Placement of Guide-Wireless Sharp Percutaneous Pedicle Screws Utilizing Computed Tomography-Navigation and Sentinel Fluoroscopy: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Abstract Many established techniques exist for minimally invasive pedicle screw placement. Nearly all techniques incorporate the use of a Kershner wire (K-wire) at various points in the work-flow. The use of a K-wire adds an additional step. If its position is lost, it requires repeating all previous steps, and placement is not without complication. The use of a guide-wireless sharp screws allows the surgeon to place a pedicle screw in 1 step with several fluid maneuvers.1 The patient underwent Institutional Review Board-approved consent for this study. Following traditional computed tomography-based navigation, a stab incision is made, followed by fascial dissection with monopolar cautery. The sharp screw is placed percutaneously at the facet-transverse process junction. The precise entry point is confirmed with navigation, followed by a sentinel anterior-posterior fluoroscopic image, verifying the accuracy of the navigation. The cortical bone is traversed by malleting the sharp tip through the cortex. When the cancellous bone is engaged, the screw is then advanced through the pedicle. This set of steps allows for safe, efficient placement of percutaneous pedicle screws without the need for a guidewire. Mal-placement regarding sharp pedicle screw insertion is similar to K-wire-dependent screw placement. Surgeons must be cognoscente of exceptionally sclerotic bone, which can prove difficult to cannulate. Conversely, osteoporotic bone that is liable to a cortical pedicle breach, transverse process fracture, and/or maltrajectory are all considerations when placing a K-wireless, sharp pedicle screw. Anterior-posterior fluoroscopy is utilized to confirm accuracy of image-guided navigation and mitigate malplacement of pedicle screws.

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Does the application of Robotics improve outcomes of pedicle screw insertion in spine surgery compared to conventional fluoroscopy guidance? A protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.1101/2021.12.08.21267465 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Vishal Kumar ◽

Vishnu Baburaj ◽

Prasoon Kumar ◽

Sarvdeep Singh Dhatt

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pedicle Screw ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Spine Surgery ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Pedicle Screws ◽

Screw Placement ◽

Screw Insertion ◽

Pedicle Screw Insertion ◽

Fluoroscopy Guidance

AbstractBackgroundPedicle screw insertion is routinely carried out in spine surgery that has traditionally been performed under fluoroscopy guidance. Robotic guidance has recently gained popularity in order to improve the accuracy of screw placement. However, it is unclear whether the use of robotics alters the accuracy of screw placement or clinical outcomes.ObjectivesThis systematic review aims to compare the results of pedicle screws inserted under fluoroscopy guidance, with those inserted under robotic guidance, in terms of both short-term radiographic outcomes, as well as long-term clinical outcomes.MethodsThis systematic review will be conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search will be conducted on the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Ovid with a pre-determined search strategy. A manual bibliography search of included studies will also be done. Original articles in English that directly compare pedicle screw insertion under robotic guidance to those inserted under fluoroscopy guidance will be included. Data on outcomes will be extracted from included studies and analysis carried out with the help of appropriate software.

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Confirmation of accuracy/inaccuracy of lumbar pedicle screw placement using postoperative computed tomography

Surgical Neurology International ◽

10.25259/sni_290_2021 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 518

Author(s):

Mohamed M. Arnaout ◽

Magdy O. ElSheikh ◽

Mansour A. Makia

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Lumbar Spine ◽

Pedicle Screw ◽

Pedicle Screws ◽

Operative Intervention ◽

Screw Placement ◽

Lumbar Spine Surgery ◽

Pedicle Screw Placement ◽

Lumbar Pedicle ◽

Ct Studies

Background: Transpedicular screws are extensively utilized in lumbar spine surgery. The placement of these screws is typically guided by anatomical landmarks and intraoperative fluoroscopy. Here, we utilized 2-week postoperative computed tomography (CT) studies to confirm the accuracy/inaccuracy of lumbar pedicle screw placement in 145 patients and correlated these findings with clinical outcomes. Methods: Over 6 months, we prospectively evaluated the location of 612 pedicle screws placed in 145 patients undergoing instrumented lumbar fusions addressing diverse pathology with instability. Routine anteroposterior and lateral plain radiographs were obtained 48 h after the surgery, while CT scans were obtained at 2 postoperative weeks (i.e., ideally these should have been performed intraoperatively or within 24–48 h of surgery). Results: Of the 612 screws, minor misplacement of screws (≤2 mm) was seen in 104 patients, moderate misplacement in 34 patients (2–4 mm), and severe misplacement in 7 patients (>4 mm). Notably, all the latter 7 (4.8% of the 145) patients required repeated operative intervention. Conclusion: Transpedicular screw insertion in the lumbar spine carries the risks of pedicle medial/lateral violation that is best confirmed on CT rather than X-rays/fluoroscopy alone. Here, we additional found 7 patients (4.8%) who with severe medial/lateral pedicle breach who warranting repeated operative intervention. In the future, CT studies should be performed intraoperatively or within 24–48 h of surgery to confirm the location of pedicle screws and rule in our out medial or lateral pedicle breaches.

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Accuracy of percutaneous lumbar pedicle screw placement using the oblique or “owl's-eye” view and novel guidance technology

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2010.4.spine09580 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 509-515 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Cary Idler ◽

Kevin W. Rolfe ◽

Josef E. Gorek

Keyword(s):

Pedicle Screw ◽

Facet Joint ◽

Pedicle Screws ◽

Guidance System ◽

Screw Placement ◽

Pedicle Screw Placement ◽

Screw Insertion ◽

Percutaneous Pedicle Screw ◽

Clinical Series ◽

Lumbar Pedicle

Object This study was conducted to assess the in vivo safety and accuracy of percutaneous lumbar pedicle screw placement using the owl's-eye view of the pedicle axis and a new guidance technology system that facilitates orientation of the C-arm into the appropriate fluoroscopic view and the pedicle cannulation tool in the corresponding trajectory. Methods A total of 326 percutaneous pedicle screws were placed from L-3 to S-1 in 85 consecutive adult patients. Placement was performed using simple coaxial imaging of the pedicle with the owl's-eye fluoroscopic view. NeuroVision, a new guidance system using accelerometer technology, helped align the C-arm trajectory into the owl's-eye view and the cannulation tool in the same trajectory. Postoperative fine-cut CT scans were acquired to assess screw position. Medical records were reviewed for complications. Results Five of 326 screws breached a pedicle cortex—all breaches were less than 2 mm—for an accuracy rate of 98.47%. Five screws violated an adjacent facet joint. All were at the S-1 superior facet and included in a fusion. No screw violated an adjacent mobile facet or disc space. There were no cases of new or worsening neurological symptoms or deficits for an overall clinical accuracy of 100%. Conclusions The owl's-eye technique of coaxial pedicle imaging with the C-arm fluoroscopy, facilitated by NeuroVision, is a safe and accurate means by which to place percutaneous pedicle screws for degenerative conditions of the lumbar spine. This is the largest series reported to use the oblique or owl's-eye projection for percutaneous pedicle screw insertion. The accuracy of percutaneous screw insertion with this technique meets or exceeds that of other reported clinical series or techniques.

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Minimally invasive guidewireless, navigated pedicle screw placement: a technical report and case series

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/2017.5.focus17200 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 43 (2) ◽

pp. E9 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Brandon W. Smith ◽

Jacob R. Joseph ◽

Michael Kirsch ◽

Mary Oakley Strasser ◽

Jacob Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Minimally Invasive ◽

Pedicle Screw ◽

Kirschner Wire ◽

Case Series ◽

Pedicle Screws ◽

Screw Placement ◽

Pedicle Screw Placement ◽

Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery ◽

Screw Insertion ◽

Percutaneous Pedicle Screw

OBJECTIVEPercutaneous pedicle screw insertion (PPSI) is a mainstay of minimally invasive spinal surgery. Traditionally, PPSI is a fluoroscopy-guided, multistep process involving traversing the pedicle with a Jamshidi needle, placement of a Kirschner wire (K-wire), placement of a soft-tissue dilator, pedicle tract tapping, and screw insertion over the K-wire. This study evaluates the accuracy and safety of PPSI with a simplified 2-step process using a navigated awl-tap followed by navigated screw insertion without use of a K-wire or fluoroscopy.METHODSPatients undergoing PPSI utilizing the K-wire–less technique were identified. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record. Complications associated with screw placement were recorded. Postoperative radiographs as well as CT were evaluated for accuracy of pedicle screw placement.RESULTSThirty-six patients (18 male and 18 female) were included. The patients’ mean age was 60.4 years (range 23.8–78.4 years), and their mean body mass index was 28.5 kg/m2 (range 20.8–40.1 kg/m2). A total of 238 pedicle screws were placed. A mean of 6.6 pedicle screws (range 4–14) were placed over a mean of 2.61 levels (range 1–7). No pedicle breaches were identified on review of postoperative radiographs. In a subgroup analysis of the 25 cases (69%) in which CT scans were performed, 173 screws were assessed; 170 (98.3%) were found to be completely within the pedicle, and 3 (1.7%) demonstrated medial breaches of less than 2 mm (Grade B). There were no complications related to PPSI in this cohort.CONCLUSIONSThis streamlined 2-step K-wire–less, navigated PPSI appears safe and accurate and avoids the need for radiation exposure to surgeon and staff.

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Accuracy of robot-guided versus freehand fluoroscopy-assisted pedicle screw insertion in thoracolumbar spinal surgery

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/2017.3.focus179 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 42 (5) ◽

pp. E14 ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

Granit Molliqaj ◽

Bawarjan Schatlo ◽

Awad Alaid ◽

Volodymyr Solomiichuk ◽

Veit Rohde ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pedicle Screw ◽

Spinal Instrumentation ◽

Pedicle Screws ◽

Screw Placement ◽

Robotic Assistance ◽

Anatomical Landmarks ◽

Pedicle Screw Placement ◽

Robot Assisted ◽

Screw Insertion ◽

Freehand Technique

OBJECTIVEThe quest to improve the safety and accuracy and decrease the invasiveness of pedicle screw placement in spine surgery has led to a markedly increased interest in robotic technology. The SpineAssist from Mazor is one of the most widely distributed robotic systems. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of robot-guided and conventional freehand fluoroscopy-guided pedicle screw placement in thoracolumbar surgery.METHODSThis study is a retrospective series of 169 patients (83 women [49%]) who underwent placement of pedicle screw instrumentation from 2007 to 2015 in 2 reference centers. Pathological entities included degenerative disorders, tumors, and traumatic cases. In the robot-assisted cohort (98 patients, 439 screws), pedicle screws were inserted with robotic assistance. In the freehand fluoroscopy-guided cohort (71 patients, 441 screws), screws were inserted using anatomical landmarks and lateral fluoroscopic guidance. Patients treated before 2009 were included in the fluoroscopy cohort, whereas those treated since mid-2009 (when the robot was acquired) were included in the robot cohort. Since then, the decision to operate using robotic assistance or conventional freehand technique has been based on surgeon preference and logistics. The accuracy of screw placement was assessed based on the Gertzbein-Robbins scale by a neuroradiologist blinded to treatment group. The radiological slice with the largest visible deviation from the pedicle was chosen for grading. A pedicle breach of 2 mm or less was deemed acceptable (Grades A and B) while deviations greater than 2 mm (Grades C, D, and E) were classified as misplacements.RESULTSIn the robot-assisted cohort, a perfect trajectory (Grade A) was observed for 366 screws (83.4%). The remaining screws were Grades B (n = 44 [10%]), C (n = 15 [3.4%]), D (n = 8 [1.8%]), and E (n = 6 [1.4%]). In the fluoroscopy-guided group, a completely intrapedicular course graded as A was found in 76% (n = 335). The remaining screws were Grades B (n = 57 [12.9%]), C (n = 29 [6.6%]), D (n = 12 [2.7%]), and E (n = 8 [1.8%]). The proportion of non-misplaced screws (corresponding to Gertzbein-Robbins Grades A and B) was higher in the robot-assisted group (93.4%) than the freehand fluoroscopy group (88.9%) (p = 0.005).CONCLUSIONSThe authors’ retrospective case review found that robot-guided pedicle screw placement is a safe, useful, and potentially more accurate alternative to the conventional freehand technique for the placement of thoracolumbar spinal instrumentation.

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Correlation between the Computed Tomography Values of the Screw Path and Pedicle Screw Pullout Strength: An Experimental Study in Porcine Vertebrae

Asian Spine Journal ◽

10.31616/asj.2019.0170 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 265-272

Author(s):

Atsushi Ikeura ◽

Taketoshi Kushida ◽

Kenichi Oe ◽

Yoshihisa Kotani ◽

Muneharu Ando ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Bone Mineral Density ◽

Pedicle Screw ◽

Bone Mineral ◽

Lumbar Vertebrae ◽

Pedicle Screws ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Screw Insertion ◽

Pull Out ◽

Pull Out Strength

Study Design: Biomechanical study.Purpose: To assess the correlation between the computed tomography (CT) values of the pedicle screw path and screw pull-out strength.Overview of Literature: The correlation between pedicle screw pull-out strength and bone mineral density has been well established. In addition, several reports have demonstrated a correlation between bone mineral density and CT values. However, no previous biomechanical studies investigated the correlation between CT values and pedicle screw pull-out strength.Methods: Sixty fresh-frozen lumbar vertebrae from 6-month-old pigs were used. Before screw insertion, the CT values of the screw path were obtained for each sample. Specimens were then randomly divided into three equal groups. Each group had one of three pedicle screws inserted: 4.0-mm LEGACY (4.0-LEG), 4.5-mm LEGACY (4.5-LEG), or 4.5-mm SOLERA (4.5-SOL) (all from Medtronic Sofamor Danek Inc., Memphis, TN, USA). Each screw had a consistent 30-mm thread length. Axial pull-out testing was performed at a rate of 1.0 mm/min. Correlations between the CT values and pedicle screw pull-out strength were evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis.Results: The correlation coefficients between the CT values of the screw path and pedicle screw pull-out strength for the 4.0-LEG, 4.5-LEG, and 4.5-SOL groups were 0.836 (p <0.001), 0.780 (p <0.001), and 0.873 (p <0.001), respectively. Greater CT values were associated with greater screw pull-out strength.Conclusions: The CT values of the screw path were strongly positively correlated with pedicle screw pull-out strength, regardless of the screw type and diameter, suggesting that the CT values could be clinically useful for predicting pedicle screw pull-out strength.

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Comparison of intraoperative O-arm- and conventional fluoroscopy (C-arm)-assisted insertion of pedicle screws in the treatment of fracture of thoracic vertebrae

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery ◽

10.1177/2309499016684090 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 230949901668409 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hao Liu ◽

Yimeng Wang ◽

Bin Pi ◽

Zhonglai Qian ◽

Xiaoyu Zhu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pedicle Screw ◽

Pedicle Screws ◽

Screw Placement ◽

Thoracic Vertebrae ◽

Pedicle Screw Placement ◽

Screw Insertion ◽

Pedicle Screw Insertion ◽

Computed Tomography Images ◽

Hospitalization Time ◽

Time Required

Purpose: To introduce the intraoperative O-arm-assisted pedicle screw insertion without any navigation system in the treatment of thoracic vertebrae fracture and compare it to conventional fluoroscopy (C-arm)-assisted pedicle screw insertion technique. Methods: About 156 pedicle screws were inserted in 23 patients (C-arm group), and 208 pedicle screws were inserted in 30 patients (O-arm group). The postoperative computed tomography images were analyzed for pedicle violation based on Gertzbein classification. The total surgery time, the average time required for inserting a screw, the mean action times of adjusting guide probe and pedicle screw, and the hospitalization time were compared in both groups, respectively. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) was used for evaluating the health outcomes pre- and postoperatively. Results: There are the higher accuracy rate of satisfactory pedicle screw placement (grades 0 and 1) and the less incidence of medial perforation in the O-arm group compared to the C-arm group ( p < 0.05). The average time required for inserting a screw, the action times of adjusting the guide probe and pedicle screw, and the hospitalization time in the O-arm group are less than the respective ones in the C-arm group ( p < 0.05). There was no significant difference for the total surgery time between both groups. No further damage of the nerve function postoperatively is found according to the ASIA grade. Conclusion: The O-arm-assisted pedicle screw insertion without navigation we described provides higher accuracy of pedicle screw placement and better clinical efficacy compared to conventional fluoroscopy (C-arm) technique.

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The Place of 3D Printing Preoperative Planning in Upper Thoracic Fractures

10.21203/rs.3.rs-138284/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ismail Kaya ◽

Ilker Cingoz ◽

Meryem Sahin ◽

Emirhan Bozoglan ◽

Murat Sayin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pedicle Screw ◽

Pedicle Screws ◽

Screw Placement ◽

Perforation Rate ◽

Screw Insertion ◽

Group I ◽

Group Ii ◽

The Difference ◽

Group 2 ◽

Upper Thoracic

Abstract Background: This study aims to compare the clinical results of patients with upper thoracic vertebral fractures treated with pedicle screw and posterior spinal fusion with preoperative surgical planning and 3-dimensional (3D) modeling and patients treated with freehand screws.Methods: Thirty patients who underwent pedicle screw placement with a diagnosis of upper thoracic fracture between June 2018 and October 2020 were included in our study. Pedicle screws were used in 15 patients (group 1) after the planning was completed with the help of 3D preoperative printing and modeling. Pedicle screws were applied in 15 patients in the control group (group 2) using the freehand technique. Intraoperative bleeding amount, pedicle screw insertion time, and correct screw placement data in both groups were recorded. The time of insertion of each pedicle screw was recorded.Results: The operation time was 134 ± 22 minutes for group 1 and 152 ± 38 minutes for group 2. The difference in operation times was found to be statistically significant (p <0.05). Based on axial and sagittal reconstruction images, the accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement (grade 0 and 1) in group I was 96.5% compared to 84.2% in group II. Analyzing axial reconstruction images alone, the overall perforation rate was 10.3% in group I compared to 26.3% in group II. The minor perforation rate (Grade 1, <2 mm) was 7.0% in group I compared to 12.2% in group II. The moderate perforation rate (grade 2, 2-4 mm) was 3.4% in group I compared to 14% in group II. The severe perforation rate (grade 3, > 4 mm) was 1.7% in group II. The difference in overall accuracy rates between the two groups was significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: For 3D models of upper thoracic pedicle screw insertion, guide plates can be produced inexpensively and individually. It provides a new method for the accurate placement of upper thoracic pedicle screws with high accuracy and secure use in screw insertion.

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The "slide technique" - a novel free-hand method of subaxial cervical pedicle screw placement

10.21203/rs.2.16510/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Bin Liu ◽

Xiangyang Liu ◽

Xiongjie Shen ◽

Guoping Wang ◽

Yixin Chen

Keyword(s):

Pedicle Screw ◽

Pedicle Screws ◽

Screw Placement ◽

Target Area ◽

Lateral Mass ◽

Pedicle Screw Placement ◽

Cervical Pedicle Screw ◽

Screw Insertion ◽

Cervical Pedicle ◽

Slide Technique

Abstract Background : Cervical Pedicle Screw(CPS) placement is a challenging work due to high risk of neurovascular complications. Although there have been a number of different free-hand or navigation assisted techniques for CPS placement, perforations always occur during screw insertion, especially lateral perforation. The objective of this research is to describe a novel free-hand technique for subaxial CPS placement (C3–C7) for improving security and decreasing the chances of perforation. Methods : Thirty-two patients undergoing surgery with CPS instrumentation (C3–C7) at our institute between June 2017 and December 2018 were included in the study. All the patients had cervical trauma, and pedicle screw insertion was made according to the free-hand “slide technique”. Lamina, lateral mass and facet joint of the target area were clearly exposed and the optimal entry point was found on the lateral mass posterior surface. A pedicular probe was then inserted and gently advanced. During the pedicle probe insertion, the cortex of the medial margin of the pedicle acted as a “slide” to permit safe insertion of the screw. If the pedicle screw pathway was intact, screw of appropriate size was carefully placed. Three-dimensional (3D) CT imaging reconstruction was performed in all the patients after surgery, and screw perforations were graded with the Gertzbein-Robbins classification. Results : A total of 257 CPSs (C3-7) were inserted, of which 41 CPSs in C3, 61 CPSs in C4, 55 CPSs in C5, 53 CPSs in C6, and 47 CPSs in C7. The diameter and length of CPSs were 3.5 mm and 22-26 mm respectively. According to the Gertzbein-Robbins classification, grade 0, 231 screws; grade 1, 19 screws; and grade 2, 7 screws. No neurovascular complications occurred stemming from malpositioning of pedicle screws. In perforated screws (26 screws), lateral perforations were 16, medical perforations were 5, and inferior perforations were 4. Conclusions : The initial usage result show the “slide technique” is a safe, effective and cost-effective technique for pedicle screw placement in the cervical spine. This is the first report of such technique, we recommend it to wide practical application though further studies are needed.

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Postoperative 320 multi-slice computed tomography in assessment of pedicle screw insertion in thoraco-lumbar fixation

Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine ◽

10.1186/s43055-019-0050-7 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 50 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Alsiagy A. Salama ◽

Mohamed A. Amin ◽

Ahmed Y. Soliman ◽

Ahmed El-Tantaway

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Pedicle Screw ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Screw Placement ◽

Spinal Fixation ◽

Pedicle Screw Placement ◽

Screw Insertion ◽

Postoperative Assessment ◽

Reformatted Ct

Abstract Background Pedicle screw instrumentation is used widely in lumbar spine for stabilization to enhance arthrodesis and has been accepted in the thoracic spine in recent years. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of postoperative 320 multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) in assessment of pedicle screw placement in patients with spinal fixation with clinical and surgical correlation. Results A total of 340 pedicular screws were inserted to 70 cases. 286 (84.12%) were in, 54 screws (15.88%) were violated, and revision surgeries were required for 5 displaced screws. On axial, coronal reconstruction and three-dimensional (3D) reformatted CT images 36, 47, and 54 displaced screws were detected, respectively. Both sensitivity and specificity for 3D reformatted images were 100%. For axial image, they were 97.6% and 89.4%, respectively, compared with surgical findings in 5 revised screws. Conclusion Multi-slice CT scan is a valuable and valid postoperative assessment tool of accuracy of spinal pedicle screw placement.

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