Objective: To develop a high-accuracy, better-safety and low-cost cervical pedicle locator system for guiding cervical pedicle screw placement.
Methods: Cervical pedicle screw locator system was made of stainless steel. Ten cervical specimens from voluntary donation were divided into two groups according to compatibility design: control group in which 60 screws were planted into C(2-7) by free hand; and experimental group in which 60 screws were planted into C(2-7) under the guidance of three-dimensional locator system. The condition of screw insertion was observed and the accuracy was evaluated by the integrity of pedicle walls.
Results: In the control group, 32 screws (53.33%) were placed inside the pedicles and 28 (46.67%) were outside; 9 screws (15.00%) led to nerve root injury, 5 screws (8.33%) caused vertebral artery injury and no spinal cord injury occurred; and the qualification ratio of screw insertion was 76.67% (excellent 32, fair 14, poor 14). While in the experimental group, 54 screws (90.00%) were placed inside the pedicles and 6 (10.00%) were outside; 1 screw (1.67%) caused vertebral artery injury and no nerve root injury and spinal cord injury occurred; and the qualification ratio of screw insertion was 98.33% (excellent 54, fair 5, poor 1). There was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Cervical pedicle screw locator system has the advantages of easy manipulation, high accuracy of screw placement and low cost. With further study, it can be applied to the clinical.