• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.9-13
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• 2015

Objective : To improve pedicle screw placement accuracy with minimal radiation and low cost, we developed specially designed K-wire with a marker. To evaluate the accuracy of thoracolumbar pedicle screws placed using the novel guide-pin and portable X-rays. Methods : Observational cohort study with computerized tomography (CT) analysis of in vivo and in vitro pedicle screw placement. Postoperative CT scans of 183 titanium pedicle screws (85 lumbar and 98 thoracic from T1 to L5) placed into 2 cadavers and 18 patients were assessed. A specially designed guide-pin with a marker was inserted into the pedicle to identify the correct starting point (2 mm lateral to the center of the pedicle) and aiming point (center of the pedicle isthmus) in posteroanterior and lateral X-rays. After radiographically confirming the exact starting and aiming points desired, a gearshift was inserted into the pedicle from the starting point into the vertebral body through the center of pedicle isthmus. Results : Ninety-nine percent (181/183) of screws were contained within the pedicle (total 183 pedicle screws : 98 thoracic pedicle screws and 85 lumbar screws). Only two of 183 (1.0%) thoracic pedicle screws demonstrated breach (1 lateral in a patient and 1 medial in a cadaver specimen). None of the pedicle breaches were associated with neurologic or other clinical sequelae. Conclusion : A simple, specially designed guide-pin with portable X-rays can provide correct starting and aiming points and allows for accurate pedicle screw placement without preoperative CT scan and intraoperative fluoroscopic assistance.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.784-787
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• 2009

Purpose: Reduction mammaplasty is one of the most commonly performed operations in plastic surgery. Although secondary surgery is occasionally required for minor aesthetic problems or for treatment of the complications of the primary surgery, there are no clear operative guidelines of management. We report here two cases of secondary reduction mammaplasty using differrent pedicle from the initial ones. Methods: One case of secondary reduction mammaplasty were performed using medial pedicle after central (19 years) pedicle reduction mammaplasty because of subsequent breast ptosis and asymmetry. The other case were performed using medial pedicle after superior (4 years) pedicle reduction mammaplasty with contralateral immediate breast reconstruction with TRAM flap because of subsequent breast ptosis and asymmetry. Care was taken to include sufficient width of pedicle and adequate soft tissue attachment beneath the nipple - areolar complex. Results: There was no significant complication such as nipple - areolar necrosis or fat necrosis. The results were well maintained throughout the follow - up period. Conclusion: Medial pedicle reduction mammaplasty can be safely performed after central or superior pedicle reduction mammaplasty when sufficient width of pedicle and adequate soft tissue attachment beneath the nipple - areolar complex are maintained.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.459-465
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• 2012

Objective : To present the accuracy and safety of cervical pedicle screw insertion using the technique with direct exposure of the pedicle by laminoforaminotomy. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed 12 consecutive patients. A total of 104 subaxial cervical pedicle screws in 12 patients had been inserted. We also assessed the clinical and radiological outcomes and analyzed the direction and grade of pedicle perforation (grade 0: no perforation, 1: <25%, 2: 20% to 50%, 3: >50% of screw diameter) on the postoperative vascular-enhanced computed tomography scans. Grade 2 and 3 were considered as incorrect position. Results : The correct position was found in 95 screws (91.3%); grade 0-75 screws, grade 1-20 screws and the incorrect position in 9 screws (8.7%); grade 2-6 screws, grade 3-3 screws. There was no neurovascular complication related with cervical pedicle screw insertion. Conclusion : This technique (technique with direct exposure of the pedicle by laminoforaminotomy) could be considered relatively safe and easy method to insert cervical pedicle screw.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2021

Recently, various types of pedicle screws have been developed considering the anatomical structure of the spine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pullout stiffness and strength of two types of commercial pedicle screws. The design of two type screws were single pitched thread (ST) pedicle screw and dual pitched thread (DT) pedicle screw, respectively. The tests were conducted in accordance with the ASTM standards using polyurethane (PU) test blocks which has anatomical structure of the spine. There was no significant difference in pullout stiffness between two types of screw. However, DT exhibited higher pullout strength than ST (p<0.05). Pedicle screw with dual pitched thread showed higher pullout strength without decrease in pullout stiffness compared to the standard pedicle screw. In conclusion, dual pitched thread design of the pedicle screw is considered to be more suitable than the single pitched thread for the anatomical structure of the spine.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.317-321
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• 2009

Objective : In the thoracic spine, insertion of a pedicle screw is annoying due to small pedicle size and wide morphological variation between different levels of the spine and between individuals. The aim of our study was to analyze radiologic parameters of the pedicle morphometry from T1 to T8 using computed tomographic myelography (CTM) in Korean population. Methods : For evaluation of the thoracic pedicle morphometry, the authors prospectively analyzed a consecutive series of 26 patients with stable thoracic spines. With the consent of patients, thoracic CTM were performed, from T1 to T8. We calculated the transverse outer diameters and the transverse angles of the pedicle, distance from the cord to the inner cortical wall of the pedicle, and distance from the cord to the dura. Results : Transverse outer pedicle diameter was widest at T1 ($7.66{\pm}2.14\;mm$) and narrowest at T4 ($4.38{\pm}1.55\;mm$). Transverse pedicle angle was widest at T1 ($30.2{\pm}12.0^{\circ}$ and it became less than $9.0^{\circ}$ below T6 level. Theoretical safety zone of the medial perforation of the pedicle screw, namely, distance from the cord to inner cortical wall of the pedicle was more than 4.5 mm. Conclusion : Based on this study, we suggest that the current pedicle screw system is not always suitable for Korean patients. Computed tomography is required before performing a transpedicular screw fixation at the thoracic levels.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.125-134
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• 2002

This study was designed to investigate the process of re- or neo-vascularization in the prefabricated cutaneous flap using a skeletonized arteriovenous pedicle implantation. Fourty-eight flaps were divided into six groups of eight flaps, including control group of the conventional epigastric flap. In experimental groups, skin flap was fabricated by subcutaneous implantation of a distally ligated saphenous arteriovenous pedicle in left abdomen. At 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after, prefabricated flap was elevated as an island flap based on implanted pedicle and sutured back in place. Three days after flap repositioning, the area of flap viability was quantified, the pattern of flap vascularization was evaluated with microangiography, and the quantification of vessels was assessed histologically. There were statistically significant differences in flap viability between group 2, 3, 4, and the control (p<0.05), with increased survival area in order. But Group 5 and 6 showed higher flap viability as much as the control did. In the microangiographis study, numerous small meander vessels were newly developed in the vicinity of the implanted pedicle just only 2 weeks after pedicle implantation, but neovascularization around the tip of implanted pedicle, and its anastomosis with native vasculatures was more important for overall flap survival, which was usually developed at least 4 weeks after pedicle implantation. Histologically, vessels are evenly spread over all layers of the flap at 6 weeks after pedicle implantation. The quantification of vessels was correlated well with the improvement of flap viability (p<0.05). In conclusion, neo- and re-vascularization around the tip of implanted pedicle was an important factor for overall survival of the prefabricated flap. Therefore, skeletonized pure vascular pedicle transfer, even though it used alone without surrounding was sufficient to get higher flap viability. The optimal duration of pedicle implantation was8 weeks to obtain maximal survival.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.265-268
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• 2005

Objective : With the increasing popularity of pedicle screw fixation devices for several indications, the safety and reliability of screw insertion in the small pedicle has become a major issue. Many studies have investigated the accuracy of screw placement after pedicle screw fixation using various method. The reported displacement rates have been very different. The purpose of the study is to investigate the proper placement of pedicle screw insertion in the lumbar spine on 26 consecutive patients. Methods : Between September and December 2003, 26 consecutive patients [16women and 10men] were analyzed after transpedicular screw fixation of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine. After pedicle screw fixation in this study, 2-mm slices of CT scan were performed in all patients to detect caudal and cranial deviation of screw and medial and lateral deviation. Pedcile screw placement related complication was evaluated clinically. Results : A total of 144 inserted pedicle were analyzed in 26patients, and 58pedicle screws [40.3%] were detected to be improper placement. There were 14level [9.0%] of caudal or cranial deviation and 44level [30.6%] of medial or lateral deviation to the pedicle. Extra-pedicle placement was found on 4levels [2.7%] with only lease of neurologic injury. Conclusion : Proper screw placement, though complication rate is low, is important not only for clinical symptom but also for biomechanics. Further study for screw placement related biomechanical changes is needed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2010

Objective : In cervico-thoracic junction (CTJ), the use of strong fixation device such as pedicle screw-rod system is often required. Purpose of this study is to analyze the anatomical features of C7 and T1 pedicles related to screw insertion and to evaluate the safety of pedicle screw insertion at these levels. Methods : Nineteen patients underwent posterior CTJ fixation with C7 and/or T1 included in fixation levels. Seventeen patients had tumorous conditions and two with post-laminectomy kyphosis. The anatomical features were analyzed for C7 and T1 pedicles in 19 patients using computerized tomography (CT). Pedicle screw and rod fixation system was used in 16 patients. Pedicle violation by screws was evaluated with postoperative CT scan. Results : The mean values of the width, height, stable depth, safety angle, transverse angle, and sagittal angle of C7 pedicles were $6.9{\pm}1.34\;mm$, $8.23{\pm}1.18\;mm$, $30.93{\pm}4.65\;mm$, $26.42{\pm}7.91$ degrees, $25.9{\pm}4.83$ degrees, and $10.6{\pm}3.39$ degrees. At T1 pedicles, anatomic parameters were similar to those of C7. The pedicle violation revealed that 64.1% showed grade I violation and 35.9% showed grade II violation, overall. As for C7 pedicle screw insertion, grade I was 61.5% and grade II 38.5%. At T1 level, grade I was 65.0% and grade II 35.0%. There was no significant difference in violation rate between the whole group, C7, and T1 group. Conclusion : C7 pedicles can withstand pedicle screw insertion. C7 pedicle and T1 pedicle are anatomically very similar. With the use of adequate fluoroscopic oblique view, pedicle screw can be safely inserted at C7 and T1 levels.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.134-139
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• 2018

One of the most common problems with pedicle screw system is pullout of the screw. This study was performed to evaluate the pullout strength and driving torque of newly designed pedicle screws. The design of three type screws were standard pedicle screw, which had single lead threaded and single pitched design (Type A), single pitched and dual lead threaded pedicle screw (Type B), dual pitched and dual lead threaded pedicle screw (Type C), respectively. The tests were performed in accordance with the ASTM standards using polyurethane (PU) foam blocks. There was no significant difference in pullout strength among three types of screw. Type B and Type C exhibited higher insertion torque and removal torque than Type A, respectively (p<0.05). Pedicle screws newly developed with dual pitched and dual lead threaded design showed higher driving torque without decrease in pullout strength compared to the standard pedicle screw and could be inserted more rapidly with the same number of revolutions.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.1298-1301
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• 2003

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of pre-load and fatigue life of the distracted one-level pedicle screw system. A spring, which acted as a substitute of the ligament, was installed in the one-level pedicle screw system before testing. The static and fatigue properties are now being tested, which includes 6mm rod to 6mm screw, 6mm rod to 6.5mm screw and 6.35mm rod to 6.5mm screw, under pre-load. Until now as test data were analyzed, 6mm rod to 6.5mm screw was found to have the best performances of stillness and fatigue lift, while 6mm rod to 6mm screw showed the shortest fatigue life. If the stiffness of screw was bigger than that of rod. the fatigue life was prolonged. The fatigue life of the distracted pedicle screw was proved to be shorter than that of the one-level pedicle screw system. So the fatigue life was shortened because of the effect of the spring on the flexibility and stiffness of the rod. In order to obtain the stability of the pedicle screw, more tests are under doing on this topic.