Accuracy of cortical bone trajectory screw fixation guided by spinous process clamp guide in lumbosacral vertebrae: A cadaver study

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to access the accuracy of cortical bone trajectory screw placement guided by spinous process clamp (SPC).

Methods: Eight formalin-treated cadaveric lumbar specimens with T12-S1 were used. A total of 96 screws were implanted in eight lumbar specimens.

Results: In the freehand (FH) group, clinically acceptable placement (grade A and B) was 40 screws (83.3%), meanwhile 44 screws (91.7%) in the SPC guide group (p = 0.217). The grade A screws in the SPC guide group were much more than that in the FH group (n = 40 vs. n = 31, p = 0.036). The misplacement screws (grade C, D, and E) and proximal facet joint violation (FJV) in the SPC group was comparable to the FH group.

Conclusions: This cadaveric study demonstrate that implanting CBT screws guided by SPC guide was more accuracy and reduces severe deviations in important directions.

Keywords: cadaveric study; cortical bone trajectory; guide; lumbar spine fixation; navigation.