A modified vertebroplasty technique for intraoperative thoracic spine localisation: a technical report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurosurgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Wrong-level spinal surgery is a significant risk in thoracic spine procedures, especially without clear deformities.
• Traditional spinal markers have limitations, and vertebroplasty was first used as a marker in 2008.
• Existing vertebroplasty techniques for marking can interfere with subsequent surgical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a modified vertebroplasty technique for reliable intraoperative thoracic spine localization.
• To offer a solution for preventing wrong-level surgeries in thoracic spine operations.

Main Methods:

• A modified vertebroplasty technique involving percutaneous polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement injection.
• Cement is placed two levels below the target thoracic disc herniation, contralateral to the surgical approach.
• Standard vertebroplasty methods are used for cement delivery.

Main Results:

• The radiopaque cement was clearly visualized on intraoperative fluoroscopy.
• The marker accurately identified the correct surgical level above.
• The procedure was performed on an outpatient basis.

Conclusions:

• The modified vertebroplasty technique is a rapid, secure, and precise method for thoracic spine localization.
• This technique facilitates necessary bone exposure and potential instrumentation.
• It serves as an effective fixed marker to prevent surgical errors.