Evaluation of Multi-Slice Spiral Computed Tomography in In vivo Simulation of Individualized Cervical Pedicle Screw Placement at C3–C7 in Chinese Healthy Population

BACKGROUND: Cervical pedicle screw fixation through posterior approach has shown greater cervical stability advantage. The cervical pedicle screw fixation technique through posterior approach is demanding. The key to the technique is the choice of point and angle of screw entrance. The angle of screw placement is variable. Morphometric measurements of the cervical pedicle are a prerequisite for individualized screw. CT imaging has become the most reliable and important means to obtain cervical pedicle's measurement data and morphology in vivo. This study explores the feasibility and application of precise in vivo measurements by multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) for individualized cervical transpedicular screw placement at C3–C7 in Chinese healthy population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 80 adults who underwent cervical examination by enhanced and nonenhanced computed tomography angiography, respectively, were selected and submitted to bone algorithm reconstruction for slice thickness and interval of 0.75 mm to acquire clear images and detailed bone structures. Simulation of individualized screw placement was performed with a 4.0 mm diameter screw with the help of postprocessing workstation. Pedicle transverse angle (PTA) and sagittal angle (PSA) were measured using the single- and double-line methods (analog nailing, 4.0 mm in diameter) in 160 pairs of C3–C7 pedicles, setting positive and negative values for cranial direction and foot side PSAs, respectively. Comparison of the measured change scope in PTA and PSA between the two methods was carried out; the range was defined as the error range. RESULTS: Significantly, different results (P < 0.05) were obtained between the single- and double-line methods in the error ranges of PTA and PSA in C3–C7 pedicles. Interestingly, the double-line method was better in simulating the actual needs of individualized nailing. The mean values of PTA and PSA were 42.9°, 45.5°, 42.4°, 37.1°, 29.0° and 8.4°, 5.0°, −4.0°, and −7.8°, −8.1°, respectively, with the double-line method. CONCLUSION: MSCT reconstruction techniques can determine the direction and required parameters for individualized screw placement. In addition, accurate in vivo measurements of PTA and PSA, particularly PSA, provide the orthopedic surgeon with theoretical guidance and reliable basis in screw placement.