Pedicle screw loosening

Case contributed by Ali Alsmair
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

The patient presented with a back pain. History of a previous spinal fixation.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Metallic fixation of the dorso-lumbar spine is noted.

There is lucency surrounding the screw of the right pedicle (halo zone), suggesting loosening.

Case Discussion

X-ray has low sensitivity and high specificity for pedicle screw loosening1.

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