Researchers reviewed a total of 2,132 screws in 101 patients, who underwent posterior spinal fusion for deformity correction. Screws adjacent to great vessels and viscera were identified and evaluated.
A total of 40 at-risk screws — 2 percent — were identified in 25 patients. The 40 screws were in proximity to the aorta, left subclavian artery, esophagus, trachea, pleura and diaphragm. Of the 31 screws close to the aorta, 10 screws were impinging or distorting the aortic wall.
“A single at-risk screw causes a significant complication for the patient. Postoperative imaging beyond routine X-rays may be needed to detect at-risk screws in asymptomatic patients,” noted the study authors.
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