Percutaneous Superimposed O-Arm-MRI-Navigated Biopsy for Spinal Column Pathologies

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Spinal tumor classification is challenging due to non-specific clinical and radiological features.
• Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning depend on precise spinal biopsies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance spinal biopsy accuracy and efficiency.
• To integrate Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with an O-arm CT navigation system.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen patients with spinal lesions underwent biopsies using the Stealth Station navigation system Spine 8 protocol.
• Preoperative MRI scans were merged with intraoperative CT navigation for continuous monitoring.
• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and MRI modalities were integrated with an O-arm CT navigation system.

Main Results:

• The combined imaging technique accurately identified the lesion type in all 18 biopsies.
• The method demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity in differentiating pathological entities.
• The integrated approach improved both accuracy and efficiency of spinal biopsies.

Conclusions:

• Combining MRI and CT imaging modalities significantly enhances spinal biopsy accuracy and efficiency.
• This technique shows promise in avoiding misdiagnosed lesions and reducing the need for further invasive procedures.
• Larger studies are needed to validate findings across diverse clinical scenarios.