Computer navigation technique-assisted posterior spinal pedicle screw placement fixation:accuracy and safety / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Posterior pedicle screw fixation is an important method to treat various diseases of the spine and to stabilize the spine. Computer navigation system can completely, intuitively and truly reveal the morphology of various tissues and their positions so that the performer can obtain three-dimensional images in time and avoid the risk area of the operation to the utmost, and can directly introduce accurate placement of the screw in the vertebral body. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the accuracy and safety of computer navigation technique-assisted posterior spinal pedicle screw placement.METHODS:307 patients with spine diseases, who were treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from July 2008 to January 2014, were enrol ed in this study. They received computer navigation technique-assisted posterior spinal pedicle screw placement and laminectomy for decompression. C-arm fluoroscopy was applied to assess the precision of pedicle screw position during the operation. The mean implantation time per screw and the exposure time to radiation were recorded. 3-day postoperative radiographs and CT examination, which al owed measurements of screw position relative to pedicle position according to Andrew classification, were performed routinely. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Of the 1 820 screws inserted by computer-assisted navigation, 1 778 were grade I (accuracy 97.69%). A total of 92 screws were implanted in the cervical vertebrae, including 90 grade-I screws (accuracy 97.82%). 502 screws were implanted in the thoracic vertebrae, including 492 grade-I screws (accuracy 98%). 1 226 screws were implanted in the lumbar vertebrae, including 1 196 grade-I screws (accuracy 97.2%). The mean implantation time per screw was (7.0±1.5) minutes. 215 patients were fol owed up for (12±6) months. No complications such as fixator displacement or breakage or neurovascular injury occurred. Above findings suggested that computer navigation system-assisted spinal pedicle screw implantation provides real-time, multi-perspective, three-dimensional visualization of spinal anatomy, ensures the accuracy and safety of spinal pedicle screw implantation, and apparently reduces exposure time to radiation.