[Rapid prototyping navigation template assisted cervical screw implantation:a review]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Cervical screw fixation is standard for spinal fusion, deformity correction, and segment stabilization.
• Traditional cervical screw placement faces challenges due to anatomical variations and narrow pedicles, leading to high perforation rates and potential neurovascular injury.
• Rapid prototyping navigation templates have emerged to enhance cervical screw placement accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize the literature on navigation template-assisted cervical screw implantation over the past 20 years.
• To introduce the production methods, usage, design evolution, and application status of navigation templates in cervical spine surgery.
• To assess the clinical impact and identify research gaps regarding navigation template use.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies on navigation template-assisted cervical screw placement.
• Analysis of production techniques, design concepts, and application methodologies for navigation templates.
• Evaluation of clinical and cadaveric study outcomes related to accuracy, safety, and efficiency.

Main Results:

• Navigation templates significantly reduce screw perforation rates in cervical surgery.
• The use of these templates decreases intraoperative ionizing radiation exposure and shortens operation times.
• Existing literature confirms the value of navigation templates in clinical practice for cervical spine surgery.

Conclusions:

• Rapid prototyping navigation templates are effective in improving accuracy and safety of cervical screw placement.
• Further comparative clinical and cadaveric studies are necessary to evaluate different navigation template designs.
• Such research will guide clinicians in selecting the most appropriate navigation template for specific surgical needs.