A study published in the Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques examined pedicle screw placement with navigated and non-navigated procedures.
The researchers examined 260 patients where 1,434 screws were placed. There were 708 screws placed with computer three-dimensional navigation techniques and 723 screws placed without stereotaxy. Here are five findings from the report:
1. There were 88 percent of the 3D-navigated screws graded non-breach; 82 percent of the cases with lateral fluoroscopy reported the same.
2. The screw/pedicle diameter ratio was significantly larger for the 3D navigated group.
3. There were 76 percent of the 3D-navigated cases with a predefined aspect of complexity, compared with 44 percent of the cases without navigation.
4. The reoperations occurred less frequently among cases with 3D navigation when compared with fluoroscopy alone.
5. The study authors concluded, "3D NAV is a valuable tool in current spinal instrumentation, especially for more complex surgeries."