BACKGROUND: Preparation for surgery for thoracic intraspinal lesions commonly involves rather difficult X-ray procedures in the operating room. The object of this report is to inform neurosurgeons about a modified technique for preoperative surface localization of intraspinal thoracic pathology. METHODS: Adhesive, disposable radiographic skin markers placed at the presumed level of an intraspinal lesion are visualized along with the lesion on sagittal magnetic resonance scans of the thoracic spine. RESULTS: The lesion and the skin markers were clearly identified within the same field of view. The lesion itself rather than the vertebral body becomes the reference point for localization. CONCLUSION: Preoperative imaging with adhesive skin markers facilitates positioning and draping for surgery for thoracic intraspinal lesions. It may even replace intra-operative X-ray procedures in selected cases.     «

BACKGROUND: Preparation for surgery for thoracic intraspinal lesions commonly involves rather difficult X-ray procedures in the operating room. The object of this report is to inform neurosurgeons about a modified technique for preoperative surface localization of intraspinal thoracic pathology. METHODS: Adhesive, disposable radiographic skin markers placed at the presumed level of an intraspinal lesion are visualized along with the lesion on sagittal magnetic resonance scans of the thoracic spi...     »