Skin markers for surgical planning for intradural lesions of the thoracic spine. Technical note.
BACKGROUND
Preparation for surgery for thoracic intraspinal lesions commonly involves rather difficult X-ray procedures in the operating room. The object of this report is to inform neurosurgeons about a modified technique for preoperative surface localization of intraspinal thoracic pathology.


METHODS
Adhesive, disposable radiographic skin markers placed at the presumed level of an intraspinal lesion are visualized along with the lesion on sagittal magnetic resonance scans of the thoracic spine.


RESULTS
The lesion and the skin markers were clearly identified within the same field of view. The lesion itself rather than the vertebral body becomes the reference point for localization.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative imaging with adhesive skin markers facilitates positioning and draping for surgery for thoracic intraspinal lesions. It may even replace intra-operative X-ray procedures in selected cases.
Rosahl
Steffen K
SK
International Neuroscience Institute (INI), Hannover, Germany.
Gharabaghi
Alireza
A
Liebig
Thomas
T
Feste
Christian Dalle
CD
Tatagiba
Marcos
M
Samii
Madjid
M
D000269:Adhesives; D004388:Dura Mater; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D012867:Skin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae
D000269:Adhesives