BackgroundElectromagnetic guidance reveals needle alignment and position relative to the image plane on an ultrasound view. This study compared the early learning curves of novices performing ultrasound-guided needle placement with (n = 10) or without electromagnetic guidance (n = 10).MethodsParticipants performed 30 ultrasound-guided needle placements using an echogenic stick (0.3-cm diameter) as a target inside a phantom model; this early learning period was divided into sequential periods (P1: 1–5, P2: 6–10, P3: 11–15, P4: 16–20, P5: 21–25, P6: 26–30 attempts).ResultsUsing an in-plane approach, the time required for needle placement in the EMG group was significantly shorter than that of the non-EMG group in P1, P2, P4, and P6 and the number of needle advances of the EMG group was significantly smaller than that of the non-EMG group in P1 and P2. Using an out-of-plane approaches, the time required for needle placement in the EMG group was significantly shorter than that of the non-EMG group in all periods, but the number of needle advances was similar between both groups in P1–P5.ConclusionsThe electromagnetic guidance system may be beneficial when performing ultrasound guided peripheral nerve blocks or vascular cannulation in the early learning period, especially by inexperienced operators with reducing patient risk.

Shoulder rotation significantly increased the dimension of the acoustic target window for paramedian thoracic epidural access in the lateral decubitus position at both T6/7 and T9/10 levels. Further clinical studies are needed to investigate the effect of shoulder rotation on thoracic epidural access.

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ObjectiveTo correct apical vertebral rotation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), direct vertebral derotation (DVD) or simple rod rotation (SRR) might be considered. The aim of the present study is to introduce the surgical experiences of AIS by a Korean neurosurgeon and to evaluate the effectiveness of SRR for apical vertebral rotation.MethodsA total of 9 patients (1 male and 8 females) underwent scoliosis surgery by a neurosurgeon of our hospital. The Lenke classifications of the patients were 1 of 1B, 2 of 1C, 1 of 2A, 1 of 2C, 3 of 5C and 1 of 6C. Surgery was done by manner of simple rod rotation on the concave side and in situ coronal bending. Coronal Cobb's angles, vertebral rotation angles and SRS-22 were measured on a plain standing X-ray and CT before and after surgery.ResultsThe mean follow up period was 25.7 months (range : 5–52). The mean number of screw positioning level was nine (6–12). The mean age was 16.4 years (range : 13–25) at surgery. The mean Risser grade was 3.7±0.9. The apical vertebral rotation measured from the CT scans was 25.8±8.5° vs. 9.3±6.7° (p<0.001) and the Coronal Cobb's angle was 53.7±10.4° vs. 15.4±6.5° (p<0.001) preoperatively and postoperative, respectively. The SRS-22 improved from 71.9 preoperatively to 90.3 postoperatively. There were no complications related with the operations.ConclusionSRR with pedicle screw instrumentation could be corrected successfully by axial rotation without complications. SRR might serve as a good option to correct AIS deformed curves of AIS.