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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Cone Beam Intraoperative Computed Tomography-based Image Guidance for Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Interbody Fusion
Published on: August 6, 2019
Intraoperative computerized tomography scanning to assess the adequacy of decompression in anterior cervical spine
S R Freidberg1, B A Pfeifer, P K Dempsey
1Department of Neurosurgery, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts 01805, USA. Stephen.R.Freidberg@Lahey.org
Object:
The purpose of this study was to improve the accuracy of bone removal during anterior spinal surgery. Intraoperative computerized tomography (CT) scanning was used to assess the success of bone resection and permit immediate correction in the event of inadequate bone removal.
Methods:
The Phillips Tomoscan M was used to obtain preoperative cervical scans before and after cervical bone resection was complete. The completeness of bone removal was assessed by the operating neurosurgeon by reviewing the postresection CT scan. If the bone removal was deemed inadequate, additional bone was removed using a high-speed drill. A CT scan was obtained after each subsequent decompression until adequate bone removal was achieved. In 31 patients undergoing anterior cervical decompression intraoperative CT scanning was performed. Nineteen patients underwent corpectomy and 12 discectomy. Of the 31 patients, assessment of intraoperative CT scans obtained in 17 indicated further bone removal was required.
Conclusions:
Intraoperative CT scanning to monitor bone removal during anterior cervical surgery is a valuable tool to ensure the adequacy of surgery.
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