Objective To biomechanically compare the stress distribution of established posterior cervical fixation techniques—conventional pedicle screw (PS), Abumi technique, unicortical lateral mass screw (LMS), and bicortical LMS—with a novel PS method, the Lee point technique, using finite element modeling (FEM).
Methods A patient-specific FEM of C5–6 was developed using high-resolution computed tomography scan data of a degenerative cervical spine. Five fixation models were constructed: Lee point, Abumi, conventional PS, unicortical LMS, and bicortical LMS. Screw dimensions were ø3.5×28 mm for PS and ø3.5×14/18 mm for LMS. A pure moment of 1.0 N·m was applied in flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending, and the peak von Mises stress (PVMS) of both the vertebrae and implants was recorded for each loading condition.
Results Abumi technique showed the highest PVMS at C5–6 (23.09–43.22 MPa and 24.96–39.91 MPa), with stress concentrated at the pedicle entry and medial wall. Lee point and conventional PS demonstrated more evenly distributed stress across the pedicle and near cortex of the lateral mass. Unicortical and bicortical LMS showed stress mainly at the entry point, with overall lower and more uniform magnitudes. Implant stress was greatest in Abumi construct (up to 295 MPa), moderate in Lee and conventional PS, and lowest in LMS models.
Conclusion Abumi technique showed higher localized stress concentrations that may warrant careful patient selection, particularly in those with compromised bone quality. Lee point technique achieved a balanced stress profile comparable to conventional PS, suggesting a favorable biomechanical profile for posterior cervical fixation.
The atlantoaxial (C1–2) junction is among the most technically demanding regions for cervical spine surgery owing to its complex osseoligamentous anatomy and proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Numerous posterior fixation constructs have been developed to optimize biomechanical rigidity and promote arthrodesis. Since Gallie’s introduction of posterior wiring with autologous bone grafts in 1939, evolving techniques have focused on enhancing fusion rates while minimizing risk to adjacent structures. This paper outlines the historical evolution of C1–2 posterior instrumentation, current fixation strategies, bone fusion techniques, and reduction methods. A systematic literature search identified 61 relevant studies on C1–2 fusion. Additional references were manually reviewed to provide a comprehensive context. Of these, 41 studies were narratively summarized to outline the historical and conceptual evolution of C1–2 fusion techniques, while the remaining 20 post-2000 studies on contemporary surgical modifications were systematically reviewed and tabulated for technical details and clinical outcomes. C1–2 fusion techniques have evolved significantly over time. Early methods primarily involved posterior wiring with autologous bone grafts, but later transitioned to rigid segmental fixation using pedicle screw constructs, resulting in improved fusion rates and clinical outcomes. Interarticular fusion, when concurrently performed, enhances the biological fusion environment, contributing to favorable clinical results. C1 lateral mass, posterior arch, pedicle screws and C2 pedicle, lamina screws give us much stronger stability and higher fusion rates. Interarticular fusion using local bone also gives us technical easiness guaranteeing high fusion rate overcoming inconvenience of wiring and iliac bone harvest. Interarticular height reduction and interarticular fusion should be discriminated.
Objective Cement augmentation is widely used to enhance pedicle screw fixation, particularly in osteoporotic patients. However, its effects on adjacent segment disease (ASD) and implant failure in multilevel lumbar interbody fusion remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of cement augmentation in preventing implant failure and its impact on ASD risk using finite element analysis (FEA).
Methods A FEA of L2–S1 multilevel lumbar interbody fusion was performed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of cement augmentation. Three models were analyzed under normal and osteoporotic conditions: type 1 (no augmentation), type 2 (upper instrumented vertebra [UIV] augmentation), and type 3 (UIV and UIV+1 augmentation). Range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure (IDP), screw pull-out risk, and implant failure were assessed.
Results Cement augmentation significantly reduced screw pull-out risk, particularly in osteoporotic conditions, where type 1 exhibited a failure rate of 91.5%, while type 2 and type 3 remained below 39%. Cement augmentation did not demonstrate a substantial impact on ASD development, as ROM and IDP changes remained within a minimal range in this FEA model. However, osteoporosis was associated with a substantial increase in IDP, with a result as high as 809%. Despite its benefits, augmentation at UIV+1 increased the risk of pedicle screw breakage and vertebral body fracture, with L1 (UIV+1) lower endplate fracture rate of 82.7% in type 3, compared to 56.6% in type 2 and 52.8% in type 1.
Conclusion Cement augmentation effectively improves screw fixation and does not appear to significantly increase ASD risk based on this FEA study. Limiting cement augmentation to the UIV level in lumbar multilevel fusion may help reduce the risk of implant failure, though further clinical validation is required to confirm these biomechanical findings.
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Enhancing Predictive Accuracy in Finite Element Analysis of Cement Augmentation: Methodological Considerations – A Commentary on “Biomechanical Impact of Cement Augmentation on Pedicle Screw Fixation and Adjacent Segment Disease in Multilevel Lumbar Fusio Fan Mo, Shaoqi He Neurospine.2026; 23(2): 500. CrossRef
Reply Letter: A Commentary on “Biomechanical Impact of Cement Augmentation on Pedicle Screw Fixation and Adjacent Segment Disease in Multilevel Lumbar Fusion: A Finite Element Analysis” Hyung-Youl Park Neurospine.2026; 23(2): 502. CrossRef
Objective Paravertebral foramen screws (PVFSs) have been developed for better pullout strength than lateral mass screws do and lower the risk of vertebral artery and nerve injury than do pedicle screws. While the original method involves insertion using lateral fluoroscopy, its reliability may be limited. This report is the first to assess the accuracy of PVFS insertion under navigation. Given the inherent inaccuracies associated with navigation systems, the authors propose and evaluate a novel stepwise method of inserting PVFSs, called stepwise PVFS with a focus on achieving the correct screw tip location for good cortical bone purchase.
Methods The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 12 patients (78 screws) who underwent cervical spine fixation with stepwise PVFS under O-arm navigation between October 2022 and February 2024. The accuracy of screw placement was evaluated using postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans.
Results A total of 78 PVFSs were inserted in 5 men and 7 women, with an average age of 75 years (range, 52–85 years). The mean follow-up period was 471 days (range, 47–834 days). There were no adverse events related to screw insertion. Postoperative CT scans revealed that 70 screws (90%) were placed in the ideal position. Among the 8 screws that did not achieve the ideal position, 4 had lateral deviation (located in a lateral mass), whereas the other 4 were too short. There were no cases of screw loosening at the final follow-up.
Conclusion The present study demonstrates that the stepwise PVFS method under navigation guidance achieves higher accuracy in PVFS placement compared with conventional fluoroscopy-guided PVFS, as reported in previous studies.
Objective This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with AOSpine A3 or A4 thoracolumbar fractures presenting with neurological deficits treated with endoscopic decompression combined with percutaneous pedicle screws fixation (endoscopic minimally invasive surgery, EMIS) or conventional open surgery (OS).
Methods Data of patients with AOSpine A3 or A4 thoracolumbar fractures with neurological deficits who were treated with EMIS or OS between June 2019 and July 2021 were extracted from the electronic database. Various clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 cohorts.
Results Among the 231 patients who were followed up for more than 2 years, 107 were in the EMIS cohort and 124 were in the OS cohort. Compared with the OS cohort, the EMIS cohort had longer operative time (p<0.05), but the intraoperative blood loss, incision length and hospital stay were significantly reduced (p<0.05). At both postoperative and final follow-up assessments, the EMIS cohort demonstrated significantly better visual analogue scale and Oswestry Disability Index outcomes compared to the OS cohort (p<0.05). Both cohorts maintained similar correction of spinal canal erosion rate, percentage of anterior vertebral height and sagittal Cobb angle after surgery and at the last follow-up (p>0.05). According to American Spinal Injury Association classification, the 2 cohorts had similar neurological recovery at the last follow-up (p>0.05).
Conclusion In comparison to OS, EMIS treatment for AOSpine A3 or A4 thoracolumbar fractures with neurological deficits has shown comparable clinical efficacy while significantly reducing surgical trauma.
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Objective This study compared the efficacy of posterior pedicle screw fixation with 5.5-mm rods (PPSF5.5) with anterior corpectomy (AC) for metastatic cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) tumors.
Methods This retrospective analysis included patients with CTJ tumors who underwent PPSF5.5 or AC from January 2000 to December 2023. Data collected included demographics, surgical details, clinical outcomes (visual analogue scale scores for neck or back pain, Spinal Instability Neoplastic Scale score, McCormick scale, Nurick grade, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score), radiologic results (cervical segmental Cobb angle), and surgical complications (instrumentation failure, tumor regrowth, and wound infection).
Results The AC group showed a tendency for short-level fusion. Patients in this group had tumors primarily located near C7 and generally confined to the vertebral body. AC was associated with more significant postoperative kyphotic changes in the index vertebra during follow-up than PPSF5.5. Moreover, AC was associated with a higher incidence of instrumentation failure, necessitating revision surgeries. Conversely, patients in the PPSF5.5 group tended to require revision surgery due to tumor regrowth.
Conclusion For CTJ metastatic tumors, PPSF5.5 provides superior resistance to forward bending and collapse prevention and minimizes instrumentation failure rate compared to AC. Moreover, AC may reduce the risk of tumor recurrence, but this approach is recommended only if the tumor is confined to the vertebral body and located at the upper level of the CTJ.
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Objective We aimed to investigate the incidence of delayed-onset neurological deficits (DONDs), DOND-related reoperation rates following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery, and efficacy of transverse process hooks (TPHs) at the uppermost instrumented vertebra (UIV) compared to pedicle screws (PSs).
Methods We included 90 consecutive patients who underwent instrumented fusion from the sacrum to the distal thoracic spine for ASD, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Clinical and radiological outcomes were compared between 33 patients in the TPH group and 57 patients in the PS group, using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Outcomes questionnaire (SRS-22), Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short-Form 36 (SF-36), and various spinal sagittal parameters.
Results While absent in the TPH group, myelopathy occurred in 15.8% of the PS group, wherein 15 patients underwent reoperation. The change in the proximal junctional angle, from the pre- to postoperative assessment, was lower in the TPH group than in the PS group (0.2 vs. 6.6, p=0.002). Postoperative facet degeneration in the PS group progressed more significantly than in the TPH group (0.5 vs. 0.1, p=0.002). Surgical outcomes were comparable for both groups, except for the back visual analogue scale (3.5 vs. 4.1, p=0.010) and SRS-22 domains, including pain and satisfaction (3.3 vs. 2.9, p=0.033; 3.7 vs. 3.3, p=0.041). No intergroup difference was observed in SF-36.
Conclusion Using TPHs at the UIV level can prevent DOND, and thereby prevent postoperative myelopathy that necessitates reoperation; thus, TPHs is preferable over PSs in ASD surgery.
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Objective To investigate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score and screw loosening after dynamic pedicle screw fixation with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rods, and evaluate its predictive value.
Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the patients who underwent dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods from March 2017 to June 2022. Data on age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia history, long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, VBQ score, L1–4 average Hounsfield unit (HU) value, surgical fixation length, and the lowest instrumented vertebra were collected. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between VBQ score and pedicle screw loosening (PSL).
Results A total of 24 patients experienced PSL after surgery (20.5%). PSL group and non-PSL group showed statistical differences in age, number of fixed segments, fixation to the sacrum, L1–4 average HU value, and VBQ score (p < 0.05). The VBQ score in the PSL group was higher than that in the non-PSL group (3.56 ± 0.45 vs. 2.77 ± 0.31, p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, VBQ score (odds ratio, 3.425; 95% confidence interval, 1.552–8.279) were identified as independent risk factors for screw loosening. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for VBQ score predicting PSL was 0.819 (p < 0.05), with the optimal threshold of 3.15 (sensitivity, 83.1%; specificity, 80.5%).
Conclusion The VBQ score can independently predict postoperative screw loosening in patients undergoing lumbar dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods, and its predictive value is comparable to HU value.
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Objective Spine surgeons are often at risk of radiation exposure due to intraoperative fluoroscopy, leading to health concerns such as carcinogenesis. This is due to the increasing use of percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) in spinal surgeries, resulting from the widespread adoption of minimally invasive spine stabilization. This study aimed to elucidate the effectiveness of smart glasses (SG) in PPS insertion under fluoroscopy.
Methods SG were used as an alternative screen for fluoroscopic images. Operators A (2-year experience in spine surgery) and B (9-year experience) inserted the PPS into the bilateral L1–5 pedicles of the lumbar model bone under fluoroscopic guidance, repeating this procedure twice with and without SG (groups SG and N-SG, respectively). Each vertebral body’s insertion time, radiation dose, and radiation exposure time were measured, and the deviation in screw trajectories was evaluated.
Results The groups SG and N-SG showed no significant difference in insertion time for the overall procedure and each operator. However, group SG had a significantly shorter radiation exposure time than group N-SG for the overall procedure (109.1 ± 43.5 seconds vs. 150.9 ± 38.7 seconds; p = 0.003) and operator A (100.0 ± 29.0 seconds vs. 157.9 ± 42.8 seconds; p = 0.003). The radiation dose was also significantly lower in group SG than in group N-SG for the overall procedure (1.3 ± 0.6 mGy vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 mGy; p = 0.023) and operator A (1.2 ± 0.4 mGy vs. 1.8 ± 0.5 mGy; p = 0.013). The 2 groups showed no significant difference in screw deviation.
Conclusion The application of SG in fluoroscopic imaging for PPS insertion holds potential as a useful method for reducing radiation exposure.
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Objective This study aimed to compare the accuracy of robotic spine surgery and conventional pedicle screw fixation in lumbar degenerative disease. We evaluated clinical and radiological outcomes to demonstrate the noninferiority of robotic surgery.
Methods This study employed propensity score matching and included 3 groups: robot-assisted mini-open posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) (robotic surgery, RS), c-arm guided minimally invasive surgery transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (C-arm guidance, CG), and freehand open PLIF (free of guidance, FG) (54 patients each). The mean follow-up period was 2.2 years. The preoperative spine condition was considered. Accuracy was evaluated using the Gertzbein-Robbins scale (GRS score) and Babu classification (Babu score). Radiological outcomes included adjacent segmental disease (ASD) and mechanical failure. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on the visual analogue scale, Oswestry Disability Index, 36-item Short Form health survey, and clinical ASD rate.
Results Accuracy was higher in the RS group (p < 0.01) than in other groups. The GRS score was lower in the CG group, whereas the Babu score was lower in the FG group compared with the RS group. No significant differences were observed in radiological and clinical outcomes among the 3 groups. Regression analysis identified preoperative facet degeneration, GRS and Babu scores as significant variables for radiological and clinical ASD. Mechanical failure was influenced by the GRS score and patients’ age.
Conclusion This study showed the superior accuracy of robotic spine surgery compared with conventional techniques. When combined with minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery is advantageous with reduced ligament and muscle damage associated with traditional open procedures.
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Objective This study aimed to assess the degree of interest in robot-assisted spine surgery (RASS) among residents and to investigate the learning curve for beginners performing robotic surgery.
Methods We conducted a survey to assess awareness and interest in RASS among young neurosurgery residents. Subsequently, we offered a hands-on training program using a dummy to educate one resident. After completing the program, the trained resident performed spinal fusion surgery with robotic assistance under the supervision of a mentor. The clinical outcomes and learning curve associated with robotic surgery were then analyzed.
Results Neurosurgical residents had limited opportunities to participate in spinal surgery during their training. Despite this, there was a significant interest in the emerging field of robotic surgery. A trained resident performed RASS under the supervision of a senior surgeon. A total of 166 screw insertions were attempted in 28 patients, with 2 screws failing due to skiving. According to the Gertzbein-Robbins classification, 85.54% of the screws were rated as grade A, 11.58% as grade B, 0.6% as grade C, and 1.2% as grade D. The clinical acceptance rate was approximately 96.99%, which is comparable to the results reported by senior experts and time per screw statistically significantly decreased as experience was gained.
Conclusion RASS can be performed with high accuracy within a relatively short timeframe, if residents receive adequate training.
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Objective Several studies have advocated for the higher accuracy of transpedicular screw placement under cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) compared to conventional 2-dimensional (2D) fluoroscopy. The superiority of navigation systems in perioperative and postoperative outcomes remains a topic of debate. This study aimed to compare operative time, screw placement time and accuracy, total radiation dose, perioperative and postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent transpedicular screw fixation for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) using intraoperative CBCT navigation versus 2D fluoroscopy.
Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients affected by single-level DLS who underwent posterior lumbar instrumentation with transpedicular screw fixation using surgical CBCT navigation (NV group) or 2D fluoroscopy-assisted freehand technique (FH group). Demographics, screw placement time and accuracy, operative time, total radiation dose, intraoperative blood loss, screw revision rate, complications, and length of stay (LOS) were assessed.
Results The study included a total of 30 patients (NV group: n = 15; FH group: n = 15). The mean screw placement time, operative time, and LOS were significantly reduced in the NV group compared to the FH group (p < 0.05). The total radiation dose was significantly higher in the NV group (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was found in terms of blood loss and postoperative complications.
Conclusion This study suggests that intraoperative CBCT-navigated single-level lumbar transpedicular screw fixation is superior in terms of mean screw placement time, operative time, and LOS compared to 2D fluoroscopy, despite a higher intraoperative radiation exposure.
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Objective Interspinous spacer (ISS)-based and pedicle screw-rod dynamic fixator (PDF)-based topping-off devices have been applied in lumbar/lumbosacral fusion surgeries for preventing the development of proximal adjacent segment degeneration. However, little attention has been paid to sacroiliac joint (SIJ), which belongs to the adjacent joints. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to compare how these 2 topping-off devices affect the SIJ biomechanics.
Methods A validated, normal finite-element lumbopelvic model (L3–pelvis) was initially adjusted to simulate interbody fusion with rigid fixation at the L5–S1 level, and then the DIAM or BioFlex system was instrumented at the L4–5 level to establish the ISS-based or PDF-based topping-off model, respectively. All the developed models were loaded with moments of 4 physiological motions using hybrid loading protocol.
Results Compared with the rigid fusion model (without topping-off devices), range of motion and von-Mises stress at the SIJs were increased by 23.1%–64.1% and 23.6%–62.8%, respectively, for the ISS-based model and by 51.2%–126.7% and 50.4%–108.7%, respectively, for the PDF-based model.
Conclusion The obtained results suggest that the PDF-based topping-off device leads to higher increments in SIJ motion and stress than ISS-based topping-off device following lumbosacral fusion, implying topping-off technique could be linked to an increased risk of SIJ degeneration, especially when using PDF-based device.
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Objective The cervical spine presents challenges in treating metastatic cervical spinal tumors (MCSTs). Although the efficacy of cervical pedicle screw placement (CPS) has been well established, its use in combination with 5.5-mm rods for MCST has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CPS combined with 5.5-mm rods in treating MCST and compare it with that of CPS combined with traditional 3.5-mm rods.
Methods This retrospective study analyzed 58 patients with MCST who underwent posterior cervical spinal fusion surgery by a single surgeon between March 2012 and December 2022. Data included demographics, surgical details, imaging results, numerical rating scale score for neck pain, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, and Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire responses.
Results Preoperative Spinal Instability Neoplastic Scores were significantly higher in the 5.5-mm rod group. Greater kyphotic changes in the index vertebra were observed in the 3.5-mm rod group. Neck pain reduction was significantly better in the 5.5-mm rod group.
Conclusion CPS with 5.5-mm rods provides superior biomechanical stability and effectively resists forward bending momentum in posterior MCST fusion surgery. These findings support the use of 5.5-mm rods to enhance surgical outcomes.
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Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in patients undergoing percutaneous pedicle screw fixation with robotic guidance, using a newly developed 3-dimensional quantitative measurement system. The study also aimed to assess the clinical feasibility of the robotic system in the field of spinal surgery.
Methods A total of 113 patients underwent pedicle screw insertion using the CUVIS-spine pedicle screw guide system (CUREXO Inc.). Intraoperative O-arm images were obtained, and screw insertion pathways were planned accordingly. Image registration was performed using paired-point registration and iterative closest point methods. The accuracy of the robotic-guided pedicle screw insertion was assessed using 3-dimensional offset calculation and the Gertzbein-Robbins system (GRS).
Results A total of 448 screws were inserted in the 113 patients. The image registration success rate was 95.16%. The average error of entry offset was 2.86 mm, target offset was 2.48 mm, depth offset was 1.99 mm, and angular offset was 3.07°. According to the GRS grading system, 88.39% of the screws were classified as grade A, 9.60% as grade B, 1.56% as grade C, 0.22% as grade D, and 0.22% as grade E. Clinically acceptable screws (GRS grade A or B) accounted for 97.54% of the total, with no reported neurologic complications.
Conclusion Our study demonstrated that pedicle screw insertion using the novel robot-assisted navigation method is both accurate and safe. Further prospective studies are necessary to explore the potential benefits of this robot-assisted technique in comparison to conventional approaches.
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