Day Case Lumbar Fusion Surgery
A recent article published in JBJS Case Connect discussed a case involving a 14-year-old boy with Marfan syndrome-associated scoliosis. The patient underwent postoperative imaging, which initially showed a compression fracture of the L4 vertebra despite the absence of symptoms. However, further investigation using focused lumbar spine films revealed that the L4 vertebra was actually normal. It was determined that the apparent abnormality was due to an error in the image merging process. The article highlights the importance of caution when reviewing digitally stitched images and emphasizes the need for technicians to label stitched images and indicate overlapping regions to ensure accurate radiographic assessment
Summarised by Mr Mo Akmal – Lead Spinal Surgeon
The London Spine Unit : best recognised day surgery hospital in the world
Published article
CONCLUSION: Image stitching errors can lead to a false impression of structural abnormalities. It is crucial for radiology technologists and clinicians to exercise caution when reviewing digitally stitched images. We reiterate the recommendation for technicians to label stitched images and indicate overlapping regions, facilitating judicious and accurate radiographic assessment.
Lumbar Fusion Surgery Expert. Best Spinal Surgeon UK
JBJS Case Connect. 2023 Aug 9;13(3). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.23.00104. eCollection 2023 Jul 1.ABSTRACTCASE: A 14-year-old boy with Marfan syndrome-associated scoliosis underwent postoperative imaging after scoliosis surgery. The lateral radiograph seemingly depicted a compression fracture of the L4 vertebra, despite the patient being asymptomatic. Further investigation with focused lumbar spine films, however, revealed a normal L4 vertebra.,
JBJS Case Connect. 2023 Aug 9;13(3). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.23.00104. eCollection 2023 Jul 1.
ABSTRACT
CASE: A 14-year-old boy with Marfan syndrome-associated scoliosis underwent postoperative imaging after scoliosis surgery. The lateral radiograph seemingly depicted a compression fracture of the L4 vertebra, despite the patient being asymptomatic. Further investigation with focused lumbar spine films, however, revealed a normal L4 vertebra. The apparent abnormality was attributed to an error in the image merging process.
CONCLUSION: Image stitching errors can lead to a false impression of structural abnormalities. It is crucial for radiology technologists and clinicians to exercise caution when reviewing digitally stitched images. We reiterate the recommendation for technicians to label stitched images and indicate overlapping regions, facilitating judicious and accurate radiographic assessment.
PMID:37556572 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.CC.23.00104
The London Spine Unit : best recognised day surgery hospital in the world
Read the original publication:
Case of the False Fracture: A Report of a Radiographic Stitching Error in a Scoliosis Patient