Focus on spinal navigation

Excerpt

Accuracy and surgical approach have always been a key issue in spine surgery. Minimal invasive techniques have been developed since the early 1990s, and were able to reduce the surgical trauma and the approach morbidity. During the same period, powerful computer systems have made real-time image processing possible. It was the initial aim of navigation to increase the accuracy of pedicle screw placement, as misplacement rates of up to 55% (thoracic spine) were reported at that time. With the development of percutaneous techniques for posterior instrumentation, the issue of C-arm techniques became even more important, and so a further positive criterion for navigation was focused on: to decrease the radiation exposure for the surgeon and his team in the operating theatre [ 1, 2]. …