Accuracy and safety of thoracic pedicle screw placement in spinal deformities

Yossi Smorgick*, Michael A. Millgram, Yoram Anekstein, Yizhar Floman, Yigal Mirovsky

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

102 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety of pedicle screw fixation in thoracic spine deformity correction. METHODS: One hundred twelve pedicle screws were surgically placed in 25 patients with degenerative, posttraumatic, and Scheuermann kyphosis and idiopathic and neuromuscular scoliosis. Screw position was evaluated using intraoperative and postoperative radiographs and thin-slice computed tomography. RESULTS: Of the total 112 thoracic pedicle screws that were inserted, 98 screws (87.5%) were fully contained within the cortical boundaries of the pedicle. When comparing proximal screws (T1-T8) with distal screws (T9-T12) and convex placed screws with concave ones, a statistically significant difference in screw placement was evident (P < 0.05). More misplaced screws were seen proximally and on the concave side. Of the 14 malpositioned screws, 2 (1.8%) demonstrated aortic abutment. There were no neurologic deficits, vascular injuries, or mechanical failures recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of thoracic pedicle screws is both feasible and safe.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)522-526
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques
Volume18
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Pedicular screws
  • Spinal deformity
  • Thoracic spine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Accuracy and safety of thoracic pedicle screw placement in spinal deformities'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this