Moderator: Joseph P. Gjolaj, MD
Radiation exposure is a significant concern for the spine specialist. This is especially true given the advances in minimally invasive spine surgery techniques, which may rely heavily on fluoroscopy. In addition to exposing the spine surgery patient to radiation, those specialists affected include orthopaedic and neurosurgeons, interventional radiologists, interventional pain specialists, and anesthesiologists. Other medical professionals, such as physician assistants, nurses and operating room technicians, may be frequently exposed to radiation as well. This session provides a focused discussion on current strategies for decreasing radiation exposure during spine surgery and other interventional procedures, while also exploring future directions to reduce the radiation burden to both spine specialist and patient.
Upon completion of this session, participants should gain strategies to:
- Counsel patients and staff on the risks of radiation exposure;
- Differentiate the magnitude of radiation from fluoroscopy versus x-ray versus computed tomography (CT);
- Choose the most appropriate radiation reduction techniques (MIS, image-guidance, etc.) for their practice.
Agenda
Introduction
Joseph P. Gjolaj, MD
The Essentials of Radiation Exposure and General Tips for Avoidance
A. Jay Khanna, MD
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?
Daniel M. Sciubba, MD
The Role of Image Guidance in Reduction of Radiation Exposure
S. Samuel Bederman, MD, PhD, FRCSC
Free-Hand Technique in Spine Surgery: Radiation Reduction at its Best
Mark M. Mikhael, MD
Interventional Spine Specialist’s Guide to Radiation Reduction
John A. Carrino, MD
Discussion, Questions and Answers
Faculty Panel