Objective:

To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of intraosseous ultrasound (IOUS) using an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) probe for assessing pedicle screw hole placements in the thoracolumbar spine, highlighting its potential to improve surgical outcomes.

Key Findings:

• The EUS probe demonstrated feasibility for intraoperative assessment of pedicle screw hole placements, with a success rate of X%.
• The average examination time for each screw hole was less than 1 minute, indicating efficiency.
• EUS probes are cost-effective and reusable compared to IVUS catheters, reducing overall surgical costs.

Interpretation:

The study suggests that IOUS using EUS probes could provide a reliable method for assessing pedicle screw placements, potentially reducing complications associated with screw misplacement and improving surgical precision.

Limitations:

• The study was conducted on animal models, which may not fully replicate human anatomy and clinical scenarios, introducing potential limitations in applicability.
• The small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings, necessitating further studies with larger cohorts.

Conclusion:

IOUS with EUS probes shows promise as a practical tool for intraoperative assessment of pedicle screw placements, warranting further research for clinical application, particularly in diverse patient populations.