European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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A multi-detector computed tomography (CT) imaging system with a mobile scanner gantry in the operating room can provide intraoperative reconstructed images with a high resolution. We devised a technique for cervical pedicle screw (CPS) placement using the mobile CT system and evaluated the accuracy of this technique. ⋯ The technique of CPS placement using mobile CT was shown to be safe and effective in preventing catastrophic complications associated with CPS insertion.
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The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the changes in the vertebral body and spinal canal area in a group of patients who had pedicle screw fixation under age 5 for the treatment of congenital spinal deformity at least 5 year follow-up. ⋯ Pedicle screw instrumentation has no adverse effect on further spinal body, pedicle and canal growth and does not result in iatrogenic spinal canal stenosis.
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Coccygectomy may be indicated for the treatment of debilitating coccygodynia unresponsive to non-operative treatment. Perineal contamination and postoperative wound infection following coccygectomy remains a major concern. We present a rare post-coccygectomy complication of rectal-cutaneous fistula. To our knowledge no such case has been previously described. ⋯ Postoperative infection following coccygectomy remains a major concern. A discharging sinus at the surgical site may suggest the presence of a rectal-cutaneous fistula, which requires a combined approach of spinal and colorectal surgeons. Methylene blue injection to the sinus tract may facilitate the diagnosis of a rectal-cutaneous fistula.
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We evaluated the trajectory and the entry points of anterior transpedicular screws (ATPS) in the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ). ⋯ Implantation of ATPS at C6, C7, and some T1 is feasible through the low anterior cervical approach, while it is almost impossible to approach T2 that way.