Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41611975›Full record

SynthesisSpine deformity2026

Assessing pedicle morphology in pediatric spinal deformity: can magnetic resonance imaging match computed tomography? A systematic review.

Paolo Brigato, Davide Palombi, Sergio De Salvatore, Sergio Sessa, Timothee de Saint Denis, Leonardo Oggiano, Lorenzo Maria Gregori, Andrea Magistrelli, Pier Francesco Costici

Abstract readSystematic ReviewReview
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In one paragraph

Synthesis in Spine deformity, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Paolo BrigatoResearch Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, RM, Italy.
Davide PalombiDepartment of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy.
Sergio De SalvatoreResearch Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, RM, Italy. sergio.desalvatore@gmail.com.
Sergio SessaOrthopedic and Traumatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Timothee de Saint DenisDepartment of Pediatric Orthopedic and Reconstructive Surgery, Armand Trousseau Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.
Leonardo OggianoOrthopedic and Traumatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Lorenzo Maria GregoriRadiology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Andrea MagistrelliRadiology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Pier Francesco CosticiOrthopedic and Traumatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPediatric spinal deformities frequently require surgical correction, and precise preoperative planning is essential to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize complications. A key aspect of planning involves assessing pedicle morphology to determine appropriate screw sizing. This systematic review examines whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can serve as a reliable, radiation-free alternative to computed tomography (CT). While MRI shows promising potential, current evidence presents mixed results regarding its accuracy and clinical applicability compared to CT.

methodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was performed. Literature from Medline, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, up to August 2025, was analyzed. Search terms included "scoliosis," "pediatric deformity," "pedicle morphology," "pedicle dimension," "magnetic resonance imaging," and "computed tomography." The extracted data included study details, patient demographics, scoliosis etiology, radiographic techniques, pedicle measurement methods, and outcomes of MRI-CT comparison. Risk of bias was assessed using the MINORS tool.

resultsOf 319 identified studies, 6 met the inclusion criteria (n = 428 patients). A total of 12,633 pedicles were analyzed across the studies, with MRI and CT used for preoperative assessment. MRI showed good concordance with CT for most measurements though accuracy decreased for more severe pedicle abnormalities. MRI was generally reliable for preoperative planning but had limitations, especially for pedicle sizing.

conclusionWhile MRI offers a radiation-free alternative for preoperative assessment of pedicle morphology in pediatric spinal deformity surgery, current evidence is limited to retrospective studies and shows variable accuracy, particularly in severe or complex cases. CT generally remains more reliable for precise pedicle evaluation and continues to represent the standard of care. Future advancements in MRI technology may help improve its accuracy and expand its role in clinical practice, but stronger prospective evidence is needed before it can be considered a full substitute for CT.

Indexed as

Magnetic Resonance ImagingScoliosisTomography, X-Ray ComputedChildHumansPedicle ScrewsSpineAdolescent idiopathic scoliosisMagnetic resonance imagingNeuronavigationPedicle screwsPosterior spinal fusion

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.