title: Ideal entry point for the thoracic pedicle screw during the free hand technique.
abstract: We have attempted to determine the spatial orientation of the base of the superior articular process in relation to the centre of the pedicle and then measure the transverse and sagittal screw angles using this ideal pedicle screw entry point - the base of the superior articular process at the junction of the lateral one-third and medial two-thirds. The proposed advantages of this technique are the easily identifiable entry point, the well-defined transverse and sagittal screw angles and a very low incidence of medial and inferior pedicle violation.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, South Korea. chungkjmd@dreamwiz.com
authors: Kook Jin
authors: KJ
authors: Chung
authors: Seung Woo
authors: SW
authors: Suh
authors: Sameer
authors: S
authors: Desai
authors: Hae Ryong
authors: HR
authors: Song
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D011859:Radiography; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult