Image Guided Spine Surgery

In traditional spine surgery, surgeons take multiple x-rays before and during the procedure. These x-rays help surgeons to plan the procedure, and to "see" how the procedure is progressing during the surgery. >/P>

Thanks to advances in computer and imaging technology, spine surgeons are now able to "see" the patient’s anatomy before and during the procedure in 3-dimensions and in real-time. This technology is called image guidance surgery (IGS) and it allows spine surgeons to perform complex spinal procedures safer and faster.

What is Image Guided Surgery?
IGS technology and theory is complex. However, the key fact to remember is that the technology has a profound impact on ensuring better and safer spinal surgery outcomes.

IGS technology combines traditional x-rays with computer technology, to enable surgeons to "see" precisely where on the anatomy they are operating during the procedure.

The IGS creates three-dimensional models of a patient’s spine and shows them on a computer screen. It also shows virtual images of the surgical instruments that the surgeons are using. This combination is invaluable to a surgeon as he or she plans for a complex case, or when doing the case. Aided by the computer imagery, the surgeon can more safely navigate complex anatomy, and more accurately complete the procedure.

This technology is particularly helpful for accurately placing spinal instrumentation, performing decompression, removing tumors, and many other tasks.

Advantages
We are committed to patient safety. That is why, when appropriate, we use image guided surgery because it offers the following benefits:

• It enhances our ability to navigate complex spinal anatomy in real time.
• It provides us with accurate measurements such as screw diameter and length.
• It allows us to more precisely implant instrumentation.
• It can pinpoint exactly where the tip of a surgeon’s instrument is in relation to a patient’s anatomy, providing invaluable information in case unexpected or unusual anatomy is encountered.
• It reduces operating time.
• It minimizes (and in some cases, eliminates) radiation exposure previously experienced with traditional x-rays.

IGS at our practice
We use an image guidance system called the StealthStation™ . This system includes a high-performance computer, sophisticated software, touch-screen monitor, and “remote control” instruments that help the surgeon communicate with the system.

The computer images provide us with immediate visual information without having to constantly reposition traditional x-ray equipment. Another added benefit is the convenient zoom and rotate features on the computer monitor, which deliver clearer images to the surgeon.

While we use this system mostly for complex scoliosis revision surgery, we also use it for some cervical and trauma cases as well.

Conclusion
While IGS technology is remarkably complex, it has a very simple benefit: enhanced patient safety. Patients can rest assured that the very latest technology is being utilized to ensure the best possible surgical outcomes.