DOES THE USE OF DYNAMIC SURGICAL GUIDANCE ASSIST ACCURATE PEDICLE SCREW PLACEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOPOROSIS OR OSTEOPENIA?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the use of a dynamic surgical guide (PediGuard®) and pilot hole preparation, with the use of a probe and the aid of fluoroscopy in osteoporotic or osteopenic patients undergoing pedicular fixation of the thoracic or lumbar spine. Methods One hundred and eight patients were randomized. A pilot hole was prepared with the dynamic surgical guide (PediGuard®), or with a probe with the aid of fluoroscopy. A total of 657 vertebral pedicles (120 thoracic and 180 lumbar) were included in the study. The parameters used for the comparison were: accuracy of the pedicular screw, number of fluoroscopic shots, and change in intraoperative trajectory of the perforation after detecting pedicle wall rupture. Results In the group with use of the dynamic surgical guide, malpositioning of the pedicle screws was observed in 8 (2.6%) patients and intraoperative change of perforation trajectory in 12 (4%) patients, and there were 52 fluoroscopic shots. In the group without use of the dynamic surgical guide (PediGuard®), misplacement of the pedicle screws was observed in 33 (11%) patients and intraoperative change of perforation trajectory in 47 (13.2%) patients, and there were 136 fluoroscopic shots. Conclusion The use of the dynamic surgical guide (PediGuard®) in patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia enabled more accurate placement of pedicular screws, with less change in the intraoperative course of the perforation and less intraoperative radiation. Level of Evidence II; Randomized clinical trial of lesser quality.