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01-08-2021 | Review

Power-assisted pedicle screws placement: Is it as safe and as effective as manual technique? Narrative review of the literature and our technique

Authors: C. Faldini, G. Viroli, M. Fiore, F. Barile, M. Manzetti, A. Di Martino, A. Ruffilli

Published in: MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY | Issue 2/2021

Abstract

Pedicle screws are the gold standard in spine surgery, allowing a solid tricolumnar fixation which is unmatched by hooks and wires. The freehand technique is the most widely adopted for pedicle screws placing. While freehand technique has been classically performed with manual tools, there has been a recent trend toward the use of power tools. The aim of this review is to summarize and expose potential risks and advantages of power pedicle screws placing. The literature showed that the use of power tools offers an acceptable safety profile, comparable to manual technique. With an adequate training, the power technique may speed up the screw placing, reduce the fluoroscopy time and the physical stress to the spine surgeon. Regarding differences in pull-out strength between power and manual techniques, the literature is still uncertain and inconsistent, both in clinical and preclinical studies. The choice between the use of power and manual freehand pedicle screws placing is still based on the surgeon’s own preference.

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Title: Power-assisted pedicle screws placement: Is it as safe and as effective as manual technique? Narrative review of the literature and our technique
Authors: C. Faldini
G. Viroli
M. Fiore
F. Barile
M. Manzetti
A. Di Martino
A. Ruffilli
Publication date: 01-08-2021
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 2035-5106
Electronic ISSN: 2035-5114
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12306-021-00714-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Power-assisted pedicle screws placement: Is it as safe and as effective as manual technique? Narrative review of the literature and our technique

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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