Authors' recommendations: In the United States, just over 677,000 patients underwent spinal operations (laminectomy and fusion) in 2010. For laminectomy and fusion, spinal surgeons implant various constructs such as rods, plates, and interbody cages, which are fastened together and stabilized by pedicle screws, wires, and pins. Traditional methods for guiding the instruments and implants are direct visualization of the spinal structures, and free hand techniques, serial radiography, real-time fluoroscopy, and computed tomographic image sets. Accurate placement of pedicle screws is paramount to the success of spinal surgery since they help to stabilize other spinal implants. Even when an experienced surgeon uses standard fluoroscopic guidance, screws can be misaligned medially in approximately 5% of cases, and inferolaterally in approximately 15% of cases, which can lead to neurovascular damage. Due to this and the time constraints and potential for exposure to radiation with traditional imaging methods, new technologies have been developed.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: The report may be purchased from:http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/crd/?crd=14450

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: HAYES, Inc.

Contact Address: 157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218

Contact Name: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Contact Email: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Copyright: 2012 Winifred S. Hayes, Inc