Free-Hand Cervical Pedicle Screw Placement by Using Para-articular Minilaminotomy: Its Feasibility and Novice Neurosurgeons’ Experience

STUDY DESIGN.: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE.: Cervical pedicle screw (CPS) placement is technically demanding because of the great variation in pedicle size, dimension, and angulations between cervical levels and patients and the lack of anatomical landmarks. This retrospective study was conducted to analyze novice neurosurgeons’ experience of CPS placement by using the technique with direct exposure of pedicle via para-articular minilaminotomy. METHODS.: We retrospectively reviewed 78 CPSs in 22 consecutive patients performed by 2 surgeons. All pedicle screws were inserted under the direct visualization of the pedicle by using para-articular minilaminotomy without any fluoroscopic guidance. We analyzed the direction and grade of pedicle perforation on the postoperative computed tomography scan. The degree of perforation was classified as grade 0 to 3. Grades 0 and 1 were classified as the correct position and the others, as the incorrect position. RESULTS.: In total, the correct position (grade 0 and 1) was found in 72 (92.3%) screws and the incorrect position (grade 2 and 3) in 6 (7.7%). Among the 16 pedicle perforations (grade 1, 2, and 3 perforations), the directions were lateral in 15 (93.8%) and superior in 1 (6.2%). There were no neurovascular complications related to CPS insertion. CONCLUSION.: Free-hand CPS placement by using para-articular minilaminotomy seems to be feasible and reproducible.