All operating surgeons involved in the study placed a gamma radiation dosimeter on their chest outside the lead apron during surgery and placed pedicle screws in the pediatric spine using the freehand technique. Average fluoroscopic time was 40.5±21 seconds.
To place a single screw, average fluoroscopy time was 2.6±1.7 seconds. Fluoroscopy time per fixation level was 3.9±2.5 seconds. The researchers recorded less radiation exposure than the minimum reportable dose in each surgery.
“The use of freehand technique for pedicle screw fixation in spinal deformity correction requires a minimum amount of fluoroscopic use, hence decreasing radiation exposure to the surgeon and patient,” the study authors concluded.
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