siliconindia | | December 20199Who can be benefitted by this advanced technological system?The use of image-guidance technology in all types of spinal surgery is rapidly growing. Spinal fusion surgeries alleviating pain resulting from injury, degenerative disk disease, spinal curvatures or arthritis are the most common navigated surgeries. Most people who undergo spinal fusion surgery can have significant reduction in pain and an improvement in performing the common activities of daily living. How Navigation Assisted Surgery is performed?Prior to the surgery, the patient undergoes a pre-operative CT scan inside the OT after properly positioning the patient, and these images are downloaded in to the navigation computer. The software uses these images to build the virtual, 3D model of the spine. In a process called registration, the surgeon uses Smart Instruments to match pre-defined points on the 3D computer model to the patient's true anatomy. Once registration is complete, the navigation camera tracks the movement and position of Smart Instruments in the surgical field and real-time images of the instruments are displayed on the 3D model. The surgeon is then able to see the exact position of the instruments, aiding in surgical precision. It helps to avoid potential damage to surrounding tissue and structures such as the spinal cord, nerves and arteries. In spinal fusions, the surgeon may also use the 3D model to plan the position, length and diameter of pedicle screws, and then navigate instruments to ensure the screws are implanted exactly as planned. This greatly reduces risk associated with this surgery. Surgical navigation does not replace the skill of the surgeon, but, this enhancement technology provides the surgeon with real-time guidance in placing implants in the spine where visibility with the human eye may be challenging. It's like diving a nail down a pencil, without breaking the pencil. Spine Navigation Technology used during complex spinal surgery enables faster, precise and less invasive spinal procedures in a reduced radiation environment
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