Research Information System
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, vol.8, pp.177-180, 2020 (Scopus)
© 2020 Murat Yilmaz, Beyza Alkis, Kemal Yucesoy.BACKGROUND: Posterior lumbar pedicle screw instrumentation has gained wide acceptance in the treatment of the various spinal lesions requiring fusion. Inserting screws into the pedicles take a great deal of skill, as the dense bony parts are not large, and a mistake could push a bone fragment into the spinal nerves, causing pain, loss of mobility, and other damage. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the histological and gross-anatomical properties of the pediculocorporal junction, which can have important clinical implications on the insertion technique of the pedicle screws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human cadaveric lumbar spinal segments that were fixed with formaldehyde were used in the study. Twenty pedicles from ten lumbar spinal segments (L3–L5) were prepared for histological and gross-anatomical investigation. Thin slice cuts were taken from the specimens and examined histologically and macroscopically. RESULTS: There were not any differences in the histological characteristics of the pedicles and the pediculocorporal junction. The thin, compact osseous formation, or web-like connective tissue formation were not identifiable in the pediculocorporal junction. CONCLUSIONS: All kinds of pedicle screws may be inserted just after preparation of the insertion point with an awl or just decortication of the entrance point with a rongeur. This can also reduce the pilot hole preparation technique-related complications like perforation of the pedicle walls.