This was an attempted correction for a L5-S1 Spondy. Basically the 5th lumbar vertebra slips anterior (forward) over the sacrum. This stretches the spinal cord, causing pain. The correction was attempted by using posterior fixation pedicle screws and rods to pull the 5th lumbar vertebra posterior (backwards) relative to the sacrum.
Based on this image, it’s hard to say - but very possible that this expensive procedure did not improve the pain the patient was experiencing. The spondy is still clearly present.
Looking at the vertebral body endplates, I’d say this shot is off of a true lateral by some small amount. The screw placement looks OK (or at least, not glaringly bad) to me, I’d need higher resolution or an AP (anterior-to-posterior) to say for sure.
This was an attempted correction for a L5-S1 Spondy. Basically the 5th lumbar vertebra slips anterior (forward) over the sacrum. This stretches the spinal cord, causing pain. The correction was attempted by using posterior fixation pedicle screws and rods to pull the 5th lumbar vertebra posterior (backwards) relative to the sacrum.
Based on this image, it’s hard to say - but very possible that this expensive procedure did not improve the pain the patient was experiencing. The spondy is still clearly present.
I’m sending you my MRI. We can discuss it later this afternoon, right?
As long as it’s lumbar or cervical spine related, sure! But I’m not a doctor, just have spent a few years designing implants for these procedures. :)
can you tell if this image off-angle or are the pins not parallel?
looks excruciatingly painful
Looking at the vertebral body endplates, I’d say this shot is off of a true lateral by some small amount. The screw placement looks OK (or at least, not glaringly bad) to me, I’d need higher resolution or an AP (anterior-to-posterior) to say for sure.