Schanz pin insertion in the thoracolumbar spine

Once the spine is exposed, the appropriate levels of fixation are confirmed with the image intensifier.

In unstable injuries, the segments above and below the level of injury may have a different orientation of the pedicle trajectory due to displacement and rotation.
In severely unstable injuries, care must be taken not to cause more displacement while using the pedicle awl.
Whenever necessary, image intensifier confirmation of the starting point and trajectory must be obtained.
Preoperative assessment of pedicle integrity must be done for all levels of instrumentation.

Lumbar spine

The entry point of the Schanz pin is defined as the confluence of any of the four lines:

• Pars interarticularis
• Mamillary process
• Lateral border of the superior articular facet
• Mid transverse process.

Lower thoracic spine

The entry point of the Schanz pin for the lower thoracic segments is defined after determining the intersection of the mid portion of the facet joint and the superior edge of the transverse process. The specific entry point will be just lateral and caudal to this intersection.

Landmarks:

• Lateral border of the superior facet
• Lateral border of the inferior facet
• Ridge of the pars interarticularis
• Transverse process

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

The Schanz pins should be inserted in a divergent position in order to provide more resistance to kyphotic deforming forces.

The medio-lateral inclination will depend on the rotation of the vertebra. The main goal is to avoid medial penetration of the spinal canal superficially and lateral or anterior penetration of the vertebral body cortex at the depth of insertion. Ideally, the two pins should converge but stay entirely within the cortex of the pedicles and body.

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

A pin of appropriate diameter and length is carefully inserted into the same trajectory created.