Computer-assisted fluoroscopic navigation of pedicle screw insertion: an in vivo feasibility study.
BACKGROUND
Accurate placement of pedicle screws is difficult.


METHODS
We evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of pedicle screw insertion assisted by a real-time, 2-dimensional (2D) image-guided navigation system in 12 patients who underwent thoraco-lumbar and/or lumbar stabilization. 66 pedicle screws were inserted either by senior spine surgeons or residents. The accuracy of positioning of the screws was evaluated using postoperative plain radiographs and thin-cut CT.


RESULTS
61 of the 66 screws were inserted successfully. 5 screw insertions showed structural violations: 4 on the medial and 1 on the lateral pedicle wall. The accuracy was higher in the sagittal plane than in the axial plain. There was no difference between the surgical error rates caused by the senior surgeons and the residents.


CONCLUSIONS
Using computer-assisted 2D fluoroscopic image navigation, it is possible to achieve reliable and accurate pedicle screw insertion during low thoracic and lumbar spinal surgery.
Fu
Tsai-Sheng
TS
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.
Chen
Li-Huei
LH
Wong
Chak-Bor
CB
Lai
Po-Liang
PL
Tsai
Tsung-Ting
TT
Niu
Chi-Chieh
CC
Chen
Wen-Jer
WJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001863:Bone Screws; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*