A novel computer-assisted drill guide template for thoracic pedicle screw placement: a cadaveric study.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to develop a novel, patient-specific, navigational template for thoracic pedicle screw placement.

Methods: Twenty thoracic cadaver specimens were randomly divided into two groups of 10: the navigational template group and the free-hand group. A volumetric CT scan was performed on each thoracic vertebra, and a three-dimensional reconstruction model was generated.