EFFICACY OF INTRAOPERATIVE CONE-BEAM O-ARM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND MODERN NAVIGATION SYSTEM IN THE SPINE AND SPINAL CORD SURGERY

Abstract

To assess the efficacy of using intraoperative cone-beam O-arm computed tomography and navigation system in surgical treatment of the spine and spinal cord disorders. A total of 106 patients with degenerative spine diseases and spine and spinal cord tumors underwent surgery with O-arm iCT and navigation system from August 2013 to March 2014. The iCT system was used for tumors localized in anatomically hard-to-reach areas to control radicality of removal of bone tumors and those of the spinal cord with ossification, and for needle guidance in vertebroplasty. During stabilization stage the O-arm iCT and navigation system were used to control the accuracy of implant placement and to monitor decompression zones. The O-arm iCT with navigation system is particularly useful when surgery is performed in difficult anatomical conditions, and the use of two-dimensional images does not provide visualization of the surgical zone. Duration of the first surgeries using iCT and navigation system was longer, but within the first month there was a trend towards its shortening. Conclusions. Application of the O-arm iCT with navigation system in surgical treatment of spinal disorders provides high quality treatment, is safe for a patient, and allows for surgical intervention in difficult anatomical conditions.