Technology for Spine Surgery

A new computer-based navigation system for spinal surgery has been designed. The development of computer-aided procedures over the past years has led to significant improvements in surgical interventions of the spine.

The emergence of highly sophisticated, three-dimensional intraoperative imaging systems makes spine surgery safer. This was achieved by combining intraoperative fluoroscopy-based imaging using conventional C-arm technology with freehand surgical navigation principles. Modules were developed to automate digital X-ray image registration. Utilizing these new technologies is potentially safer for the patient by minimizing risk, and limiting the need for postoperative surgical revision.

This new type of fluoroscope is now able to provide three-dimensional (3-D) CT-like images in real-time during surgery and also provides imaging data. The computer analyzes imaging data that it receives either prior to or during an operation. The imaging data is then displayed on a monitor, which the surgeon observes during surgery. The navigation computer can reconstruct and display from any and all perspectives.

What about its cost? No wonder this technology is costly!

I may not have explained to you the details but I just would like to inform all my readers about this wonderful technology.