Percutaneous Pedicle Screw and Rod Insertion for Fracture of the Lumbar Spine

Standard techniques for lumbar pedicle screw and rod fixation involve open exposure and extensive muscle dissection. The purpose of this study was to report the indications, operative techniques and preliminary experiences with percutaneous lumbar pedicle screw and rod insertion for internal fixation of the lumbar spine. Fifteen patients underwent percutaneous pedicle screw and rod fixation. Spondylolisthesis was present in six patients, compression fracture in four, chronic discogenic pain in four and tuberculosis of the spine was present in one patient. All patients underwent successful percutaneous single level fusions. The follow up period ranged from 6 to 12 months. Percutaneous lumbar pedicle screw and rod insertion can be performed in a straight forward manner through percutaneous stab wounds. This procedure minimises the morbidity associated with traditional open approaches without compromising the quality of spinal fixation. Preliminary experiences with this device has been encouraging