Comparison of the perioperative parameters between computer navigation and fluoroscopy guidance for pedicle screw placement: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Computer navigation technology is gradually applied to the placement of pedicle screws, but its security and effectiveness still lack of high-quality evidence-based medical evidence. In this study, we will perform a systematic review of previously published randomized controlled trials to investigate the accuracy and effectiveness of computer navigation vsersus fluoroscopy guidance for pedicle screw placement. METHODS: All study protocols adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed (MEDLINE), The excerpta medica database, Web of Science (science and social science citation index), The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Cochrane Methodology Register), China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, WanFang, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database will be searched for relevant articles up to 18 April, 2020. We will include randomized controlled trials of computer navigation and fluoroscopy guidance for pedicle screw placement. The Cochrane Handbook (v6) will be used for assessment of study bias and reliability, and a meta-analysis will be performed using STATA 16.0. The main outcome will be the proportion of accurate implanted screws. Additional outcomes including: overall complication rate, radiation dosage, length of surgery, length of stay, estimated blood loss. RESULTS: The quality of the assessments will be assessed through Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Data will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals. CONCLUSION: We will evaluate the accuracy and other perioperative parameters between computer navigation and fluoroscopy guidance for pedicle screw placement. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020172087.