Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA
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Various methods of preoperative planning have been described for the correction of spinal sagittal deformities. They are reliable on condition that the thoracolumbar spine is totally fused and enable only the simulation of pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). In this study, a new theoretical planning that can be used regardless of the etiology of the deformity and the type of osteotomy is described and assessed. ⋯ The preoperative planning enables the surgeon to estimate the clinical effects of the different surgical techniques in order to choose the best procedure for a given patient.
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Sacral approach to epidural space produces reliable and effective block of sacral nerves. It is necessary to have a detailed knowledge of sacral hiatus (SH) for optimal access into sacral epidural space. This study was undertaken to evaluate various landmarks of SH. ⋯ Single bony landmark may not help in locating SH because of anatomical variations. Depth of hiatus less than 3 mm may be one of the causes for failure of needle insertion. Surrounding bony irregularities, different shapes of hiatus and defects in dorsal wall of sacral canal should be taken into consideration before undertaking caudal epidural block so as to avoid its failure.