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Child's Nervous System

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01-09-2019 | Technical Notes

A novel method for safe and accurate placement of the rocker pins of head immobilization devices utilizing a digital caliber phantom: technical note

Authors: Mostafa M. E. Atteya, Sherif Raslan, Mohamed Elkallaf, Mahmoud Salem Soliman, Muhammad Abbas AlQalla

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 9/2019

Abstract

Background

Immobilization of the head and skull by head immobilization devices (HIDs) is a common practice in neurosurgery. A variety of complications and morbidities are associated with pinning the skull during application of HIDs.

Objective

Our aim is to describe a new technique that avoids repeated puncturing of the head and skull during application of HIDs and hence avoiding the potential complications resulting from multiple re-adjustments.

Methods

We used a pre-adjusted digital millimetric caliber (DMC) as a phantom for the two rocker pins of the HID to mimic and simulate the process of skull pinning. Localization and preparation of the accurate skull pinning sites are safely guided by the pinning phantom.

Results

The technique was applied in different neurosurgical approaches. The pinning phantom was utilized to accurately locate the suitable pinning sites. Contrary to the common practice, there was no need for repeated head and skull puncturing. Minimal manipulations of the head and neck are exerted in this approach as compared with the usual techniques. The head of the patient is allowed to be kept safe on the operating table until the final one-time confident skull pinning by the sterilized skull clamp pins.

Conclusion

The process of scalp and skull pinning of HIDs is technically demanding. The DMC utilized as a pinning phantom is a useful technique which provides safe and confident application of the skull rocker pins of HIDs allowing the neurosurgeon to avoid multiple puncturing of scalp and skull and minimizing manipulations of the head and cervical spine.

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Title: A novel method for safe and accurate placement of the rocker pins of head immobilization devices utilizing a digital caliber phantom: technical note
Authors: Mostafa M. E. Atteya
Sherif Raslan
Mohamed Elkallaf
Mahmoud Salem Soliman
Muhammad Abbas AlQalla
Publication date: 01-09-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 9/2019
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-019-04216-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A novel method for safe and accurate placement of the rocker pins of head immobilization devices utilizing a digital caliber phantom: technical note

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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