Authors: Ran Harel Nachshon Knoller
Publish Date: 2015/09/05
Volume: 25, Issue: 3, Pages: 865-869
Abstract
Intraoperative ultrasound IUS has been described in numerous papers as an effective tool for spinal tumor resection degenerative lesions and Chiari malformation surgery but has not been routinely adopted by spine surgeons We herein describe our experience with routine IUS applicationIn 2011 the authors began to use Aloka Prosound Alpha 7 at the Sheba Medical Center during neurosurgical spinal tumor resection thoracic disc herniation and Chiari malformation In this paper we retrospectively evaluated the volume of usage and the extent of intraoperative modification resulting from the use of IUSDuring 2011–2013 we identified 131 cases that IUS could be of assistance IUS was used in 78 cases 595 375 in 2011 65 in 2012 and 71 in 2013 IUS was routinely performed after exposure of the dura and repeated at surgeon’s request As a whole IUS changed the course of surgery in 63 of the casesIUS is safe and easy to use after a short learning curve When used in indicated cases it can replace cumbersome fluoroscopy reduce the incision dimension and laminectomy levels and demonstrate the extent of decompression Incorporating IUS in spinal surgery education programs is warranted
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