Work

Clinical observation on the effect of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation assisted by 2D computer navigation in the treatment of thoracic spine fractures

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical value of a two-dimensional(2D) computer navigation system in percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for thoracic spine fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 74 patients with acute thoracic fractures who underwent pedicle screw fixation at Fujian Provincial Hospital from January 2019 to January 2022. Patients were divided into a navigation group (n = 34) using 2D navigation-assisted percutaneous screw placement, and a conventional group (n = 40) undergoing freehand screw placement. Screw placement accuracy (Rampersaud grading), intraoperative fluoroscopy times, operative time, blood loss, postoperative pain (VAS scores), and complications were compared. RESULTS: The navigation group showed a significantly higher screw accuracy rate (Grades A-B: 94.1% vs. 79.2%, P < 0.001). Fluoroscopy frequency (8.0 ± 1.1 vs. 16.0 ± 2.0, P < 0.001), operative time (90.1 ± 15.5 min vs. 98.1 ± 14.2 min, P < 0.05), and blood loss (50.4 ± 11.1 mL vs. 110.3 ± 17.8 mL, P < 0.001) were all significantly lower in the navigation group. Postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower at 1 week and 1 month (P < 0.001), with no difference at 3 months. Complications included 9 cases of transient neurological symptoms and 2 cases of screw loosening, all without lasting sequelae. CONCLUSION: 2D computer navigation-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw fixation improves screw placement accuracy, reduces radiation exposure, and facilitates early postoperative pain relief. These findings support its potential as a practical tool for managing thoracic spine fractures.

Source: European Spine Journal

DOI: 10.1007/s00586-025-09555-9

Authors: Yongfa Zhang, Qi Fang, Qi Li, Hao Lin, Weiqiang Wu, Tie Ke

Institutions: Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou Second Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Spinal Fractures and Fixation Techniques

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,790