Pedicle Screw Instrumentation of the Cervicothoracic Junction in the Sitting Position using CT-guided Navigation: Application and Technical Aspects

J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg. 2021 Mar;82(2):176-181. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1718409. Epub 2021 Feb 4.

Abstract

Background: We evaluate the feasibility and potential advantages of spinal CT navigation in the placement of pedicle screws at the cervicothoracic junction in the sitting position to counteract the anatomy-related limitations of 2D fluoroscopy.

Methods: We retrospectively analyze the data from 15 patients who underwent CT-based navigation-guided placement of a total of 36 pedicle screws at the cervicothoracic junction in the sitting position.

Results: CT-based spinal navigation is a useful method in increasing accuracy of pedicle screw instrumentation in the sitting position, successfully counteracting the anatomy-related limitations of 2D fluoroscopy at the cervicothoracic junction.

Conclusion: CT-based navigation-guided placement of pedicle screws at the cervicothoracic junction in the sitting position proved to be an accurate, safe, and user-friendly method.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Female
  • Fluoroscopy / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pedicle Screws*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sitting Position
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods