Accuracy of Thoracic Vertebral Body Screw Placement Using Standard Fluoroscopy, Fluoroscopic Image Guidance, and Computed Tomographic Image Guidance

Abstract

Fluoroscopy-based image guidance that uses only a single reference marker for the entire thoracic spine is highly inaccurate and unsafe. Systems with registration based on the instrumented vertebrae provide more accurate placement of thoracic vertebral body screws than standard fluoroscopy, but expose the patient to more radiation and require more time for screw insertion.