Intraoperative placement of radiographic markers helped localize spinal levels

http://www.healio.com/spine-surgery/imaging/news/online/%7Be114b3ee-2060-4c8d-9667-626e00d22c20%7D/intraoperative-placement-of-radiographic-markers-helped-localize-spinal-levels

Intraoperative placement of radiographic markers helped localize spinal levels

Young RM. J Neurosurg Spine. 2014; doi:10.3171/2013.12.SPINE13477.

• April 17, 2014

Locating a spine level in the thoracic spine can be challenging, but in this study researchers discuss a novel technique that made the process more accurate.

“Such procedures can be completed in the outpatient setting and take minimal resources and time to perform. It is believed that this is a significant improvement over previously proposed techniques, and, furthermore, it is appropriate for use in a multitude of spinal pathologies,” Young and colleagues wrote. – by Robert Linnehan

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.

PERSPECTIVE

John C. Liu

• The authors should be congratulated for describing a simple and useful preoperative technique to help avoid the dreaded wrong level surgery. This can be especially helpful for surgeries within the thoracic spine or in obese or osteoporotic patients.  We have all experienced the frustration of trying to locate the correct thoracic level while exposing the patient and staff to significant amounts of radiation. The authors review the potential added cost, but it is important to keep in mind the amount of cost savings gained from reduction in operating room time and any potential cost associated with a wrong level surgery.
  This technique can be quite helpful but does necessitate an additional procedure performed at a separate time point. I look forward to applying it in my practice for select patients.
• John C. Liu, MD
• Spine Surgery Today Editorial Board member
  Professor of Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Surgery
  Co-Director Spine Center
  Keck Medicine of USC
• Disclosures:Liu is a consultant to and surgeon educator for Medtronic.