Journal of Spine

Kumar Venkatesh

Publications

• Research Article
  Stimulation of Pedicle Screws with Diathermy: Is it a Viable Option to Detect Breaches?
  Author(s): Yogesh K Pithwa and Kumar VenkateshYogesh K Pithwa and Kumar Venkatesh
  
  Background: To analyse use of monopolar diathermy stimulation of pedicle screws in order to improve breach detection. Methods: Prospective single-blind study. Patients with preoperative neurological deficit excluded. Pedicle screws inserted freehand into thoracic and lumbar spine. Monopolar diathermy in “cutting” mode at half the strength used for actual cutting purpose was used to stimulate the tap in situ, followed by stimulation of the screw if satisfactory. Elicitation of twitching of local paraspinal muscles and/ or lower limb muscles was considered a positive response, suggestive of pedicle breach. Appropriate revision of screw track was done accordingly. Intraoperative C-arm imaging and postoperative CT scan [blinded evaluation] was done for further verification in all cases. Meticulous clinical assessment was done in the .. Read More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2165-7939.S6-006

  Abstract PDF