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 frequently be 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
- Choose the most appropriate radiation reduction techniques for your practice
- Differentiate the magnitude of radiation from fluoroscopy versus X-Ray versus Computed Tomography and know
- risks and benefits of each modality
Agenda
Introduction and Objectives
Joseph P. Gjolaj, MD
The Role of Image Guidance in Reduction of Radiation Exposure
S. Samuel Bederman, MD, PhD, FRCSC
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?
Daniel M. Sciubba, MD
Free-Hand Technique in Spine Surgery: Radiation reduction at its Best
Mark M. Mikhael, MD
Discussion, Questions and Answers
Faculty Panel