Reliability of roentgenogram evaluation of pedicle screw position.
METHODS
This was a human cadaver study of the accuracy of biplanar roentgenography in determining pedicle screw position.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the independent accuracy of radiologic evaluation of screw placement and to determine if there are any particular screw malpositions that are more likely to produce a false sense of acceptable screw position.


BACKGROUND
Other investigators have reported the correlation between radiologic evaluation and anatomic dissection. However, in those studies the radiologic evaluation was not independent of the surgeons placing the screws. There has been no comment in the literature regarding particular screw malpositions that would lead the surgeon into a false sense of successful screw placement.


METHODS
Pedicle screws were placed in cadaver spines, and biplanar roentgenograms of the specimens were evaluated by independent observers. The results of the roantgenogram evaluation then were compared to those of the anatomic dissection.


RESULTS
The accuracy of roentgenogram evaluation varied from 73% to 83%, depending on the experience of the surgeon grading the roentgenograms. Screws misplaced medially into the spinal canal are more likely to give the surgeon a false sense of successful screw placement.


CONCLUSIONS
The surgeon must not rely solely on the roentgenograms, but instead continue to use tactile sensory skills, anatomic knowledge, and additional modalities such as electromyography monitoring.
Ferrick
M R
MR
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, State University of New York at Buffalo, USA.
Kowalski
J M
JM
Simmons
E D
ED
D001863:Bone Screws / Q000009:adverse effects; D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012447:Sacrum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation