An Integrated 3-Dimentional Navigation System Increases the Accuracy, Efficiency, and Safety of Percutaneous Thoracolumbar Pedicle Screw Placement in Minimally Invasive Approaches: A Randomized Cadaveric Study.

Study Design: Cadaveric study.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare a novel, integrated 3D navigational system (NAV) and conventional fluoroscopy in the accuracy, efficiency, and radiation exposure of thoracolumbar percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) placement.

Methods: Twelve skeletally mature cadaveric specimens were obtained for twelve individual surgeons.

A Comparative Biomechanical Analysis of Stand Alone Versus Facet Screw and Pedicle Screw Augmented Lateral Interbody Arthrodesis: An In Vitro Human Cadaveric Model.

Study Design: Cadaveric biomechanical study.

Objective: To investigate the kinematic response of a stand-alone lateral lumbar interbody cage compared with supplemental posterior fixation with either facet or pedicle screws after lateral discectomy.

Summary Of Background Data: Lateral interbody fusion is a promising minimally invasive fixation technique for lumbar interbody arthrodesis.

A Clinical Perspective and Definition of Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can be complete or incomplete. The level of injury in SCI is defined as the most caudal segment with motor function rated at greater than or equal to 3/5, with pain and temperature preserved. The standard neurological classification of SCI provided by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) assigns grades from ASIA A (complete SCI) through ASIA E (normal sensory/motor), with B, C, and D representing varying degrees of injury between these extremes.