Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes of Thoracolumbar Fusions Using Intraoperative CT Guidance and Stereotactic Navigation in a Spinal Trauma Population: An Analysis of 58 Patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected single-institution database.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes of posterior thoracolumbar fusions using intraoperative computed tomography (CT)-guidance and stereotactic navigation in thoracolumbar spinal trauma.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Pedicle screw instrumentation is utilized for stabilization in thoracolumbar fusions. Suboptimal placement may lead to neurovascular complications, pseudarthrosis, postoperative pain, and the need for revision surgery. Image-guided spinal surgery is commonly used to improve accuracy, particularly for complex anatomy such as encountered with traumatic fractures.

METHODS: We retrospectively identified 58 patients undergoing posterior thoracolumbar fusions using intraoperative CT and stereotactic navigation for traumatic fractures from 2010 to 2017 at a single institution. Pedicle screw accuracy, realignment, clinical outcomes, and ease of use were retrospectively reviewed. Accuracy was assessed on postplacement or postoperative CT. Breach grades included: grade 1 (<2 mm), grade 2 (2-4 mm), and grade 3 (>4 mm).

RESULTS: A total of 58 patients were identified having undergone 58 operations, which involved placement of 519 pedicle screws. Traumatic fracture patterns and levels of injury were varied. Accurate pedicle screw placement was found in 95.8% and was stable over time. Breach included: grade 1 in 19 screws, grade 2 in 2 screws, and grade 3 in 1 screw. No neurovascular complications were noted. No revision surgery was performed for misplacement. A subgroup of 6 ankylosing spondylitis patients were identified having undergone 6 operations with 63 pedicle screws. Accurate pedicle screw placement was found in 93.7%.

CONCLUSION: Intraoperative CT-guidance and stereotactic navigation can overcome the difficulty associated with thoracolumbar trauma resulting in complex anatomy with malalignment and unpredictable trajectories. Intraoperative CT can be used with stereotactic guidance or for intraoperative verification of free-hand screw placement with repositioning as needed. CT-guidance maintains the benefit of reduced fluoroscopic exposure while improving accuracy of instrumentation and reducing reoperation for screw malposition.