Image guidance in spine tumor surgery.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Spinal Oncology

Background:

• Intraoperative navigation and image guidance systems are standard in neurosurgery.
• Image guidance is increasingly used in spinal surgery across various pathologies.
• Spine tumor surgery involves complex techniques, and navigation offers potential benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a narrative review on the use of spinal navigation in spinal oncology.
• To discuss the application of navigation in tumor resection, spinal stabilization, and focal ablation.
• To highlight the importance of understanding imaging guidance for spine surgeons.

Main Methods:

• This is a narrative review of current concepts.
• The review focuses on three key areas of spinal oncology: extent of tumor resection, spinal column stabilization, and focal ablation techniques.
• Literature on the application of neuro-navigation in spinal oncology was reviewed.

Main Results:

• Neuro-navigation is applicable in spinal oncology for improving extent of tumor resection.
• Spinal navigation aids in spinal column stabilization.
• Image guidance facilitates the integration of minimally invasive and focal ablation therapies in spine tumor surgery.

Conclusions:

• Spinal navigation is a valuable tool in spinal oncology, enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes.
• The increasing complexity and incidence of spinal metastatic disease necessitate familiarity with imaging guidance.
• Further understanding and application of spinal navigation are crucial for optimizing surgical strategies in spinal oncology.