Accuracy of cortical bone trajectory screw fixation guided by spinous process clamp guide in lumbosacral vertebrae: A cadaver study

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to access the accuracy of cortical bone trajectory screw placement guided by spinous process clamp (SPC). MethodsEight formalin-treated cadaveric lumbar specimens with T12-S1 were used. A total of 96 screws were implanted in eight lumbar specimens. ResultsIn the freehand (FH) group, clinically acceptable placement (grade A and B) was 40 screws (83.3%), meanwhile 44 screws (91.7%) in the SPC guide group (p = 0.217). The grade A screws in the SPC guide group were much more than that in the FH group (n = 40 vs. n = 31, p = 0.036). The misplacement screws (grade C, D, and E) and proximal facet joint violation (FJV) in the SPC group was comparable to the FH group. ConclusionsThis cadaveric study demonstrate that implanting CBT screws guided by SPC guide was more accuracy and reduces severe deviations in important directions.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the accuracy of cortical bone trajectory screw placement guided by spinous process clamp. Using 8 lumbar specimens, a total of 96 screws were implanted. The results showed that the SPC guide group had higher clinically acceptable placement and reduced severe deviations in important directions. Therefore, implanting CBT screws guided by SPC can improve surgical accuracy.