-arm with intraoperative 2D/3D capabilities, integrated optical cameras for augmented reality navigation, and noninvasive patient motion tracking. Two neurosurgeons placed 94 pedicle screws in the thoracic spine of four cadavers using ARSN on one side of the spine (47 screws) and free-hand technique on the contralateral side. X-ray fluoroscopy was not used for either technique. Four independent reviewers assessed the postoperative scans, using the Gertzbein grading. Morphometric measurements of the pedicles axial and sagittal widths and angles, as well as the vertebrae axial and sagittal rotations were performed to identify risk factors for breaches.Results.ARSN was feasible and superior to free-hand technique with respect to overall accuracy (85% vs. 64%, P < 0.05), specifically significant increases of perfectly placed screws (51% vs. 30%, P < 0.05) and reductions in breaches beyond 4 mm (2% vs. 25%, P < 0.05). All morphometric dimensions, except for vertebral body axial rotation, were risk factors for larger breaches when performed with the free-hand method.Conclusion.ARSN without fluoroscopy was feasible and demonstrated higher accuracy than free-hand technique for thoracic pedicle screw placement.Level of Evidence: N/A

Clinical application of self-designed guide for percutaneous placement of lumbosacral pedicle screws in surgery of lumbar vertebral fracture

Objective To evaluate our self-designed guide used clinically in percutaneous placement of lumbosacral pedicle screws in surgery of lumbar vertebral fractures. Methods From May 2012 to March 2015, 143 patients with lumbar vertebral fracture were treated with reduction and fixation using percutaneous lumbosacral pedicle screws in our department. Percutaneous placement of lumbosacral pedicle screws was assisted by our self-designed guide in 69 of them(guide group)but not in the other 74 cases(manual group). The 2 groups were compatible in preoperative general data(P> 0. 05). The 2 groups were compared in terms of localization time for a single screw, puncture accuracy, times of intraoperative fluoroscopy, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay. Results The guide group had significantly better localization time for a single screw, puncture accuracy, times of fluoroscopy and operation time than the manual group(P 0. 05). The guide group obtained an average follow-up of 12. 9 months(from 12 to 16 months)while the manual group obtained an average follow-up of 13. 2 months(from 12 to 18 months). All fractures healed primarily, without complications like injuries to nerve root or dural sac. Conclusion Our self-designed guide is recommendable because it can obviously improve accuracy of placement of lumbosacral pedicle screws, shorten operation time, and decrease times of intraoperative fluoroscopy. Key words: Lumber vertebrae; Fracture fixation, internal; Bone screws; Locator

Introduction to Lumbosacral and Sacropelvic Fixation Strategies

We are pleased to present this Neurosurgical Focus video supplement on lumbosacral and sacropelvic fixation strategies. Despite advancement in surgical techniques and technologies in spine, achieving consistent solid fusion across the lumbosacral junction remains a major challenge. The anatomy of the lumbosacral junction allows for a higher range of motion compared to other areas of the thoracolumbar spine. The L5-S1 interspace is exposed to significant shear forces. As a result, complications such as pseudoarthrosis, screw pull-out, implant fracture, or sacral fractures can occur. Complications are particularly seen in long fusion constructs ending across the lumbosacral junction. To reduce these complications, various lumbosacral and sacropelvic fixation techniques have been developed and utilized. The current supplement is intended to provide instructional videos that illustrate several current techniques for lumbosacral and sacropelvic fixation. The collection includes techniques for anterior L5-S1 interbody fusion, minimally invasive L5-S1 interbody fusions, lumbosacral pedicle screw placement, sacroiliac fusion, and sacro-alar-iliac screw placement. The authors of the videos in the supplement have provided detailed narration and video illustration to describe the nuances of the various open and minimally invasive techniques for lumbosacral and sacral-pelvic fixation. We are pleased to have such a collection of quality video illustration from experts in the field. It's been our privilege to serve as guest editors for this supplement and we believe that you will enjoy the contents of this supplement.

Accuracy of Percutaneous Lumbosacral Pedicle Screw Placement Using the Oblique Fluoroscopic View Based on Computed Tomography Evaluations.

Study DesignRetrospective.PurposeThis study aims to investigate the accuracy of the oblique fluoroscopic view, based on preoperative computed tomography (CT) images for accurate placement of lumbosacral percutaneous pedicle screws (PPS).Overview of LiteratureAlthough PPS misplacement has been reported as one of the main complications in minimally invasive spine surgery, there is no comparative data on the misplacement rate among different fluoroscopic techniques, or comparing such techniques with open procedures.MethodsWe retrospectively selected 230 consecutive patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion with a pedicle screw construct for degenerative lumbar disease, and divided them into 3 groups, those who had undergone: minimally invasive percutaneous procedure using biplane (lateral and anterior-posterior views using a single C-arm) fluoroscope views (group M-1), minimally invasive percutaneous procedure using the oblique fluoroscopic view based on preoperative CT (group M-2), and conventional open procedure using a lateral fluoroscopic view (group O: controls). The relative position of the screw to the pedicle was graded for the pedicle breach as no breach, <2 mm, 2–4 mm, or >4 mm. Inaccuracy was calculated and assessed according to the spinal level, direction and neurological deficit. Inter-group radiation exposure was estimated using fluoroscopy time.ResultsInaccuracy involved an incline toward L5, causing medial or lateral perforation of pedicles in group M-1, but it was distributed relatively equally throughout multiple levels in groups M-2 and controls. The mean fluoroscopy time/case ranged from 1.6 to 3.9 minutes.ConclusionsMinimally invasive lumbosacral PPS placement using the conventional fluoroscopic technique carries an increased risk of inaccurate screw placement and resultant neurological deficits, compared with that of the open procedure. Inaccuracy tended to be distributed between medial and lateral perforations of the L5 pedicle, as a result of pedicle morphology and the PPS pathway. Oblique fluoroscopic views, based on CT measurement, may allow accurate PPS insertion with a shorter fluoroscopy time.

Lumbosacral pedicle screw placement using a fluoroscopic pedicle axis view and a cannulated tapping device.

BackgroundPedicle screw insertions are commonly used for posterior fixation to treat various spine disorders. However, the misplacement of pedicle screws can lead to disastrous complications. Inaccurate pedicle screw placement is relatively common even when placement is performed under fluoroscopic control. In order to improve the accuracy of the screw placement, we applied a technique using guide wires and a cannulated tapping device with the assistance of a fluoroscopic pedicle axis view.MethodsFrom 2006 to 2011, 854 pedicle screws were placed in 176 patients in lumbosacral spinal fusion surgeries. The accuracy of screw placement was evaluated using postoperative reconstructed computed tomography images. Screw misplacement was classified as minor (cortical perforation <3 mm), moderate (cortical perforation 3–6 mm), or severe (cortical perforation >6 mm). Using logistic regression analysis, we also investigated the potential risk factors associated with screw misplacement.ResultsPedicle screw misplacement was observed in 37 screws (4.3 %) in 34 patients. In the sub-classification analysis, 28 screws (3.3 %) were determined to be minor perforations, 7 screws (0.8 %) were considered to be moderate perforations, and 2 screws (0.2 %) was judged to be a severe perforation (cortical perforation >6 mm). None of the 28 screws that were considered to be minor perforations were associated with any significant symptoms in the patients. However, 2 of the 9 screws that were determined to be moderate or severe perforations caused neurological symptoms (1 of which required revision). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of screw misplacement among the vertebral levels. Significant risk factors for screw misplacement were obesity and degenerative scoliosis. The odds ratios of these significant risk factors were 3.593 (95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.061–12.175) for obesity and 8.893 for degenerative scoliosis (95 % CI, 1.200–76.220).ConclusionsA modified fluoroscopic technique using a pedicle axis view and a cannulated tapping instrument can achieve safe and accurate pedicle screw placement. In addition, obesity and degenerative scoliosis were identified as significant risk factors for screw misplacement.

Clinical Accuracy of Computer-Assisted Two-Dimensional Fluoroscopy for the Percutaneous Placement of Lumbosacral Pedicle Screws

Clinical Accuracy of Computer-Assisted Two-Dimensional Fluoroscopy for the Percutaneous Placement of Lumbosacral Pedicle Screws

Clinical Accuracy of Computer-Assisted Two-Dimensional Fluoroscopy for the Percutaneous Placement of Lumbosacral Pedicle Screws

Clinical case series. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical accuracy of computer-assisted two-dimensional fluoroscopy (2D-CAS) for the percutaneous placement of lumbosacral pedicle screws. Loss of visual anatomic landmarks and reduced tactile feedback increases the risk of pedicle screw misplacement by when using minimally invasive (MIS) percutaneous techniques. However, objective data on screw misplacement in this scenario is lacking. A MIS-2D-CAS technique (FluoroNav) was used for the placement of pedicle screws in 41 consecutive patients undergoing MIS-interbody instrumented fusion. Postoperative computerized tomography (CT) was obtained in all patients at 6 months after surgery and was evaluated by 3 observers. The relative position of the screw to the pedicle was graded regarding pedicle breach (I, no breach; II, <2 mm; III, 2-4 mm; IV, >4 mm), breach direction, vertebral body perforation and screw trajectory. Interobserver reliability of CT grading was assessed with kappa statistics. A total of 161 screws were placed. No neurologic, vascular, or visceral injuries occurred. About 37 (23%) screws breached the pedicle. The majority (83.8%, 31/37) of breaches were graded II. There were 5 Grade III and 1 Grade IV breaches. Medial versus lateral breaches occurred in 30% (11/37) and 60% (22/37), respectively; 10% (4/37) of the breaches were superior. Overall, 8 (5%) vertebral body breaches occurred. Of the pedicle screws, 19 (12%) had trajectories that deviated from acceptable, with the majority being medial (16/19, 84%). Fluoroscopy time for screw placement was typically less than 20 seconds total per case. There was 1 clinically significant breach at L5 (III, medial) which resulted in a L5 radiculopathy. Kappa statistics showed excellent overall agreement between reviewers (k = 0.73-0.92; 90%-96% agreement). The two-dimensional (2D) virtual fluoroscopy is a clinically acceptable option for percutaneous placement of pedicle screws. However, this technique requires cautious application and is particularly vulnerable to axial trajectory errors.

Free-Hand Pedicle Screw Placement During Revision Spinal Surgery

: A retrospective study. : To evaluate the safety of free-hand pedicle screw placement during revision surgery at levels with a solid posterior fusion mass and/or identified pseudarthroses of the thoracic and lumbosacral spine. : Placement of pedicle screws into previous fusion masses or pseudarthrosis levels of the spine is challenging because of the loss of anatomic landmarks. We are aware of no study focusing on screw placement without any type of radiographic or navigational assistance. : Thirty-seven patients underwent revision spinal surgery with posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion using 552 transpedicular screws by a single surgeon from 1994 to 2003. Among 552 screws, 184 were inserted into virgin levels, 60 were inserted into the vertebral body through previous screw holes, 208 were inserted into fusion masses, and 100 were inserted into pseudarthrosis levels. We used the quadrangulation method to gain pedicle access in a prior fusion mass after diligent exposure of any and all visible anatomic landmarks. All screws were analyzed using radiographs, intraoperative monitoring data, and clinical outcomes. : There were 29 women and 8 men. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 38 + 6 years (range, 8-75 years). Six screws were removed intraoperatively according to the triggered electromyography criteria and 4 of them were repositioned after checking the integrity of the pedicle by a careful probing technique (1.09%). Six screws were removed after checking the intraoperative radiographs and 5 screws were misplaced, as noted, in postoperative radiographs (1.99%). Two patients underwent revision surgery at 3 days and 6 weeks after initial surgery, respectively, for root decompression at the osteotomy site although screw positions were correct. : The free-hand technique of thoracic and lumbosacral pedicle screw placement in revision spinal surgery is reliable and safe when using the quadrangulation method of gaining pedicle access in a prior fusion mass or at pseudarthrosis levels.

Evoked and spontaneous electromyography to evaluate lumbosacral pedicle screw placement.

A prospective study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of evoked and spontaneous electromyography in predicting pedicle wall breakthrough and subsequent lumbar radiculopathy occurring after placement of pedicle screw instrumentation of the lumbar spine. To correlate cortical breakthrough of the pedicle wall with an electrically evoked electromyography threshold of stimulation, to assess the sensitivity of mechanically evoked electromyography for nerve root irritation, and to correlate postoperative nerve root irritation with intraoperative findings. Pedicle wall breakthrough has been evaluated by radiographic means and found to be difficult to evaluate. Methods to perform both electrically evoked and mechanically evoked electromyography have been developed more sensitive tests for breakthrough. Twenty-five patients receiving 112 pedicle screws were evaluated. Cortical breakthrough was associated with electrically evoked electromyography threshold of less than 11 milliAmps. Not all screws that had broken through the pedicle wall caused a postoperative radiculopathy. Electromyographic activity was sensitive to nerve root stimulation. Measuring the electrically evoked electromyography threshold of stimulation helps to assess pedicle screw placement. Mechanically evoked electromyography indicates intraoperative nerve root displacement. Postoperative radiculopathy correlated with pedicle wall breakthrough, but did not occur in every case.