Correlation between pedicle size and the rate of pedicle screw misplacement in the treatment of thoracic fractures: Can we predict how difficult the task will be?

Study Design: A retrospective study.

Objective: To correlate the incidence of pedicle-screw (PS) misplacement with the dimensions of the pedicles in the treatment of thoracic spine fractures.

Summary Of Background Data: The technical challenge of internal fixation with PS in the thoracic spine has been well documented in the literature.

The learning curve of pedicle screw placement: how many screws are enough?

Study Design: A retrospective study.

Objective: Assess the learning curve of pedicle screw (PS) placement of a Spinal Surgery Fellow (SSF) with no previous experience with the technique.

Summary Of Background Data: Recent studies have attempted to identify the learning curve for different surgical procedures to define training requirements.