title: A split strap frame applicator for stereotactic frame placement.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Symmetric and orthogonal placement of stereotactic frames is an important part of many procedures. The authors describe a split strap frame applicator for stereotactic frame placement.
  
  
  METHODS
  A strap was developed that uses 2 pairs of straps with a common center that support the weight of the frame during screw placement. Ear bars can be used to orient the frame.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A retrospective review of the perioperative imaging of 20 patients revealed excellent frame placement with minimal deviation from orthogonal planes relative to the long axis of the head.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The orienting usefulness of ear bars during frame placement can be used without the ear bars supporting the weight of the frame with this applicator.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25755, USA. Electronic address: wilderp71@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Bryan R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Payne
authors.affiliation: New Orleans Regional Gamma Knife Center, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA.
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA.
authors.forename: Mary S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Payne
mesh_terms: D001863:Bone Screws; D004867:Equipment Design; D006257:Head; D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*