In the process of screw placement, a pedicle screw with a larger diameter can be accommodated in upper and middle thoracic pedicles, if the axis of the pedicle screw is confirmed within the pedicle walls, according to the article. Surgeons can determine the appropriate diameter through palpation when placing the screw and referring to the pedicle screw diameter measured preoperatively by CT scan.
For the study, researchers examined 32 pediatric patients with idiopathic and congenital kyphoscoliosis who received surgical treatment through posterior approach pedicle screw placement. The patients underwent a CT preoperatively and postoperatively.
None of the 206 screws placed in the patients were misplaced. The diameter of inserted pedicle screws ranged from 4.5 to 5.5 millimeters and the length of the screw inserted varied from 30 to 40 mm. The researchers reported no loosening, deformation, breakage or removal of inserted pedicle screw during the follow-up.
Read the abstract about the safe placement of upper and middle thoracic pedicle screws during surgery for pediatric spinal deformity.
Read other coverage on spine surgery studies:
– Study: Spine Surgery Better for Diabetic Patients With Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
– Johns Hopkins Study Shows Wearing Helmets While Motorcycling Decreases Cervical Spine Injury Risk
