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DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1275353
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Long Constructs in the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine with a Minimally Invasive Technique
Publication History
Publication Date:
07 June 2011 (online)

Abstract
Background: Literature about long implants used together with a minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) technique is scarce. Our objective is to contribute our surgical experience in this field and to specifically focus on several technical details.
Patients and Methods: A digitally-dissected canal along the paravertebral muscles was created linking the stab wounds on each side in relation with the pedicles to be cannulated. Screws were inserted following the percutaneous technique. Long rods were modelled, threaded through the extender sleeves along the paravertebral canal and pushed into the screw heads with the reduction forceps. When fusion was needed, the facet complex was decorticated with a drill. To insert a cross-link, a canal between the 2 rods was digitally created and the spinous process was drilled.
Results: 8 patients underwent surgery (age range: 25–77 years). Indications were postosteomyelitis kyphosis in 3 patients, bone tumor in 3, and spine fracture in 2. No blood transfusions were necessary during or after surgery. A cross-link was inserted in 2 patients. Posterolateral bone fusion was attempted in 4, but radiologically identifiable in none. In one patient a cantilever manoeuvre was done to correct kyphosis. Mean duration of surgery was 4 h. There were no clinical complications related to the operation or the hardware (mean follow-up of 7.14 months, range: 1–15 months).
Conclusion: The application of MISS techniques can be broadened to long spinal constructs to assess fractures, tumors or deformity, especially in elderly or debilitated patients. Nevertheless, posterolateral fusion is still a challenge through these limited exposures.
Key words
minimal invasive spine surgery - pedicle screws - spinal fusion - spondylodesis
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Correspondence
H. Roldan
Neurosurgery Department
Hospital Universitario de
Canarias
Ofra s/n.
La Cuesta
La Laguna
38320 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Spain
Phone: +34/922/678 900
Fax: +34/922/319 425
Email: hecroldan@gmail.com