Authors of section

Author

Jean Ouellet

General Editor

Luiz Vialle

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Insertion of the pedicle screws

1. Pedicle screw entry points

The entry point of the pedicle screw is defined as the confluence of any of the four lines:

  1. Pars interarticularis
  2. Mamillary process (shown)
  3. Lateral border of the superior articular facet
  4. Mid transverse process (shown)
insertion of the pedicle screws

2. Opening of the cortex

Open the superficial cortex of the entry point with a burr or a rongeur.

insertion of the pedicle screws

3. Sagittal plane angulation

A pedicle probe is used to navigate down the isthmus of the pedicle into the vertebral body.

The pedicle probe should be inserted in a trajectory superimposed on the transverse process and parallel to the superior endplate.

insertion of the pedicle screws

4. Transverse plane inclination

It is important to avoid medial penetration of the spinal canal superficially or lateral or anterior penetration of the vertebral body cortex at the depth of insertion.

insertion of the pedicle screws

5. Screw insertion

Once the pedicle track has been created, it is important to confirm a complete intraosseous trajectory by pedicle and body palpation using a pedicle probe. At any point in the process, radiographic confirmation can be obtained.

insertion of the pedicle screws

A screw of the appropriate diameter and length is carefully inserted into the prepared track.

insertion of the pedicle screws
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