A prospective evaluation of the role for intraoperative x-ray in lumbar discectomy. Predictors of incorrect level exposure.

Background: Lumbar discectomy is among the most frequently performed procedures by spine surgeons. Among the potential difficulties encountered during this procedure, incorrect spinal level surgery remains a significant concern for surgeons and patients. Multiple groups have advocated the use of intraoperative x-ray to reduce the incidence of incorrect level surgery; however, this technique has not been prospectively evaluated.