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Updated: Sep 28, 2026
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Skin markers for surgical planning for intradural lesions of the thoracic spine. Technical note
Steffen K Rosahl1, Alireza Gharabaghi, Thomas Liebig
1International Neuroscience Institute (INI), Hannover, Germany.
Background:
Preparation for surgery for thoracic intraspinal lesions commonly involves rather difficult X-ray procedures in the operating room. The object of this report is to inform neurosurgeons about a modified technique for preoperative surface localization of intraspinal thoracic pathology.
Methods:
Adhesive, disposable radiographic skin markers placed at the presumed level of an intraspinal lesion are visualized along with the lesion on sagittal magnetic resonance scans of the thoracic spine.
Results:
The lesion and the skin markers were clearly identified within the same field of view. The lesion itself rather than the vertebral body becomes the reference point for localization.
Conclusion:
Preoperative imaging with adhesive skin markers facilitates positioning and draping for surgery for thoracic intraspinal lesions. It may even replace intra-operative X-ray procedures in selected cases.
