Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
ULUSAL TRAVMA VE ACIL CERRAHI DERGISI-TURKISH JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & EMERGENCY SURGERY, cilt.31, sa.4, ss.371-374, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
BACKGROUND: Localization of thoracic levels in the treatment of thoracic spine problems is more challenging than in other spinal regions. This study aimed to demonstrate the reliability of pedicular spinal needle placement under computed tomography guidance before thoracic spine surgery and to reduce the margin of error, surgery time, and operating room radiation exposure during thoracic spine and spinal cord surgery. METHODS: Fourteen patients undergoing a posterior approach to the thoracic spine and/or spinal cord-related lesions were investigated. Spinocaths were placed under computed tomography (CT) guidance into the pedicle of the relevant vertebra on the same day or the night before surgery. The surgical field was prepared as usual, and a spinocath was placed in the relevant thoracic pedicle under CT guidance. RESULTS: Intraoperative level localization was more reliable and easier in patients who underwent preoperative CT-guided marking for thoracic spine surgeries performed for various reasons. Shorter preoperative preparation and intraoperative anesthesia times, a reduction in the number of fluoroscopic images taken intraoperatively, and no instances of spinal mislocalization were observed. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that localizing the surgical level with preoperative CT before all types of thoracic spine surgery is a safe, reliable, and effective method.