Fluoroscopy-based percutaneous posterior screw placement in the lateral position using the tunnel view technique:...

Lumbar fusion using lateral single position surgery (LSPS) gained popularity during the last few years. While prone percutaneous pedicle screw placement is well described, placing percutaneous pedicle screws with the patient in the lateral position is considered the most complicated part of LSPS. In this article we describe the fluoroscopy navigated technique for lateral percutaneous screw placement using the tunnel view technique.

The radiologic background and principles of the tunnel view technique are described. In addition, the special positioning of the patient, the C-arm and the surgical technique is discussed in detail.

This technique is used as the standard for percutaneous screw placement in the prone or lateral positions in our department since 2017. Since the introduction of this technique we have had 0% reoperation rate for symptomatic malpositioned pedicle screws.

The tunnel view technique simplifies pedicle screw placement while allowing for permanent observation of pedicle walls and the superior joint surface during placement of the Jamshidi needle. It also allows for confirmation of intrapedicular position of the screw after its implantation. This technique is safe and feasible in our clinical experience.