Paragraph Number

44

In recent years, surgeons may place pedicle screws percutaneously through small incisions with reliance on radiographic visualization, not direct visualization. Percutaneously placed pedicle screws can potentially save the patient the significant trauma caused by the traditional open exposure of the spine through the central incision. Unfortunately, without direct visualization, pedicle screw placement is often tedious and inaccurate. Poorly placed pedicle screws can cause pain, early construct failure, or harm to the patient.

Added by DJM 1 2022