Image Guidance for Minimally Invasive Deformity Surgery

Abstract

There is agreement among surgeons that imaging techniques are essential for most spinal procedures regardless of the complexity of the operation, the anatomical region, and the level of training and comfort level of the individual surgeon. It is essential for localization of pathology, avoidance of wrong-level surgery, and the insertion of implants. Navigation in spine surgery is a rapidly evolving field and we are still at an early stage of the technology. More advanced and user-friendly systems that work, for example, with true intraoperative CT scanners are becoming available. Spinal navigation for MIS procedures is moving away from the use of K-wires which will minimize the need for intraoperative X-rays and greatly facilitates the work flow. The future of CAS will include more widespread access to better software and imaging technologies and the combination of CAS with different imaging modalities and possibly intraoperative functional monitoring, such as electrophysiology. There is little doubt that navigation will in the future become a standard armamentarium for spinal surgeons.