Surgeon and staff radiation exposure in minimally invasive spinal surgery: prospective series using a personal dosimeter.

Objective: The level of radiation awareness by surgeons and residents in spinal surgery does not match the ubiquity of fluoroscopy in operating rooms in the United States. The present method of monitoring radiation exposure may contribute to the current deficiency in radiation awareness. Current dosimeters involve a considerable lag from the time that the surgical team is exposed to radiation to the time that they are provided with that exposure data.

Cervical Template to Optimize the Plate-to-Disc Distance in Instrumented Anterior Cervical Discectomies and Fusions: Instrumentation Assessment.

Background: An increased incidence of adjacent segment degeneration in the cervical spine has been associated with a plate-to-disc distance (PDD) of <5 mm.

Objective: To introduce a template to size, position, and secure a cervical plate and ensure a 5-mm minimum PDD.

Methods: A prospective observational study was performed on 50 consecutive patients who had single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a cervical template.

Decreasing Radiation Emission in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Using Ultra-Low-Radiation Imaging with Image Enhancement: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Visualization of the anatomy in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of the spine is limited and dependent on radiographic imaging, leading to increased radiation exposure to patients and surgical staff. Ultra-low-radiation imaging (ULRI) with image enhancement is a novel technology that may reduce radiation in the operating room. The aim of this study was to compare radiation emission between standard-dose and ULRI fluoroscopy with image enhancement in patients undergoing MIS of the spine.

Rate of Return to Military Active Duty After Single and 2-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A 4-Year Retrospective Review.

Background: Over the years of rigorous of military service, military personnel may experience cervical spondylosis and radiculopathy. Given the frequency of this occurrence, the capacity to return to unrestricted full duty in the military after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is worthy of analysis.

Objective: To identify the rate of return to full, unrestricted active duty after single and 2-level anterior cervical discectomy, and fusion surgery in military personnel.