A new study published in Spine compares radiation exposure from ultra-low radiation imaging with traditional C-arm fluoroscopy for patients undergoing one-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.
The study authors included 24 patients assigned to undergo single level minimally invasive TLIF. The patients either underwent imaging with conventional fluoroscopy or an ultra-low dose setting and image enhancement software. The researchers also compared screw and cage placement with the final images among the patients.
The researchers found:
1. None of the patients required hardwire repositioning. There weren't any patients who reported neurologic decline and the low radiation imaging technique wasn't abandoned for any of the patients.
2. All clinical team members in the operating room benefited from the low dose radiation, seeing a 61.6 percent to 83.5 percent radiation exposure reduction during cannulation and K-wire placement.
3. The reduced radiation exposure was statistically significant for all members of the clinical team except for the anesthesiologist.
4. The ultra-low dose setting didn't require more time than the conventional fluoroscopy.
5. The study authors concluded the ultra-low radiation imaging with enhancement software could decrease radiation exposure without increasing the complication rate or surgical time.