If you’re on the fence about receiving lumbar spine surgery, ask your surgeon about intraoperative navigation. This helpful imaging tool can improve accuracy and safety during the procedure. At NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, patients in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania can receive cutting-edge, minimally invasive spine procedures. Here, we explore intraoperative navigation, how it’s used in lumbar surgery, and its benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Intraoperative navigation is an advanced imaging technique used during surgical procedures that helps to improve accuracy, safety, and recovery.
- Intraoperative navigation techniques include fluoroscopy, O-arm imaging, and intraoperative computed tomography.
- NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides minimally invasive spine procedures and intraoperative navigation for patients in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
What Are the Basics of Intraoperative Navigation?
Intraoperative navigation refers to the use of GPS-like technology to provide real-time, three-dimensional (3D) visualization during surgical procedures. It is an advanced imaging technique that lets the surgeon see the patient’s anatomy and their surgical instruments during complex or minimally invasive procedures. By enabling precise, image-guided interventions, intraoperative navigation helps to:
- Improve accuracy and safety
- Enhance implant positioning
- Reduce complications
- Allow for minimally invasive procedures, which offer faster recovery times
- Improve outcomes
Therefore, intra-op navigation is often used when high accuracy is needed, including in complex spine surgeries, joint replacements, and neurosurgery procedures.
What Are the Options for Intraoperative Imaging?
Intraoperative navigation can involve a variety of imaging techniques. For spine surgeries, the most common options include:
- Fluoroscopy: This option uses X-rays in a C-arm machine to provide immediate two-dimensional (2D) images. It is most often used in spinal and orthopedic surgeries to assess and guide implant and hardware positioning.
- O-arm: The O-arm Surgical Imaging System is a portable, O-shaped imaging device that provides high-quality 2D and 3D images, enhancing the accuracy of hardware placement and offering lower radiation exposure than some other options.
- Computed tomography (CT)-based imaging: This option, also called intraoperative CT (iCT), involves using a mobile CT scanner to provide high-quality visualization of bones and soft tissues during spinal, orthopedic, and cranial surgical procedures.
These options are all commonly used in spinal procedures, especially minimally invasive or highly complex surgeries. However, certain options, like fluoroscopy, expose the patient and staff to radiation. To use them safely, proper shielding and adherence to As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) thresholds are vital.
When Does NU-Spine Use Navigation in Lumbar Surgery?
At NU-Spine, our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Branko Skovrlj and Dr. Robert J. Rothrock, are highly experienced in complex spinal surgeries and minimally invasive techniques. When necessary, they employ intraoperative navigation to enhance accuracy and patient safety. Times when intra-op navigation may be used in lumbar surgery include:
- Complex deformity cases: In complex cases of scoliosis or kyphosis, intraoperative navigation is often used to plan and execute osteotomies and precisely place pedicle screws.
- Revision surgeries: In cases of failed fusion surgeries that require revisions, intraoperative navigation is often used to avoid scar tissue and previous hardware.
- Fusion cases: In fusion cases, careful placement of hardware is crucial for the bones to fuse together properly. Intra-op navigation is used to ensure precise placement.
It is also used for minimally invasive lumbar procedures when direct visualization is limited, such as transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).
Find Expert Spine Surgery Near You in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania
If you suspect you need spine surgery, get in contact with NU-Spine. Our experienced surgeons have access to advanced navigation and imaging technology, helping to increase safety and accuracy during complex lumbar spine surgery.
Transform your life with a touch of care! Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with our spine experts today to discuss navigated lumbar surgery. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania locations.
Intraoperative Navigation FAQ
What are the advantages of intraoperative navigation for outcomes and recovery?
Intraoperative navigation offers many benefits for outcomes and recovery, including a reduced risk of misplaced hardware, a potential for smaller incisions and less blood loss, and a lower chance of complications.
What questions should I ask my surgeon about navigation?
When discussing intraoperative navigation with your surgeon, you should ask:
- How often do you use navigation and imaging in surgeries?
- What benefits does intraoperative navigation offer?
- What can I expect before, during, and after surgery?
- Are there any risks to intraoperative navigation?
Is intraoperative navigation always necessary?
No, intraoperative navigation is not always necessary. It is most beneficial in cases where direct visualization is limited or when the precise placement of hardware is essential.
Does navigation make lumbar surgery longer?
No, intraoperative navigation does not necessarily make lumbar surgery longer. It may slightly increase setup time, but it often results in shorter total operating times.
Is there an extra cost for navigation and imaging?
It depends on several factors, including the patient’s insurance plan, the policy of the hospital or surgery center, and whether the technology is part of the standard of care or an optional add-on.