Fluoroscopic computer-assisted pedicle screw placement through a mature fusion mass: an assessment of 24 consecutive cases with independent analysis of computed tomography and clinical data.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational matched cohort study with computed tomography (CT) analysis of pedicle screw placement.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the clinical accuracy of computer-assisted fluoroscopy for the placement of thoracolumbar pedicle screws through a mature posterolateral fusion mass.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Pedicle screw placement through an amorphous posterolateral fusion mass intuitively carries a higher risk of pedicle wall violation.

METHODS: Postoperative CT scans of 102 pedicle screws placed through a mature posterolateral fusion mass (n = 10 [T10-T12]; n = 92 [L1-S1]) were independently assessed and compared with a matched control (nonobscured anatomy) group. All screws were placed before any decompression using the FluoroNav system.

RESULTS: In the fusion mass group, overall 81.4% of screws were completely within the pedicle. Seven medial and 12 lateral pedicle breaches occurred. Relative to the total number of screws, pedicle breaches were graded II (<2 mm) in 13.5%, III (2-4 mm) in 2.9%, and IV (>4 mm) in 2.0% of screws. The number and direction of pedicle breaches were not significantly different when compared with the control group. There were no clinically significant screw misplacements in either group.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of computer-assisted fluoroscopy is safe and effective for the placement of thoracolumbar (T10-S1) pedicle screws through a posterolateral fusion mass without performing laminoforaminotomies.