Two-dimensional C-arm robotic navigation system (i-Navi) in spine surgery: a pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Spinal Surgery
• Robotic Navigation
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Pedicle screw placement is a fundamental procedure in spinal surgery.
• Robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly adopted for enhanced precision.
• Accurate screw placement is critical for successful spinal fusion and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of the i-Navi robotic navigation system for thoracolumbar spine trans-pedicle screw (TPS) implantation.
• To assess the efficacy of planning TPS placement using two-dimensional (2-D) C-arm imaging with the i-Navi system.
• To determine the reliability and safety of this novel robotic navigation system in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 16 patients undergoing posterior fusion with TPS insertion assisted by the i-Navi robotic navigation system.
• Pre-operative planning utilized 2-D C-arm imaging and CT scans.
• Accuracy of screw placement was graded (A, B, C, D) post-operatively.

Main Results:

• A total of 88 TPS were inserted in 16 patients.
• 79 screws (89.8%) achieved Grade A accuracy, and 9 screws (10.2%) achieved Grade B accuracy.
• No Grade C or D screw placements were observed, and no vascular or nerve injuries occurred.

Conclusions:

• The i-Navi robotic navigation system, planned with 2-D C-arm imaging, demonstrates high accuracy for TPS implantation in thoracolumbar spine surgery.
• The system provides a reliable and user-friendly tool for spinal surgeons.
• The technique shows promising results with a low complication rate.