ABSTRAK
OBJECTIVE: We determined whether the accuracy of thoracaolumbar pedicle screwdirection placement is optimized with a technique using anatomic landmarks forpedicle screw and using S30 as guidance (Technique 1). This technique wascompared with a technique using anatomic landmarks for pedicle screw placementwithout S3D as guidance (Technique 2).METHODS: T7-L1 specimens were harvested from fresh human cadavers. Pediclescrew placement using technique 2 was performed on lelt side. Vertebral rotationand vertebral tilting measurement was determined using S3D. Then pedicle screwplacement using technique 1 was performed on right side. Axial dissections wereperformed on pedicular specimens. Deviation of the screws from the ideal entry pointor trajectory was analyzed to quantitatively compare the two techniques.RESULTS: Axial analysis of the specimens showed that all screw placements werewithin the pedicles. Scatter plot analysis demonstrated that screws placed usingTechnique 2 were more likely to have the combination of entry points andtrajectories medial to the ideal entry point and trajectory.CONCLUSION: All screw placements were grossly within the confines of thepedicles, regardless of technique, as evidenced by axial dissections analysis.