• Johnson J Patrick JP Cedars-Sinai Institute for Spinal Disorders, Los Angeles, CA, USA. johnsonjp@CSHS.org, John K Stokes, Rod J Oskouian, William W Choi, and Wesley A King.
• Cedars-Sinai Institute for Spinal Disorders, Los Angeles, CA, USA. johnsonjp@CSHS.org
• Spine. 2005 Oct 1; 30 (19): E572-8.

Study DesignRetrospective clinical and intraoperative navigational data review.ObjectiveTo evaluate quantitatively the application of frameless stereotactic image guidance in thoracoscopic discectomy procedures.Summary Of Background DataThoracoscopic spinal surgery has technical and anatomic challenges that result in difficult orientation with a 2-dimensional imaging procedure in a complex 3-dimensional structure.MethodsThere were 16 patients who underwent image-guided thoracoscopic discectomy procedures that combine these 2 technologies. Accuracy was determined by the registration (calculated) error and actual navigation (intraoperative) error. The clinical outcomes and complications were reviewed.ResultsAccuracy determined by registration (calculated) and navigation (intraoperative) was 1.7 and 1.2 mm, respectively. The additional time required for the image guidance portion of the procedure was countered by the efficiency of the remaining procedure. Clinical outcomes and complication were comparable with previous experience.ConclusionsImage-guided thoracoscopic spinal surgery can provide 3-dimensional orientation to a 2-dimensional imaging procedure that ultimately improves accuracy, efficiency, and safety. Future developments in combining guidance technology with standard surgical procedures will likely continue.

23 keywords...

hide…