Isthmus-guided Cortical Bone Trajectory Reduces Postoperative Increases in Serum Creatinine Phosphokinase Concentrations

The Crane Technique in Cortical Bone Trajectory Screw Lumbar Fusion: Efficacy and Predictors of Spondylolisthesis Reduction

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of the Crane reduction technique in midline lumbar fusion (MIDLF) with cortical bone trajectory screws for treating degenerative spondylolisthesis, and to identify factors affecting the reduction rate.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 87 patients (64 females and 23 males) with L4-5 degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent MIDLF and the Crane technique. Patients were categorizing using the spondylolisthesis Meyerding classification system into Grade I (59 patients) and Grade II (28 patients) groups and compared for demographics, radiographic parameters, and the spondylolisthesis reduction rate. Data were analyzed to identify factors influencing the reduction rate.

RESULTS

Grade II patients showed higher preoperative spondylolisthesis slip ratio (29.8 ± 3.7% vs. 19.9 ± 3.2%, P < 0.01) and a lower segmental lordosis than Grade I patients. Postoperatively, Grade II patients achieved higher reduction rates (92.6% [90.8-93.8] vs. 89.9% [86.8-91.4] in Grade I, P < 0.01) and a greater segmental lordosis increase (+2.4° [0.2-5.5] vs. -1.2° [-3.5 to 1.6], P < 0.01). Multivariable analysis revealed vacuum disc phenomenon had a negative impact (β = -0.070, P < 0.01) and spondylolisthesis slip ratio had a positive impact (β = 0.612, P < 0.01) on the slip reduction rate. Complications occurred in 4.6% of cases, including 3 intraoperative durotomy and 1 nut loosening requiring revision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The Crane technique combined with MIDLF is an effective and safe surgical approach for treating L4-5 degenerative spondylolisthesis, demonstrating high reduction rates with consistent minimal residual slip, particularly in Grade II cases.

Complication, fusion, and revision rate in the lumbar cortical bone trajectory and pedicle screw fixation techniques: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To obtain the complication rate, fusion rate, and revision rate of the lumbar cortical bone trajectory technique and pedicle screw fixation technique in lumbar interbody fusion surgery by single-arm meta-analysis and lay a basis for orthopedic surgeons to select the fixation techniques and perioperative management.

METHODS

PubMed, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched comprehensively. Data extraction, content analysis, and quality assessment of the literature were performed by two independent reviewers according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines using R and STATA software for single-arm meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The total complication rate of the lumbar cortical bone trajectory technique was 6%, including a hardware complication rate of 2%, ASD (adjacent segment degeneration) rate of 1%, wound infection rate of 1%, dural damage rate of 1%, hematoma rate tending to 0%, fusion rate of 94%, and revision rate of 1%. Lumbar pedicle screw fixation techniques had a total complication rate of 9%, with a hardware complication rate of 2%, ASD rate of 3%, wound infection rate of 2%, dural damage rate of 1%, hematoma rate tending to 0%, fusion rate of 94%, and revision rate of 5%. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022354550.

CONCLUSION

Lumbar cortical bone trajectory was associated with a lower total complication rate, ASD rate, wound infection rate, and revision rate than pedicle screw fixation. The cortical bone trajectory technique reduces the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications and can be an alternative in lumbar interbody fusion surgery.

Hybrid pedicle screw and modified cortical bone trajectory technique in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion at L4-L5 segment: finite element analysis

BACKGROUND

Investigate the biomechanical properties of the hybrid fixation technique with bilateral pedicle screw (BPS) and bilateral modified cortical bone trajectory screw (BMCS) in L4-L5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).

METHODS

 Three finite element (FE) models of the L1-S1 lumbar spine were established according to the three human cadaveric lumbar specimens. BPS-BMCS (BPS at L4 and BMCS at L5), BMCS-BPS (BMCS at L4 and BPS at L5), BPS-BPS (BPS at L4 and L5), and BMCS-BMCS (BMCS at L4 and L5) were implanted into the L4-L5 segment of each FE model. The range of motion (ROM) of the L4-L5 segment, von Mises stress of the fixation, intervertebral cage, and rod were compared under a 400-N compressive load with 7.5 Nm moments in flexion, extension, bending, and rotation.

RESULTS

 BPS-BMCS technique has the lowest ROM in extension and rotation, and BMCS-BMCS technique has the lowest ROM in flexion and lateral bending. The BMCS-BMCS technique showed maximal cage stress in flexion and lateral bending, and the BPS-BPS technique in extension and rotation. Compared to the BPS-BPS and BMCS-BMCS technique, BPS-BMCS technique presented a lower risk of screw breakage and BMCS-BPS technique presented a lower risk of rod breakage.

CONCLUSION

 The results of this study support that the use of the BPS-BMCS and BMCS-BPS techniques in TLIF surgery for offering the superior stability and a lower risk of cage subsidence and instrument-related complication.

Application of the cortical bone trajectory technique in posterior lumbar fixation

The cortical bone trajectory (CBT) is a novel technique in lumbar fixation and fusion. The unique caudocephalad and medial-lateral screw trajectories endow it with excellent screw purchase for vertebral fixation via a minimally invasive method. The combined use of CBT screws with transforaminal or posterior lumbar interbody fusion can treat a variety of lumbar diseases, including spondylolisthesis or stenosis, and can also be used as a remedy for revision surgery when the pedicle screw fails. CBT has obvious advantages in terms of surgical trauma, postoperative recovery, prevention and treatment of adjacent vertebral disease, and the surgical treatment of obese and osteoporosis patients. However, the concept of CBT internal fixation technology appeared relatively recently; consequently, there are few relevant clinical studies, and the long-term clinical efficacy and related complications have not been reported. Therefore, large sample and prospective studies are needed to further reveal the long-term complications and fusion rate. As a supplement to the traditional pedicle trajectory fixation technique, the CBT technique is a good choice for the treatment of lumbar diseases with accurate screw placement and strict indications and is thus deserving of clinical recommendation.

Cortical bone trajectory fixation cause low compression force in anterior vertebral column

Background

The cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screws follow a caudocephalad and lateral path from the pedicle to the vertebral body. The bone fusion rate of CBT fixation is equal to or lower than conventional pedicle screw fixation. It remains unclear whether or not CVT screws exert equally compressive forces across the vertebral column. In this study, we intraoperatively examined the insertional torque of CBT screws, and investigated the compression loading and pressure distribution in conventional and CBT fixation using pig bones.

Methods

The insertional torque was measured for a total of 115 CBT screws. Detailed positions of these screws were retrospectively confirmed using CT scans. Screw loosening and interbody fusion were examined 1 year after surgery. In the experiment using pig bones, we inserted screws by conventional trajectory (n = 3) and CBT (n = 4).

Results

Multiple regression analysis showed that the total screw length, the distance from the screw to the medial border of the pedicle and the distance from the superior endplate of the vertebrae were significant independent factors affecting the insertional torque. There was no significant association between the insertional torque and the radiographic bone fusion rate 12 months after surgery. The average pressure and the compression loading in the anterior column were significantly lower in CBT group.

Conclusion

These results suggested that the long CBT screws as close to the endplate had high insertional torque, but the anterior column in CBT fixation showed low compression force leading to the insufficient holding intervertebral cage. CBT screws may cause the micromotion of cages, which lowers the bone fusion rate.

Freehand screw insertion technique without image guidance for the cortical bone trajectory screw in posterior lumbar interbody fusion: what affects screw misplacement?

OBJECTIVE

Cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw insertion using a freehand technique is considered less feasible than guided techniques, due to the lack of readily identifiable visual landmarks. However, in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), after resection of the posterior anatomy, the pedicles themselves, into which implantation is performed, are palpable from the spinal canal and neural foramen. With the help of pedicle wall probing, the authors have placed CBT screws using a freehand technique without image guidance in PLIF. This technique has advantages of no radiation exposure and no requirement for expensive devices, but the disadvantage of reduced accuracy in screw placement. To address the problem of symptomatic breaches with this freehand technique, variables related to unacceptable screw positioning and need for revisions were investigated.

METHODS

From 2014 to 2020, 182 of 426 patients with single-level PLIF were enrolled according to the combined criteria of L4-5 level, excluding cases of revision and isthmic spondylolisthesis; using screws 5.5 mm in diameter; and operated by right-handed surgeons. We studied the number of misplaced screws found and replaced during initial surgeries. Using multiplanar reconstruction CT postoperatively, 692 screw positions on images were classified using previously reported grading criteria. Details of pedicle breaches requiring revisions were studied. We conducted a statistical analysis of the relationship between unacceptable (perforations > 2 mm) misplacements and four variables: level, laterality, spinal deformity, and experiences of surgeons.

RESULTS

Three screws in L4 and another in L5 were revised during initial surgeries. The total rate of unacceptable screws on CT examinations was 3.3%. Three screws in L4 and another in L5 breached inferomedial pedicle walls in grade 3 and required revisions. The revision rate was 2.2%. The percentage of unacceptable screws was 5.2% in L4 and 1.7% in L5 (p < 0.05), whereas other variables showed no significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

A freehand technique can be feasible for CBT screw insertion in PLIF, balancing the risks of 3.3% unacceptable misplacements and 2.2% revisions with the benefits of no radiation exposure and no need for expensive devices. Pedicle palpation in L4 is the key to safety, even though it requires deeper and more difficult probing. In the initial surgeries and revisions, 75% of revised screws were observed in L4, and unacceptable screw positions were more likely to be found in L4 than in L5.

Fluoroscopic versus CT-guided cortical bone trajectory pedicle screw fixation: Comparing trajectory related complications

Cortical bone trajectory (CBT) pedicle screw fixation is an emerging technique for treatment of degenerative spine disease which requires either intraoperative fluoroscopy or intraoperative CT guidance (iCT). To date, there has been no direct comparison of these two navigation modalities; here we compare fluoroscopic versus iCT navigation for CBT pedicle screw fixation. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent CBT screw fixation with either fluoroscopic or iCT guidance for lumbar degenerative disease by the senior author. Trajectory-related complications such as medial or lateral breach were compared on postoperative CT, in addition to the incidence of trajectory-related dural tear. We also compared general surgical complications such as postoperative infection and decompression related durotomies. Thirty-eight patients (19 fluoroscopic, 19 CT-guided) who underwent placement of 182 cortical screws (88 fluoroscopic, 94 CT-guided) were identified. In terms of trajectory-related complications, the iCT cohort had fewer medial breaches (1/94) compared to the fluoroscopic cohort (6/88) (p = 0.05). Each group had one lateral breach (p = 0.73). There was one case of CSF leak from screw placement in the fluoroscopic cohort, but none in the iCT cohort (p = 0.48). Overall, there were eight trajectory-related complications in the fluoroscopic cohort versus two in the iCT cohort (p = 0.04). Our data suggests statistically significant decreased trajectory-related complications with iCT-guided CBT screw fixation as compared to fluoroscopically guided. In terms of general surgical complications, while we observed increased postoperative infections in our fluoroscopic cohort, there was no statistically significant difference.

The Feasibility of Assessing the Cortical Bone Trajectory Screw Placement Accuracy Using a Traditional Pedicle Screw Insertion Evaluation System

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to characterize the feasibility of assessing the accuracy of cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw placement in midline lumbar interbody fusion using a traditional pedicle screw insertion accuracy evaluation system based on computed tomography (CT).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Since Santoni and colleagues proposed CBT as an alternative approach for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease, CBT has been biomechanically and clinically investigated in detail. The reported misplacement rate was 0%-12.5%. Therefore, these cortical screws may result in severe complications, such as nerve root, vascular, and spinal cord injuries. However, to the best of our knowledge, the accuracy of the current assessment system of cortical bone screw placement has not been described clearly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Overall, 342 cortical screws of 69 consecutive patients with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent midline lumbar interbody fusion surgery in one surgeon's initial phase were examined retrospectively. A comprehensive and detailed pedicle screw accuracy classification and grading system was introduced in our study, including 5 types of misplacement: (1) medial and (2) lateral cortical bone perforation (MCP and LCP) of the corresponding pedicle, (3) anterior cortical bone perforation of the vertebral body, (4) endplate perforation, and (5) foraminal perforation (FP). The degree of interobserver and intraobserver agreement with regard to the screw positions based on CT were used as indicators of the reliability of the modified classification system. All patients were retrospectively assessed for screw placement-related complications throughout the entire treatment course to evaluate the relationship between the procedure adequacy and neurological symptoms.

RESULTS

The interobserver and intraobserver agreements were substantial-to-almost perfect (κ=0.78 and 0.88, respectively) in distinguishing the acceptable-placed pedicle screws from those with partial or complete cortical perforation. In the MCP and LCP-the most common types of misplacement-the interobserver agreement was substantial (κ=0.70 and 0.76, respectively), and the intraobserver agreement was almost perfect (κ=0.85 and 0.89, respectively). In total, there are 7 (2.05%) MCP and 65 (19.01%) LCP screws. The screw placement-related complication rate is significantly higher in the MCP and FP groups than that in the LCP group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that using a pedicle screw classification and grading system based on CT to assess the accuracy of CBT screw placement is feasible and practical. MCP and FP screws are more likely to cause neurological deficits with statistical significance, especially grade 2 MCP. We recommend inexperienced surgeons choose a lateral trajectory rather than a medial one if they cannot ensure accurate screw insertion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

How I do it? Lumbar cortical bone trajectory fixation with image-guided neuronavigation

BACKGROUND

Cortical bone trajectory was described in 2009 to reduce screw loosening in osteoporotic patients. Since then, it has demonstrated improvements in biomechanical and perioperative results compared to pedicle screws, and it have been described as a minimally invasive technique.

METHOD

We describe our experience with the technique assisted by 3D neuronavigation and review some of the complications and tools to avoid them together with limitations and pitfalls.

CONCLUSION

Cortical bone trajectory guided by 3D neuronavigation helps to reduce the need for radiation and incidence of complications.

Differences in bone mineral density of trajectory between lumbar cortical and traditional pedicle screws

BACKGROUND

Cortical bone trajectory (CBT) has been well-known in spine surgery for obtaining improved fixation while minimizing soft tissue dissection. This study was designed to compare the bone mineral density (BMD) between the CBT and traditional trajectory (TT) by using Hounsfield unit (HU) values and identify the ideal decades of patients and the suitable lumbar segments using this CBT technology from a radiological standpoint.

METHODS

Patients were selected randomly from an institutional database based on age (evenly distributed by a decade of life) and gender. A total of 240 healthy patients had a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. For each patient, axial slices of every vertebra were cut in two planes: one horizontal to the pedicle representing the plane wherein pedicle screws were inserted using the TT and the other in a caudocranial plane representing the plane wherein pedicle screws were inserted using the CBT. For each trajectory, a region of interest (ROI) was selected within the area wherein the screws were inserted. A CT number (HU values) was then calculated within each ROI to represent bone density.

RESULTS

HU values measured at the ROI of CBT were significantly greater than those of the traditional pedicle screw in all age groups, and the specific value (ratio of the HU values of CBT/the HU values of TT) between CBT and TT was 1.92. A significant difference was observed between male and female. The HU values of CBT and TT of males were generally higher than those of females (males: CBT/TT 1.89 ± 0.45; Females: CBT/TT 1.95 ± 0.47). The specific value in HU values significantly increased with increasing age (p = 0.000) and cauda lumbar level (p = 0.000) in males and females.

CONCLUSION

BMD, as measured by HU values for the ROI of the CBT screw, was significantly greater than that of the traditional pedicle screw, especially in old patients and cauda lumbar segments.

Pullout Strength of Pedicle Screws Following Redirection After Lateral or Medial Wall Breach

STUDY DESIGN

A cadaveric biomechanical study designed to test the pullout strength of pedicle screws.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the pullout strength of redirected pedicle screws with a larger diameter following lateral wall breach, redirected pedicle screws of the same diameter following medial wall breach, and redirected pedicle screws with a larger diameter following medial wall breach.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Screw malposition is one of the main pitfalls of inserting pedicle screws. Intraoperatively a malpositioned screw is redirected and inserted along the correct axis.

METHODS

Forty-seven vertebrae (T9-L5) were harvested from eight fresh cadaveric spines. The 18 pedicle screws that breached the lateral wall were then removed and redirected using a pedicle screw of 1 mm larger in diameter. The 16 pedicle screws that had breached the medial wall were then removed and redirected using a pedicle screw of the same diameter. The other 13 pedicle screws that had breached the medial wall were then removed and redirected using a pedicle screw of 1 mm larger in diameter. The pullout strength was measured.

RESULTS

Following lateral wall breach, mean pullout strength for the larger redirected screws was 46.9% greater than that of the correctly aligned screws. Following medial wall breach, mean pullout strength for the redirected screws of the same diameter was 20.6% less than that of the correctly aligned screws. Mean pullout strength for the larger pedicle screws following medial wall breach was 27.3% more than that of the correctly aligned screws.

CONCLUSION

Redirected pedicle screws of larger diameter after a lateral or medial pedicle breach show recovery of pullout strength. However, the pullout strength of redirected pedicle screws of the same diameter after a medial pedicle breach is significantly less than that of correctly aligned screws.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1.

Novel Placement of Cortical Bone Trajectory Screws in the Lumbar Spine: A Radiographic and Cadaveric Study

STUDY DESIGN

This is a radiographic and cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to conduct a detailed comparison about the parameters between the ideal cortical bone trajectory (CBT) and practical CBT screw.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

CBT screws have recently become popular in spinal surgery, mainly because of their improved fixation while minimizing soft tissue dissection. However, to our knowledge, no previous study has provided a detailed comparison on the parameters between the ideal CBT and practical CBT screws.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 3-dimensional computed tomography scans of 126 spinal vertebrae separated from 40 lumbar spines were studied. After determining the CBT, the maximal screw length, maximal screw diameter, lateral angle (LA), and cephalad angle (CA) were calculated. Thereafter, CBT screws were inserted into these cadaveric lumbar spines. Subsequently, the lateral angle of screw (LAs) and cephalad angle of screw (CAs) of the screws were measured using 3-dimensional computed tomography.

RESULTS

As for the ideal CBT, the maximal screw length gradually increased from L1 (32.0 mm) to L4 (35.3 mm) and then decreased at L5 (34.8 mm). Moreover, the maximal screw diameter increased from L1 (4.5 mm) to L5 (7.5 mm). The LA from L1 to L5 were 9.2, 9.4, 9.9, 11.2, and 12.0 degrees, respectively. The CA from L1 to L5 were 25.8, 25.8, 26.3, 26.8, and 26.0 degrees, respectively. As for the actual CBT screw, the LAs from L1 to L5 were 12.7, 14.1, 13.2, 12.4, and 13.0 degrees, respectively. The CAs from L1 to L5 were 25.4, 27.5, 29.2, 30.1, and 30.5 degrees, respectively. Significant differences were observed between the angles of the ideal trajectory and the actual screw.

CONCLUSIONS

Parameters of the actual CBT screw are slightly larger than the optimal trajectory measurements. The CAs and LAs are ∼25-30 and 10-16 degrees, respectively. L1 and L2 should be given considerable attention when using the CBT technique. And the trajectory measurements can only be used as a guide in clinical practice.

Review of Cortical Bone Trajectory: Evidence of a New Technique

This article summarizes recent evidence on the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) obtained from published anatomical, biomechanical, and clinical studies. CBT was proposed by Santoni in 2009 as a new trajectory that can improve the fixation of pedicle screws in response to screw loosening in osteoporotic patients. Recently, research interest has been growing with increasing numbers of published series and frequent reports of new applications. We performed an online database search using the terms “cortical bone trajectory,” “pedicle screw,” “CBT spine,” “CBT fixation,” “MISS CBT,” and “traditional trajectory.” The search included the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases, resulting in an analysis of 42 articles in total. These covered three aspects of CBT research: anatomical studies, biomechanical parameters, and clinical cases or series. Compared to the traditional trajectory, CBT improves pullout strength, provides greater stiffness in cephalocaudal and mediolateral loading, and shows superior resistance to flexion/extension; however, it is inferior in lateral bending and axial rotation. CBT seems to provide better immediate implant stability. In clinical studies, CBT has shown better perioperative results for blood loss, length of stay in hospital, and surgery time; similar or better clinical postoperative scores; and similar comorbidity, without any major fixation system complications due to instrumentation failure or screw misplacement. In addition, advantages such as less lateral exposure allow it to be used as a minimally invasive technique. However, most of the clinical studies were retrospective case series or case-control studies; prospective evidence on this technique is scarce, making a definitive comparison with the traditional trajectory difficult. Nevertheless, we can conclude that CBT is a safe technique that offers good clinical results with similar biomechanical and perioperative parameters to those of the traditional trajectory. In addition, new applications can improve its results and make it useful for additional pathologies.

The Pullout Strength of Pedicle Screws Following Redirection After Lateral Wall Breach or End-plate Breach

STUDY DESIGN

Using fresh cadavers, the biomechanical testing were used to examine the pullout strength of each pedicle screw.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate pullout strength of (1) a redirected pedicle screw following lateral wall breach; (2) a redirected pedicle screw following end-plate breach; and (3) a pedicle without redirection after end-plate breach without redirection.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Screw malposition, such as lateral wall breach or end-plate breach, is one of the main pitfalls of inserting pedicle screws.

METHODS

From 17 fresh spines, 54 vertebrae were harvested. In each vertebra on one pedicle, the screw was inserted correctly down the axis of the pedicle, while on the other pedicle, the screw was inserted to breach the lateral wall or the end-plate. The 18 pedicle screws that breached the lateral wall were then removed and redirected along the correct axis of the pedicle. The 18 pedicle screws that breached the end-plate were removed and redirected along the correct axis of the pedicle. The 18 other pedicle screws that had breached the end-plate were not removed. The pullout force of pedicle screws was measured.

RESULTS

First, the mean pullout strength for the redirected screws following lateral wall breach was 24.0% less as compared with the correctly aligned screws. Second, the mean pullout strength for the redirected screws following end-plate breach was 23.3% less as compared with the correctly aligned screws. Third, the mean pullout strength for the pedicle screws end-plate breach was 7.6% less as compared with the correctly aligned screws.

CONCLUSION

The pullout strength of redirected pedicle screws after either a lateral pedicle breach or end-plate breach is significantly less than the pullout strength of correctly aligned screw. A pedicle screw that is not redirected after end-plate breach is weaker than a pedicle screw correctly aligned; however, the difference is not significant.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.