BACKGROUND: Dorsal cervical spinal fusion is a challenging procedure in fracture fixation. There is limited information in the literature about computer navigation using lateral mass screws in cases of spinal trauma. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospective database covering an 8 year period. All patients who received a dorsal spinal fusion due to a fracture of the cervical spine were included. Outcome parameters were screw accuracy, duration of surgery, the radiation emitted and intra-/postoperative complications. RESULTS: Sixteen patients, who received 67 screws (44 navigated vs 23 conventionally inserted screws) were included. Three-dimensional (3D)-based computer navigation prolonged the duration of surgery but helped to reduce the radiation emitted and led to significantly increased accuracy of screw positioning. CONCLUSION: Computer navigation can increase the accuracy of lateral mass screws in spinal trauma. It prolongs the surgical procedure but reduces the emission of radiation significantly.
BACKGROUND: Dorsal cervical spinal fusion is a challenging procedure in fracture fixation. There is limited information in the literature about computer navigation using lateral mass screws in cases of spinal trauma. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospective database covering an 8 year period. All patients who received a dorsal spinal fusion due to a fracture of the cervical spine were included. Outcome parameters were screw accuracy, duration of surgery, the radiation emitted and intra-/postoperative complications. RESULTS: Sixteen patients, who received 67 screws (44 navigated vs 23 conventionally inserted screws) were included. Three-dimensional (3D)-based computer navigation prolonged the duration of surgery but helped to reduce the radiation emitted and led to significantly increased accuracy of screw positioning. CONCLUSION: Computer navigation can increase the accuracy of lateral mass screws in spinal trauma. It prolongs the surgical procedure but reduces the emission of radiation significantly.
Authors: Daniel Dixon; Bruce Darden; Jose Casamitjana; Karen A Weissmann; San Cristobal; David Powell; Daniel Baluch Journal: Eur Spine J Date: 2016-11-14 Impact factor: 3.134