Transpedicular Thoracic Screws: General Concepts and Insertion Technique Using Fluoroscopic Guidance

摘要

Transpedicular screw fixation of the thoracic spine remains a controversial and highly debated topic among spinal surgeons. Importantly, this debate centers mostly on the incidence, degree, and potential neurologic, vascular, or pulmonary consequences of screw penetration through the pedicle wall or anterior vertebral cortex. Such concern is reasonably justified based on the relatively high incidence of pedicle violations by experienced spine surgeons in cadaveric specimens.