Abstract
Introduction
The aim of the study is to evaluate accuracy of cervical pedicle screws placement using funnel technique and topographic landmarks surgical technique.
Materials and Methods
Ten fresh frozen cervical spines (C3-C7) were used (100 pedicles, 20 pedicles per level). The average specimen age was 62.5 years (range, 51-75 years); pedicle width, sagittal angle, and transverse angle were measured on preoperative axial computed tomography (1 mm slices) for every pedicle. All the specimens were randomly divided into two groups. The pedicles (C3-C7) of experimental group were instrumented with 3.5 mm screws with the funnel technique and the control group with the topographic landmarks surgical technique. No intraoperative φλuoroscopy or radiographic control was used during any part of the entire procedure. Critical perforations (documented contact of a screw with, or an injury to, a spinal cord, nerve root, or vertebral artery) and noncritical perforations (a perforation with no critical contact) were recorded.
Results
In five pedicles (5%), the procedure was aborted because of a small or nonexistent pedicle medullary canal. In Group I (funnel technique), 82% of screws were placed in the pedicle correctly, seven pedicles (18%) had noncritical breaches, and two pedicles (4%) had critical perforations. In Group II (topographic landmarks surgical technique), 62.2% of screws were placed in the pedicle correctly, whereas 11 pedicles (24.4%) had noncritical perforations and 6 pedicles (13.3%) had critical perforations. Statistically significant differences were demonstrated between the two groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Funnel technique can enhance accuracy and further improving the safety of transpedicular screw placement comparing with topographic landmarks surgical technique.
None declared
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