E-ISSN: 1019-5157
ISSN: 2651-5024
Erratum
A Novel Technique to Improve Intraoperative Visualisation of the Lower Cervical Spine in Spine Surgery
Ajoy Prasad Shetty✉ ,
Juan Esteban Muñoz Montoya ,
Antonio José Gómez Díaz
Juan Esteban Muñoz Montoya ,
Antonio José Gómez Díaz
Neurosurgery, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.49758-25.2
Article in Press
Corresponding Author:
Ajoy Prasad Shetty (ajoyshetty@gmail.com)
Abstract
Abstract
Study design: To evaluate a new technique for intraoperative visualization of the lower cervical spaces under fluoroscopy.
Summary: Localizing the lower cervical spine intraoperatively using conventional fluoroscopy with lateral projections has certain limitations. The main factor limiting adequate visualization of the cervicothoracic spaces is the superposition of the shoulder\'s structures (soft tissue, muscle, and bone), which creates a significant obstacle when making intraoperative decisions. Various techniques have been described for this purpose. Some are complex and involve different X-ray projection angles or the creation of special devices. However, fluoroscopy techniques using conventional AP and lateral projections can be employed in conjunction with shoulder traction, dorsiflexion of the feet, and pushing the feet upward to accurately identify lower cervical spaces and even the cervicothoracic junction. This technique is unique in that it is cost-effective, yielding favorable results without requiring investment in new or expensive devices.
Methods: Both shoulders were secured to the operating table using shoulder traction, while dorsiflexion and pushing the feet upward bilaterally were performed simultaneously. This enabled the capture of favorable images and the implementation of accurate surgical approaches to treat the lower cervical structures.
Results: The usefulness of this new technique for visualizing the lower cervical spaces was demonstrated in the presented cases.
Conclusions: Our technique facilitates the acquisition of fluoroscopic images with adequate magnification and accurate visualization of the lower cervical spaces. The results were similar to those of other studies.
Study design: To evaluate a new technique for intraoperative visualization of the lower cervical spaces under fluoroscopy.
Summary: Localizing the lower cervical spine intraoperatively using conventional fluoroscopy with lateral projections has certain limitations. The main factor limiting adequate visualization of the cervicothoracic spaces is the superposition of the shoulder\'s structures (soft tissue, muscle, and bone), which creates a significant obstacle when making intraoperative decisions. Various techniques have been described for this purpose. Some are complex and involve different X-ray projection angles or the creation of special devices. However, fluoroscopy techniques using conventional AP and lateral projections can be employed in conjunction with shoulder traction, dorsiflexion of the feet, and pushing the feet upward to accurately identify lower cervical spaces and even the cervicothoracic junction. This technique is unique in that it is cost-effective, yielding favorable results without requiring investment in new or expensive devices.
Methods: Both shoulders were secured to the operating table using shoulder traction, while dorsiflexion and pushing the feet upward bilaterally were performed simultaneously. This enabled the capture of favorable images and the implementation of accurate surgical approaches to treat the lower cervical structures.
Results: The usefulness of this new technique for visualizing the lower cervical spaces was demonstrated in the presented cases.
Conclusions: Our technique facilitates the acquisition of fluoroscopic images with adequate magnification and accurate visualization of the lower cervical spaces. The results were similar to those of other studies.
Keywords
Methods
Cervical Vertebrae
Fluoroscopy.