Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
A Spine Robotic-Assisted Navigation System for Pedicle Screw Placement
Published on: May 11, 2020
Accuracy and safety of thoracic pedicle screw placement in spinal deformities
Yossi Smorgick1, Michael A Millgram, Yoram Anekstein
1Spine Unit, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel. Noam_Yossi@hotmail.co.il
Objectives:
To determine the safety of pedicle screw fixation in thoracic spine deformity correction.
Methods:
One hundred twelve pedicle screws were surgically placed in 25 patients with degenerative, posttraumatic, and Scheuermann kyphosis and idiopathic and neuromuscular scoliosis. Screw position was evaluated using intraoperative and postoperative radiographs and thin-slice computed tomography.
Results:
Of the total 112 thoracic pedicle screws that were inserted, 98 screws (87.5%) were fully contained within the cortical boundaries of the pedicle. When comparing proximal screws (T1-T8) with distal screws (T9-T12) and convex placed screws with concave ones, a statistically significant difference in screw placement was evident (P < 0.05). More misplaced screws were seen proximally and on the concave side. Of the 14 malpositioned screws, 2 (1.8%) demonstrated aortic abutment. There were no neurologic deficits, vascular injuries, or mechanical failures recorded.
Conclusions:
Placement of thoracic pedicle screws is both feasible and safe.
