Stimulation EMG Thresholds during Percutaneous Robotic Assisted Pedicle Screw Placement

A Stereotactic/Robotic System for Pedicle Screw Placement

We are developing a robotic system to assist a surgeon in placing spinal pedicle screws. While several groups have undertaken such systems, our approach differs in that it endeavors to remain as close to current clinical technique as possible, yet achieve stereotactic accuracy. This paper describes the conventional surgical methodology, justifies the need for stereotactic/robotic assistance, an...

What is the learning curve for robotic-assisted pedicle screw placement in spine surgery?

BACKGROUND Some early studies with robotic-assisted pedicle screw implantation have suggested these systems increase accuracy of screw placement. However, the relationship between the success rate of screw placement and the learning curve of this new technique has not been evaluated. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES We determined whether, as a function of surgeon experience, (1) the success rate of robotic...

Robot-assisted Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Placement Using Three-dimensional Fluoroscopy: A Preliminary Clinical Study

Comparison of superior-level facet joint violations during open and percutaneous pedicle screw placement.

BACKGROUND Superior-level facet joint violation by pedicle screws may result in increased stress to the level above the instrumentation and may contribute to adjacent segment disease. Previous studies have evaluated facet joint violations in open or percutaneous screw cases, but there are no reports describing a direct institutional comparison. OBJECTIVE To compare the incidence of superior-l...

Effectiveness of EMG use in pedicle screw placement for thoracic spinal deformities

STUDY DESIGN  Systematic review. OBJECTIVE  To determine the effectiveness of using electromyography (EMG) during intraoperative pedicle screw placement in patients with thoracic deformity. METHODS  A systematic review of the English-language literature was undertaken for articles published between 1970 and July 2011. For our first question, we identified all articles that were designed to ...