Novel Merging of CT and MRI to Allow for Safe Navigation into Kambin's Triangle for Percutaneous Lumbar Interbody Fusion-Initial Case Series Investigating Safety and Efficacy.

Abstract

Background

For percutaneous lumbar fusion (percLIF), magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are critical to defining surgical corridors. Currently, these scans are performed separately, and surgeons then use fluoroscopy or neuromonitoring to guide instruments through Kambin's triangle. However, anatomic variations and intraoperative positional changes are possible, meaning that safely accessing Kambin's triangle remains a challenge because nerveroot visualization without endoscopes has not been thoroughly described.

Objective

To overcome the known challenges of percLIF and reduce the likelihood of iatrogenic injuries by showing real-time locations of neural and bony anatomy.

Methods

The authors demonstrate an intraoperative navigational platform that applies nerve root segmentation and image fusion to assist with percLIF. Five patients from a single institution were included.

Results

Of the 5 patients, the mean age was 71 ± 8 years and 3 patients (60%) were female. One patient had general anesthesia while the remaining 4 patients underwent awake surgery with spinal anesthesia. The mean area for the L4-L5 Kambin's triangle was 76.1 ± 14.5 mm 2 . A case example is shown where the side of approach was based on the fact that Kambin's triangle was larger on one side compared with the other. The mean operative time was 170 ± 17 minutes, the mean blood loss was 32 ± 16 mL, and the mean hospital length of stay was 19.6 ± 8.3 hours. No patients developed postoperative complications.

Conclusion

This case series demonstrates the successful and safe application of nerve segmentation using magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography fusion to perform percLIF and provide positive patient outcomes.

Department

Description

Provenance

Citation

Published Version (Please cite this version)

10.1227/ons.0000000000000531

Publication Info

Tabarestani, Troy Q, David AW Sykes, David AW Sykes, Gisselle Maquoit, Timothy Y Wang, Chakib M Ayoub, Christopher I Shaffrey, Walter F Wiggins, et al. (2023). Novel Merging of CT and MRI to Allow for Safe Navigation into Kambin's Triangle for Percutaneous Lumbar Interbody Fusion-Initial Case Series Investigating Safety and Efficacy. Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.), 24(3). pp. 331–340. 10.1227/ons.0000000000000531 Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/27964.

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Scholars@Duke

Ayoub

Chakib Ayoub

Professor of Anesthesiology
Shaffrey

Christopher Ignatius Shaffrey

Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

I have more than 25 years of experience treating patients of all ages with spinal disorders. I have had an interest in the management of spinal disorders since starting my medical education. I performed residencies in both orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire range of spinal disorders. My goal has been to find innovative ways to manage the range of spinal conditions, straightforward to complex. I have a focus on managing patients with complex spinal disorders. My patient evaluation and management philosophy is to provide engaged, compassionate care that focuses on providing the simplest and least aggressive treatment option for a particular condition. In many cases, non-operative treatment options exist to improve a patient’s symptoms. I have been actively engaged in clinical research to find the best ways to manage spinal disorders in order to achieve better results with fewer complications.

Wiggins

Walter Wiggins

Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology

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