[Effect of perioperative dexamethasone on nausea, vomiting and pain after total knee arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of perioperative dexamethasone on nausea, vomiting and pain after unilateral total knee arthroplasty and to evaluate its safety. METHODS: From February 2014 to June 2016, 100 patients with unilateral advanced osteoarthritis treated by total knee arthroplasty were divided into two groups: 50 patients in dexamethasone group including 27 males and 23 females, aged (72.30±7.02) years, were given intravenous drip of dexamethasone 10 mg before operation; 50 patients in saline group, including 26 males and 24 females, aged (71.30±6.08) years, were given the same amount of saline at the corresponding time. The VAS scores of pain at rest and at 45 degrees of knee flexion were recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after operation. Vomiting, antiemetic drugs and opioids were recorded at 0 to 24 h and 24 to 48 h after operation. The side effects and complications were recorded. RESULTS: All the 100 patients were followed up for an average of 14.5 months. VAS score of pain at rest in dexamethasone group was lower than that in saline group at 8, 24 and 48 h after operation (P<0.05); VAS score of dexamethasone group at 45 degrees after knee flexion was lower than that of saline group at 8 and 48 h after operation(P<0.05); VAS score of dexamethasone group at rest and 45 degrees after knee flexion was lower than that of saline group(P<0.05). The dosage of opioids and total opioids in dexamethasone group was lower than that in saline group at 0 to 24 h, 24 to 48 h after operation (P<0.05). The proportion of nausea and vomiting occurred at 0 to 24 h and 24 to 48 h after operation, and the proportion of antiemetic required at 0 to 24 h after operation had statistical significance between two groups(P<0.05). The total antiemetic dosage of dexamethasone group was less than that of saline group(P<0.05). As of the last follow-up, no complications such as infection, gastrointestinal ulcer and bleeding occurred in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative systemic application of dexamethasone can effectively reduce pain and nausea and vomiting after TKA without increasing postoperative complications.

[Finite element analysis of anterior ring injuries in unstable pelvic fractures treated by different methods].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical stability of different fixation methods for anterior ring injury of unstable pelvic fractures, and to provide reference for clinical treatment. METHODS: An unstable pelvic fracture model (Tile C) with one side of the sacroiliac joint dislocation and the pubic rami fracture was constructed via three-dimensional finite element analysis. Five different fixation methods were used in the front, and the rear was fixed with sacroiliac screws. The von Mises stress and strain distributions of different combinations of fixation methods were analyzed under mimicking standing conditions. RESULTS: After being loaded with 500 N vertically, the maximum stress in the anterior fracture was 3.56 MPa in anterior pelvic external fixation (AEF) group, the total displacement and the vertical displacement of the Y axis at the sacroiliac joint and the fracture were not more than 1.5 mm. The maximum stress at fixation, the front of the fracture and sacroiliac joints in the anterior pelvic subcutaneous approach(APA) group and AEF, was significantly higher than anterior modified Stoppa approach(ASA) group, anterior pelvic Ilioinguinal approach (AIA) group, and canulated screw fixation(CSF) group. The total displacement and the vertical displacement of the Y axis at the sacroiliac joint and the fracture in APA group and AEF group were also greater than the other three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior ring injury of unstable pelvic fractures can be significantly improved after the fixation of the implants in the five combined methods. However, overall biomechanical properties of ASA, AIA and CSF group are superior to APA and AEF group.

[Treatment for posterior root tear of lateral meniscus through bone tunnel suture under arthroscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical effects of posterior root tear of lateral meniscus through bone tunnel suture under arthroscopy. METHODS: From January 2012 to December 2014, 23 patients with posterior root tear of lateral meniscus repaired through bone tunnel suture under arthroscopy, including 15 males and 8 females, aged from 19 to 48 years old with an average age of (25.0±4.7) years old; 10 knees on the left side and 13 knees on the right side. Complications were observed, Lysholm score before and after operation at 12 months were used to evaluate clinical results, and VAS score was applied to assess pain relief. MRI was used to check recovery outcomes of lateral meniscus injury. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 13 to 24 months with an average of (17.0±4.3) months. No injury of vessels, nerve and incision infection occurred. Motion of knee joint of 19 patients reached normal, 4 patients manifested limited activity of knee joint at12 months after operation. Postoperative Lysholm score 88.52±6.48 at 12 months was higher than that of before operation 46.12±7.35; Postoperative VAS score 0.8±0.7 at 12 months was lower than that of before operation 4.3±1.6. CONCLUSIONS: Bone tunnel suture under arthroscopy for the treatment of posterior root tear of lateral meniscus could relieve pain, decrease postoperative complications and obtain good clinical efficacy.

[Biomechanical stability study on different internal fixation for acetabular fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biomechanical stability of the acetabular fracture with three different internal fixation methods. METHODS: Sixteen both-column acetabular fracture models were randomly divided into three groups:The specimens of 16 hip joints were randomly divided into 4 groups. Among them, 1 group of complete acetabulum were used as normal control group, and the other 3 groups simulated two column fracture models and were fixed in the following methods, respectively: anterior wall with screw and posterior with plate(SP), anterior wall with plate and posterior wall with screw(PS) and both wall with plate (PP). The degree of fracture displacement and the contact characteristics of the acetabulum were recorded by continuous vertical loading. RESULTS: The mean longitudinal displacement under the load 800 N of SP, PS and PP three groups were (1.92±0.81), (2.09±1.13) and (3.44±0.75) mm, there was significant difference between SP and PP group (P=0.033). And the mean horizontal displacement of SP, PS and PP three groups were(0.63±0.33), (0.77±0.45) and (1.44±0.56) mm, there was significant difference between SP and PP group(P=0.047).Compared with normal control group in the acetabular area under the loading 800 N, the contact area of SP, PS and PP groups were increased by 6%, 9% and 27%, there was significant difference between PP and normal control group (P=0.027). Meanwhile, the mean stress of SP, PS and PP groups were increased by 4%, 29% and 39%, there was significant difference between PP and intact acetabulum group (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior column screw combined with posterior column plate has better biomechanical stability and contact characteristics than other two methods.

Promotion of neuronal regeneration by using self-polymerized dendritic polypeptide scaffold for spinal cord tissue engineering.

Tissue engineering technology is applicable for study of nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury. Many natural and artificial scaffold are not applicable because of poor mechanical properties and cell compatibility. Polypeptides with fine three-dimensional structure and cell compatibility and are widely used in tissue engineering research. The purpose of this study was to verify the neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells by using self-polymerize dendritic polypeptide for spinal cord tissue engineering. Neural stem cells were isolated from cerebral cortex of neonatal SD rats.Conventional media was triggered the 1wt% nano peptide solution self polymerizated to formed a nano gel. The gel was tested by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Neural stem cells were inoculated onto gel or on Polylysine-coated slides with fetal bovine serum or not. SD rats were randomized divided into four groups. neural stem cells and self-polymerized peptide were transplanted into spinal cord injury models. Then we test the Density of NF-positive axons in the spinal cord injury area at 8 weeks after surgery and MS score of the locomotive function of hind limbs among mice of four groups. Neural stem cells were showed anti Nestin (+), anti NSE (+), anti GFAP (+). The gel tested by scanning electron microscope was showed thick wall structure, another one tested by transmission electron microscope was showed self-polymerized dendritic nanofibers, which contains several spacings. The cells in serum group were differentiate into neurons, but non serum group were not. These results suggest that the self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold(SAPNS) were cytocompatible to neural stem cells which were differentiated into neurons. A large number of axonal regeneration and recovery of joint function of hind limb were appeared. The self-polymerized Peptide maybe used as practical tissue engineering materials as future.

Tranexamic acid decreases blood loss in shoulder arthroplasty: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in shoulder arthroplasty (SA). METHODS: Academic articles were identified from the Cochrane Library, Medline (1966-2017.2), PubMed (1966-2017.2), Embase (1980-2017.2), and ScienceDirect (1966-2017.2). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs studying TXA in SA were included. Two independent reviewers conducted independent data abstraction. The I statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. Fixed- or random-effects models were used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Two RCTs and 2 non-RCTs met the inclusion criteria. This meta-analysis found significant differences in postoperative hemoglobin reduction (MD = -0.71 g/dL), drainage volume (MD = -133.21 mL), and total blood loss (MD = -226.82 mL) between TXA groups and controls. There were no significant differences in blood transfusion requirements, operation time, or length of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TXA in SA decreases postoperative hemoglobin reduction, drainage volume, and total blood loss and does not increase the risk of complications. Because of the limited high-quality evidence currently available, additional randomized controlled trials are required.

[Clinical effect of superselective arterial embolization for the treatment of massive haemorrhage from pelvic fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate feasibility and curative effect of superselective arterial embolization for the treatment of massive haemorrhage from pelvic fracture. METHODS: From March 2008 to February 2016, clinical data of 65 patients with massive haemorrhage from pelvic fracture were collected and analyzed, and patients were divided into non-embolic and embolic group according to whether perform vascular thrombosis. Thirty-three patients were in non-embolic group including 26 males and 7 females aged from 21 to 64 years old with an average of(39.2±5.7) years old, the time from injury to operation ranged from 1.1 to 4.8 h with an average of (2.2±0.4) h; 12 cases were type B and 21 cases were type C according to AO/Tile classification; injury severity score (ISS) ranged from 25 to 42 with an average of (37.7±7.5); shock index score ranged from 1.7 to 2.4 with an average of 2.1±0.3; treated with blood transfusion and fluid infusion. Thirty-two patients in embolic group, including 25 males and 7 females aged from 22 to 65 years old with an average of(38.1±4.5) years old; the time from injury to operation ranged from 1.2 to 4.8 h with an average of (2.1± 0.5) h; 14 cases were type B and 18 cases were type C according to AO/Tile classification; ISS ranged from 26 to 43 with an average of 38.9±4.5; shock index score ranged from 1.6 to 2.4 with an average of 2.2±0.2; treated by blood transfusion and fluid infusion with superselective arterial embolization. Blood transfusion volume, fluid infusion volume, shock correction time and survival rate were observed and compared, effective rate of hemostasis and postoperative complications were compared. RESULTS: Thirty-seven artery were injured in embolic group, hemostasis were controlled at 3 h after operation, and hemodynamics turned to stable. There were significant difference in blood transfusion volume, fluid infusion volume, shock correction time between non-embolic and embolic group, and embolic group performed better. Survival rate in embolic group was also better than that of non-embolic group, and had significant difference. While there was obvious differences in complications(χ²=4.03, P=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Superselective arterial embolization for massive haemorrhage from pelvic fracture could effective hemostasis, reduce blood transfusion and fluid infusion volume and occurrence rate of shock, moreover improve survival rate and deserves promotion.

Comparison of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis and conventional plate osteosynthesis for humeral shaft fracture: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and conventional plate osteosynthesis (CPO) for humeral shaft fracture. METHODS: Potential academic articles were identified from the Cochrane Library, Medline (1966-2016.3), PubMed (1966-2016.3), Embase (1980-2016.3), and ScienceDirect (1966-2016.3). Gray studies were identified from the references of the included literature. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCT involving MIPO and CPO for humeral shaft fracture were included. Two independent reviewers performed independent data abstraction. I statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. Fixed or random effects model was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Two RCTs and 3 non-RCTs met the inclusion criteria. There was a lower incidence of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy in patients with MIPO (P = 0.006). There was no statistically significant difference in in the risk of developing nonunion, delay union, malformation, screw loosening, infection, operation time, UCLA, and MEPS function score between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: MIPO decreased incidence of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy and is an efficacy and safety technique for humeral shaft fracture. Due to the limited quality and data of the evidence currently available, more high-quality RCTs are required.

[Mid-term effect of unilateral pedicle screw fixation and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and the mid-term effects of unilateral pedicle screw fixation and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in treating lumbar degenerative diseases. METHODS: From August 2005 to May 2010, 56 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases underwent lumbar posterolateral fusion,their clinical data were retrospective analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups (unilateral group and bilateral group) according to fixation methods,27 patients in unilateral group who were underwent unilateral pedicle screw fixation, including 18 males and 9 females with a mean age of (57.5 ± 7.1) years old (ranged from 41 to 66 years); and 29 patients in bilateral group who were treated with bilateral pedicle screw fixation (on the basis of the above, with contralateral vertebral pedicle screw fixation), including 19 males and 10 females with a mean age of (54.6 ± 5.1) years old (ranged from 43 to 68 years). The clinical data such as operation time, blood loss volume, hospitalization time and cost were compared between two groups. JOA score system was used to evaluate the neurological function. And fusion status and cage-related complication were also analyzed. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 36 to 60 months with an average of 45.8 months. No iatrogenic nerve, blood vessels or organs injury were found during operation. Operation time, blood loss volume, hospitalization time and cost in unilateral group were better than that of bilateral group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in JOA score between two groups (P > 0.05). Two patients in unilateral group developed with cage related complications, 1 case was cage displacement and 1 case was cage subsidence, while 2 patients in bilateral group developed with complications of no-fusion, and there was no significant differences between two groups (P = 0.58). CONCLUSION: Unilateral pedicle screw fixation is a satisfactory method and can obtain good effects in treating lumbar degenerative diseases in mid-term, however, the indications should be well considered.

Biomechanical study of the funnel technique applied in thoracic pedicle screw replacement.

BACKGROUND: Funnel technique is a method used for the insertion of screw into thoracic pedicle. AIM: To evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of thoracic pedicle screw placement using the Funnel technique, trying to provide biomechanical basis for clinical application of this technology. METHODS: 14 functional spinal units (T6 to T10) were selected from thoracic spine specimens of 14 fresh adult cadavers, and randomly divided into two groups, including Funnel technique group (n = 7) and Magerl technique group (n = 7). The displacement-stiffness and pull-out strength in all kinds of position were tested and compared. RESULTS: Two fixed groups were significantly higher than that of the intact state (P < 0.05) in the spinal central axial direction, compression, anterior flexion, posterior bending, lateral bending, axial torsion, but there were no significant differences between two fixed groups (P > 0.05). The mean pull-out strength in Funnel technique group (789.09 ± 27.33) was lower than that in Magerl technique group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Funnel technique for the insertion point of posterior bone is a safe and accurate technique for pedicle screw placement. It exhibited no effects on the stiffness of spinal column, but decreased the pull-out strength of pedicle screw. Therefore, the funnel technique in the thoracic spine affords an alternative for the standard screw placement.

[Case-control study on comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapy for preventing postsurgery stiffness after operation for terrible triad of the elbow].

OBJECTIVE: To study therapeutic effects of comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapy for preventing postsurgery stiffness after operation for terrible triad of the elbow. METHODS: From December 2008 to December 2013,32 patients with elbow triad were randomly divided into two groups: therapy group and control group. There were 17 patients in control group including 12 males and 5 females with a mean age of (41.0 ± 7.1) years old. The patients in control group were received the past procedure therapy. There were 15 patients in therapy group, including 10 males and 5 females with a mean age of (41.3 ± 7.6) years old. The patients in therapy group were received comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapy, including passive exercise training at early stage (0 to 2 weeks after operation), transition from passive to active exercise training at middle stage (3 to 4 weeks after operation), and active exercise training at late stage (5 to 12 weeks after operation). Other treatment methods, such as orally taking or externally use of Chinese herbal medicine, manipulation and physiotherapy, were used at all stages. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score, patient satisfaction and complications were evaluated and analyzed. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up, and the mean duration was 7.5 months. There were no complications such as internal fixation loosing, obvious displacement fracture and heterotopic ossification occurred. The Mayo score and patient satisfaction in therapy group were higher than those in control group (t = 12.78, P = 0.00; χ2 = 8.719, P = 0.003). Seven patients needed reoperation in control group, compared with 1 patient in therapy group (χ2 = 4.626, P = 0.032). CONCLUSION: The comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapy is effective to prevent postoperative stiffness after operation for terrible triad of the elbow by using different methods at different stages, which is worthy of spread and application.

[Surgical selection and efficacy assessment for membranous urethral trauma caused by pelvic fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To explore selection and efficacy assessment for membranous urethral trauma caused by pelvic fracture. METHODS: From June 2000 to August 2010, 72 patients with membranous urethral trauma caused by pelvic fracture were selected. There were 46 males and 26 females,ranging age from 26 to 62 years (averaged 35.2 years). The time from injury to hospitalization time was 1 to 3 hours. According to Tile pelvic fracture classification, there were 8 patients with type A, 45 patients with type B, 19 patients with type C. Thirty of the 35 patients with partial rupture of posterior urethral were treated by catheterization,5 patients treated by rupture anastomosis on the stage I combined with cystostomy; 25 of the 37 patients with complete rupture of posterior urethra were treated by early realignment, and 12 patients were treated by cystostomy. Urinary incontinence, impotence and urethrostenosis were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 5 to 10 years (mean 7.7 years). Incidence of urethrostenosis, impotence and urinary incontinence in patients treated by cystostomy were significantly higher than rupture anastomosis on the stage I and early realignment (P < 0.05); while incidence in patients treated by catheterization was significantly lower than other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: For patients with partial rupture of posterior urethral, catheterization and rupture anastomosis on the stage I are preferred methods; while patients with complete rupture of posterior urethra, early realignment is a preferred method with advantages of simple operation and less complications.

[Case-control study on the relationship between pain and knee function after the internal fixation of femoral fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between pain and knee function after the internal fixation of femoral fractures. METHODS: The clinical data of 73 patients after internal fixation on femoral fractures from June 2006 to December 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were divided into two groups according to the degree of postoperative pain: low score group and high score group. Among the 39 patients in low score group (VAS 1 to 5 point), 25 patients were male and 14 patients were female, with a mean age of (37.5 +/- 5.3) years (ranged from 27 to 63 years ). Among 34 patients in high score group (VAS 6 to 10 point), 22 patients were male and 12 patients were female, with a mean age of (36.3 +/- 9.6) years (ranged from 29 to 62 years). The intra-articular pressure of knee and hospital for special surgery knee rating scale (HSS) were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for an average duration of 24.1 months. The intra-articular pressure of knee was rising for two groups, there were significant difference for the high score group compared with the low score group at 3 days after operation (t=15.67, P=0.000) and the end time of follow up (t=5.63, P=0.000). As to knee joint function, in low score group, 21 patients got an excellent result, 4 good, 7 poor and 2 bad; in high score group, 31 patients got an excellent result, 6 good, 2 poor and no bad. The knee function of low score group was better than that of high score group. CONCLUSION: The intra-articular pressure of knee is an important factor of the knee functional recovery, and its external symptoms of pain can be seen as an important index to forecast the prognosins of knee function in early time.

[Case-control study on the reconstruction of near distal tendo achillis rupture by suture anchors and traditional steel wire].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the curative effects of newly suture anchors and traditional steel wire for the reconstruction of near distal tendo achillis rupture. METHODS: The clinical data of 56 patients with near distal tendo achillis rupture from June 2007 to February 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Among 31 patients receiving reconstruction by suture anchors, 22 patients were male and 9 patients were female, with a mean age of 35.5 years (ranging from 16 to 52 years ). Among 25 patients treated with traditional steel wire, 19 patients were male and 6 patients were female, with a mean age of 37.6 years (ranging from 22 to 53 years). The different rehabilitation was conducted for every patient at different times after operation. The position of suture anchor and steel wire were recorded. The clinical data such as operative time, complications of the surgery and the function of stendo achillis were analyzed. The healing of stendo achillis and functional recovery were assessed by Arner-Lindholm standard. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up with an average during of 24.2 months. There were no intraoperative injuries on blood vessels, nerve and tendon. The average operative time and postoperative complications of suture anchors were lower than there of the traditional steel wire (t = 8.75, P = 0.00; Chi2 = 5.42, P = 0.02). The functional recovery of tendo achillis repaired by suture anchors was better than that in the group of traditional steel wire (Chi2 = 7.65, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Compared to the traditional steel wire, suture anchor demonstrate the superior performance on repairing rupture of the near distal tendo achillis, which is a reliable and effective treatment methods.

[Case-control study on transcatheter artery embolization for massive bleeding due to pelvic fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the techniques and curative effects of transcatheter artery embolization (TAE) for massive bleeding due to pelvic fractures. METHODS: The clinical data of 92 patients with haemorrhage due to pelvic fractures from March 1998 to February 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Among 53 patients treated conservatively such as massive transfusion and fluid infusion in the control group, 43 patients were male and 10 patients were female, ranging in age from 27 to 61 years, averaged (37.2 +/- 5.7) years. Among 39 patients who were hemodynamically unstable or had evidences of ongoing hemorrhage required TAE, 26 patients were male and 13 patients were female, ranging in age from 26 to 62 years, with a mean age of (35.3 +/- 9.5) years. The clinical date such as blood or fluid transfusion volume, shock redress time and survival rate were compared between the two groups. The hemostatic efficiency and complications of the surgery were also analyzed. RESULTS: The average hemostasis time of TAE group was 2 hours. There were no intraoperative injuries of blood vessels, nerve or vital organs. Three patients had lower limbs numbness and 5 patients had gluteal skin redness after the operation. The blood transfusion or fluid infusion volume, shock redress time and survival rate were all significantly better than those in the conservative group. CONCLUSIONS: TAE is an early,rapid and effective method in controlling haemorrhage due to pelvic fractures.

[Therapeutic effects of suture anchors for the reconstruction of distal tendo achillis rupture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the techniques and therapeutic effects of suture anchors for the reconstruction of distal tendo achillis rupture. METHODS: The clinical data of 16 patients of distal tendo achillis rupture repaired with suture anchors from June 2005 to August 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 13 males and 3 females with a mean age of 33.5 years (ranged from 17 to 46 years). The postoperative rehabilitation was conducted for every patient. The operation time, position of suture anchor and complications of the surgery were analyzed. The healing of stendo achillis and functional recovery were assessed by Arner-Lindholm standard. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for an average of 13.2 months. There were no complications of foreign-body reaction or re-rupture. The average operation time was 35.5 minute. There was no intraoperative injuries of blood vessels, nerves or tendons. A total of 19 suture anchors were used, and only 1 anchor was displaced. The functional recovery of tendo achillis was rated as excellent in 13 cases,good in 2 cases, bad in 1 case. All patients were satisfied with the effects on their current work and life. And no displacement of anchors was found in radiographic films. CONCLUSION: Repairing of the distal tendo achillis rupture with suture anchors can make operation simple and quick, rigid fixation, less complications, and provide good therapeutic effects.

[Clinical application of "funnel technique" in planting thoracic pedicle screws].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and accuracy of "funnel technique" in planting thoracic pedicle screws. METHODS: From August 2005 to March 2008, a total of 39 patients with at least one thoracic pedicle screw in T1-T10 using "funnel technique" were retrospectively reviewed. Among the patients, 27 patients were male and 14 patients were female, with a mean age of 38.5 years (ranged from 17 to 56 years). One patient was lost follow-up, and other 1 patient was dead before follow-up. The accuracy of screw placement and the complications related to thoracic pedicle screws were analyzed by postoperative CT-scans. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up ranging from 18 to 30 months, averaged 23.2 months. There were no vascular or viscera complications as well as iatrogenic neurologic injuries. The total number of screws was 208. There was no statistical difference between the percentage of fully contained screws at T1-T4 versus T5-T8 (P = 0.80),T5-T8 versus T9-T10 (P = 0.07), T1-T4 versus T9-T10 (P = 0.06). Twenty-seven screws (13.0%) were misplaced, 14 screws (6.7%) violated lateral cortex of pedicle, 7 screws (3.4%) medially, 5 screws (2.4%) superiorly, 1 screw (0.5%) violated lateral cortex of vertebral body. No violations occurred superiorly or anteriorly. Only 4 screws (1.9%) was a critical perforation. CONCLUSION: The "funnel technique" is a simple, safe, accurate and cost-effective technique for pedicle screw placement. It provides even an entry-level surgeon with a safe way to identify and place thoracic pedicle screws.