Independent assessment of a new pedicle probe and its ability to detect pedicle breach: a cadaveric study.

Object: The authors undertook an independent, non-industry funded cadaveric study to evaluate the efficacy of a pedicle-probing device, which uses impedance measurement to warn of impending and actual pedicle screw breach.

Methods: A previously validated fresh-frozen cadaver model (saline-soaked spine) was used. Individuals at 3 levels of training (attending spine surgeon, orthopedic surgery resident, and medical student) used a cannulated pedicle-probing device to cannulate each of the levels between T-2 and S-1.