Pedicle drill guide for spinal surgery

1. A method of preparing a patient for spinal surgery to cannulate a vertebral pedicle comprising the steps of:

preparing the patient;

preoperatively positioning AP and Lateral C arms for imaging a surgical site;

making incisions on each side of a midline just lateral to the intended pedicle;

exposing the vertebrae by creating an opening down to the facet joint and the desired pedicle to be cannulated;

inserting a drill guide in the opening so it rests firmly on the bony element of the facet joint just lateral of the pedicle center;

positioning a centering stabilizing pin of the drill guide in the AP view between the pedicle center and the lateral pedicle wall;

tilting the guide body while centering and holding the stabilizing pin at an angle of about 15 degrees medially;

tapping the center stabilizing pin once positioned into the bone;

using a lateral image from the Lateral C arm to align the center stabilizing pin near the pedicle wherein a radiopaque ring overlaps the center of the pedicle followed by rotating the guide body so that one of the satellite holes aligns with the pedicle center;

positioning a K-wire in one of the satellite holes so it aligns with the most lateral border of the pedicle and facet;

rotating the drill guide body so the K-wire aligns with the approximate center axis of the pedicle on the lateral view;

adjusting the tilt angle of the guide body so it is parallel to the pedicle center; and

inserting the K-wire into the pedicle to a depth no deeper than ⅔ across the vertebral body.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

removing the guide body;

placing a self-tapping screw over the K-wire and initiating screw tapping into the pedicle to a depth no deeper than 15 mm from a tip of the K-wire;

removing the K-wire; and

completing the screw tapping into the pedicle.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

removing the guide body;

placing a hand tap over the K-wire and tapping to a depth of no more than 15 mm from a tip of the K-wire;

placing a non-self-tapping screw over the K-wire and inserting the screw to the tapped depth no deeper than 15 mm from the tip of the K-wire using a lateral image from the Lateral C arm;

removing the K-wire;

completing screw insertion to an appropriate depth.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of:

enlarging a cortical opening around the K-wire with a hand awl or drill so the tapping process can begin.