A study published in the Journal of Spinal Disorders & Diseases examines the risk profile and complications associated with K-wire anterior vertebral body breach during percutaneous pedicle screw insertion.
The article's authors examined 525 consecutive percutaneous pedicle screw placements retrospectively. Here are six findings from the study:
• There were seven anterior breaches.
• Three of the breaches were minor.
• Two of the breaches were moderate.
• Two of the breaches were major.
• Two patients had postoperative ileus with a retroperitoneal hematoma.
• No patients required reoperation or blood transfusion.
"Although the rate of anterior K-wire breach is low, the technique requires the acquisition of a new set of skills including the safe passage of a K-wire, and knowledge of potential complications that may ensue," concluded the study authors.
Spine surgeons are now performing minimally invasive procedures using K-wires for degenerative, trauma, deformity, infection and neoplasia cases.