Accuracy and Safety of Pedicle Screw Insertion Using Novel Intraoperative Computed Tomography Navigation System for...

Area of Science:

• Spinal Surgery
• Medical Navigation Technology
• Orthopedic Devices

Background:

• Accurate pedicle screw placement is crucial in spinal fusion to prevent neurological and vascular complications.
• Conventional intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) navigation systems improve accuracy but can have line-of-sight issues.
• The NextAR iCT navigation system integrates infrared cameras onto instruments to streamline workflow.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy and safety of the NextAR navigation system for pedicle screw insertion.
• To assess its efficacy in lumbar spinal fusion for degenerative diseases.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study analyzing 307 pedicle screws.
• Utilized a CT-based grading system to assess screw placement accuracy.
• Evaluated screw deviations and related complications.

Main Results:

• Only 8 out of 307 screws (2.6%) showed minor deviations (grade 1 or 2).
• No severe perforations (grade 3 or 4) or neurovascular complications occurred.
• NextAR enabled precise screw insertion without fluoroscopy, eliminating radiation exposure.

Conclusions:

• The NextAR navigation system is accurate and safe for pedicle screw placement in lumbar degenerative disease surgery.
• It overcomes line-of-sight limitations and intraoperative radiation exposure.
• Further trials are needed to compare NextAR with other navigation systems.