title: Multiple parallel skin markers for minimal incision lumbar disc surgery; a technical note.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Spinal surgery depends on accurate localization to prevent incorrect surgical approaches. The trend towards minimally invasive surgery that minimizes surgical exposure and reduces postoperative pain increasingly requires surgeons to accurately determine the operative level before an incision is made. Preoperative localization with a C-arm image intensifier is popular, but the exposure of both patients and theatre staff to radiation is a disadvantage, as well as being time-consuming.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a simple surgical tool developed to help localize exact spinal levels in conjunction with a simple AP X-ray film immediately before surgery. Multiple parallel skin markers were made using a circular oven rack comprising multiple 1.5 cm spaced parallel wires attached to a circular outside rim. The longest line was placed on the line of the postero-superior iliac spine (PSIS) over the junction of the L5-S1 region.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on the film taken, the incision can be accurately made at the intended level. The incision wound can be minimized to 3.0 cm even when using conventional disc surgery instruments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. tsaikj@ms2.hinet.net
authors.forename: Kai-Jow
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: Shih-Hao
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Po-Quang
authors.initials: PQ
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D010173:Palpation; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011859:Radiography / Q000295:instrumentation