Indications for pedicle fixation. Results of NASS/SRS faculty questionnaire. North American Spine Society and Scoliosis Research Society.

Abstract

The faculty of the North American Spine Society and Scoliosis Research Society pedicle fixation workshop were questioned about their use of pedicle screw implants for fixation of the spine. This study ascertained which faculty members used pedicle implants given specific clinical scenarios and analyzed the data for trends and consensus. For the past 4 years, the North American Spine Society in conjunction with the Scoliosis Research Society has sponsored a course on pedicle fixation of the spine. During these courses, techniques of pedicle fixation have been discussed. The indications, however, for pedicle fixation have remained controversial, even among the course faculty. A questionnaire was developed with 20 clinical scenarios, and the faculty were asked whether they would use pedicle implants as part of their surgical treatment. Thirty-eight of 45 (84%) questionnaires have been received and analyzed. For most scenarios, there was statistically significant consensus among the faculty that they would use a pedicle implant. There was statistically significant consensus that the faculty would not use pedicle implants for thoracic fractures or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This study is useful in assessing pedicle implant usage in our community but should not be used as a guide for their indications and contraindications.