“A novel gold marker to aid intraoperative localisation during spinal surgery!”
Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the accuracy, complications and cost effectiveness of a novel gold marker [Gold Anchor] used as a preoperative spinal marker.
Technique (extract): As it is injected into the soft tissue rather than bone, its relatively pain free and sedation is not required unlike procedures which involve injection into the pedicle. It is technically easy and no assistant or scrub nurse is required for the procedure. The whole process takes less than 10 min. Intraoperatively gold is easily seen on fluoroscopy due to its high atomic mass.
Conclusion: A novel way of preoperative spinal marking using a Gold Marker is presented. We have found it to be cheaper and easier to use than many alternatives, without any complications so far.