Florian Ringel1, Yu-Mi Ryang2, Jan S Kirschke3, Birgit S Müller4, Jan J Wilkens4, Jeremy Brodard2, Stephanie E Combs5, Bernhard Meyer2. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany. Electronic address: florian.ringel@unimedizin-mainz.de. 2. Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. 3. Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. 4. Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. 5. Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Radiation Sciences, Institute of Innovative Radiotherapy, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment of spinal tumors regularly includes spinal instrumentation with pedicle screws. Most modern pedicle screws are made of titanium alloy, which is associated with artifacts on postoperative imaging such as computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. These artifacts hamper radiation treatment planning and execution and follow-up imaging. Recently, carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFRP) implants became available for posterior instrumentation with the aim to reduce imaging artifacts by implants. METHODS: Patients harboring spinal tumors underwent posterior stabilization using CFRP pedicle screws. Postoperative imaging was evaluated for implant artifacts. Radiation planning was assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients with spinal tumors were assessed (metastases n = 30; lymphoma n = 2, myeloma n = 1, chordoma n = 1, fibrous dysplasia n = 1). Implantation of CFRP implants was feasible in all but 1 case. Postoperative images show reduced artifacts in comparison with standard titanium alloy implants. Implant position and integrity is sufficiently assessable despite reduced image contrast. Radiation planning is improved. CONCLUSIONS: Carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK pedicle screws reduce image artifacts on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Thereby, they are a valuable and feasible option for spinal instrumentations in patients harboring spinal tumors where postoperative imaging and radiation therapy planning are necessary and might be crucial for long-term outcome and overall survival.
OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment of spinal tumors regularly includes spinal instrumentation with pedicle screws. Most modern pedicle screws are made of titanium alloy, which is associated with artifacts on postoperative imaging such as computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. These artifacts hamper radiation treatment planning and execution and follow-up imaging. Recently, carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFRP) implants became available for posterior instrumentation with the aim to reduce imaging artifacts by implants. METHODS:Patients harboring spinal tumors underwent posterior stabilization using CFRP pedicle screws. Postoperative imaging was evaluated for implant artifacts. Radiation planning was assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients with spinal tumors were assessed (metastases n = 30; lymphoma n = 2, myeloma n = 1, chordoma n = 1, fibrous dysplasia n = 1). Implantation of CFRP implants was feasible in all but 1 case. Postoperative images show reduced artifacts in comparison with standard titanium alloy implants. Implant position and integrity is sufficiently assessable despite reduced image contrast. Radiation planning is improved. CONCLUSIONS:Carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK pedicle screws reduce image artifacts on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Thereby, they are a valuable and feasible option for spinal instrumentations in patients harboring spinal tumors where postoperative imaging and radiation therapy planning are necessary and might be crucial for long-term outcome and overall survival.
Authors: Jeremiah R Long; Maziyar A Kalani; Krista A Goulding; Jonathan B Ashman; Jonathan A Flug Journal: Skeletal Radiol Date: 2022-05-10 Impact factor: 2.199
Authors: Birgit S Müller; Yu-Mi Ryang; Markus Oechsner; Mathias Düsberg; Bernhard Meyer; Stephanie E Combs; Jan J Wilkens Journal: J Appl Clin Med Phys Date: 2020-05-31 Impact factor: 2.102
Authors: Christoph Fleege; Marcus Makowski; Michael Rauschmann; Katharina Luise Fraunhoffer; Peter Fennema; Mohammad Arabmotlagh; Marcus Rickert Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2020-09-30 Impact factor: 4.379