Objective: This study aimed at the evaluation and assessment of a simple method, the transverse process resection (TPR) technique, for freehand thoracic pedicle screw placement and the learning curve for trainee surgeons.
Methods: In the TPR technique, the tip of the thoracic transverse process (TP) is removed to create an entry point in the cancellous bone of the TP, and the thoracic pedicle is cannulated from the TP. We retrospectively evaluated the safety and radiographic results of the TPR technique and compared with that of conventional pedicle screws. The training performance of seven neurosurgical residents with TPR techniques were evaluated.
Results: Among 46 patients, a total of 322 thoracic screws were analyzed, including 178 screws placed using the TPR technique and 144 screws using the conventional straight-forward (SF) technique. TPR screws had greater medial angulations in all levels from T2 to T12 compared to SF screws (p < 0.001). The incidence of pedicle breach was lower in the TPR screws compared to SF screws (6.2% vs. 21.5%, p < 0.001), especially for screws placed by residents (6.7% vs. 29.6%, p < 0.001). Residents had improved performance following a cadaveric training course on the TPR technique (p = 0.001).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated the safety of the TPR technique for thoracic pedicle screw placement and its short learning curve for trainee surgeons.
Keywords: Instrumentation; posterior spinal instrumentation; resident training; thoracic pedicle screw; thoracic spine; transverse process resection.