Patient Specific Template Guided Pedicle Instrumentation Versus Free Hand Technique

Patients with an indication for spondylodesis are included according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, randomization into the MySpine and conventional group is performed. Patients remain blinded to the randomization.

On the basis of a computed tomography, the surgeon plans the entry points, the screw size and length, as well as the angle of the screws in two planes (sagittal and axial) on the computer. In the MySpine group, a three-dimensional, digital reconstruction of the spine is made using Medacta International SA software. On the basis of these planning files, three-dimensional templates with guide channels (guides) are produced for each individual vertebra. These guides can be applied dorsally to the bony anatomy and thus specify the entry points as well as the direction of the screw. Also, replicas of the individual vertebra are produced in the 3D printer.

The patients are operated in a prone position via a dorsal approach. After preparation of the dorsal process, vertebral arches and vertebral joints as well as the transverse process, the screws are implanted with one of the following methods depending on the randomization:

• Freehand (fluoroscopically controlled)
• MySpine System

Postoperatively, all patients undergo computed tomography of the operated area. On the basis of this computed tomography the number of pedicle perforations as well as their extent should be determined according to the simplified Laine classification. These results are to be statistically evaluated with the question of whether there are significant differences between the two techniques with respect to the absolute and individual number of pedicle perforations, as well as their extent. It is also to be examined whether these results show a dependence on the level of experience of the surgeon.

In addition to the individual radiation exposure (cumulative irradiation time in seconds and irradiation dose in cGy), the time for the dorsal instrumentation for each of the two systems per surgeon is also to be measured and evaluated.

In the follow-up, the outcome is also recorded by means of pain registration, ODI score and complication detection (infections, pedicle fractures, implant loosening, pseudoarthrosis, re-operations).

The follow-up assessments 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after surgrey are peformed according to institutional standards.

Inclusion criteria

• Indication for spondylodesis independent of the study
• Signed consent
• Male and female patients aged 18 years and over

Exclusion criteria

• Polyamide-PA 12 allergy
• Pregnant or lactating women
• Known or suspected non-compliance with the protocol, drug or alcohol abuse
• inability of the patient to follow the trial procedure, e.g. Due to language problems, mental illness, dementia
• Prior participation in the clinical Trial
• Inclusion of the test person, his / her family members, employees or other dependent persons