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Updated: May 14, 2026
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
[Intraoperative 3-dimensional imaging - beneficial or necessary?]
J Franke1, J von Recum, K Wendl
1MINTOS - Medical Imaging and Navigation in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen, Unfallchirurgische Klinik an der Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, AGiTEC - Arbeitsgemeinschaft für intraoperative Bildgebung und Technologie Integration der DGOU, Ludwig-Guttmann-Straße 13, 67071, Ludwigshafen, Deutschland. jochen.franke@bgu-ludwigshafen.de
Intraoperative 3-dimensional imaging is crucial for syndesmotic injuries and calcaneal fractures, significantly improving outcomes. Its use is recommended due to high revision rates and the limitations of fluoroscopy in complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Medical Imaging Technology
Background:
- Discussion on the role of intraoperative 3D imaging in orthopedic surgery.
- Evaluation as a helpful tool versus state-of-the-art for specific indications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if intraoperative 3D imaging is essential for syndesmotic injuries and calcaneal fractures.
- To analyze revision rates and clinical outcomes based on joint reconstruction accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of intraoperative revision rates for syndesmotic injuries (10 years) and calcaneal fractures (8 years).
- Evaluation of clinical outcomes correlated with the restoration of joint reconstruction.
Main Results:
- High intraoperative revision rates: 32.7% for syndesmotic injuries (n=251) and 40.3% for calcaneal fractures (n=377).
- Multivariate analysis revealed that residual joint incongruity significantly worsens clinical and radiological outcomes in calcaneal fractures.
Conclusions:
- Fluoroscopy alone is insufficient for accurate assessment of alignment and joint line reconstruction in these injuries.
- Intraoperative 3D imaging is recommended for treating syndesmotic injuries and calcaneal fractures due to high revision rates and clinical significance.
