Accuracy of a dynamic surgical guidance probe for screw insertion in the cervical spine: a cadaveric study

Abstract

© 2016, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. Study design: A fresh frozen cadaver study was conducted. Objective: To report the cortical breach rate using the dynamic surgical guidance (DSG) probe versus traditional freehand technique for cervical lateral mass, cervical pedicle and cervical laminar screws. Methods: Nine male fresh frozen cadaveric torsos were utilized for this study. Each investigator was assigned three specimens that were randomized by fixation point, side and order of technique for establishing a screw pilot hole. The technique for screw hole preparation utilized was either a DSG probe in the “on” mode or in the “off” mode using a freehand technique popularized by Lenke et al. Levels instrumented included C1 lateral mass, C2 pedicle screws and lamina screws, and C6–T1 pedicle screws. Fluoroscopy and other navigational assistance were not used for screw hole preparation or screw insertion. All specimens were CT imaged following insertion of all screws. A senior radiolog