Background
This study evaluates image quality of a new flat‐panel three‐dimensional (3D) C‐arm to the current generation and to intraoperative and stationary computed tomography (CT) in spinal surgery.
Methods
Three‐dimensional‐imaging of 44 posterior screws acquired with two generations of 3D C‐arms (Arcadis Orbic, AO and Cios Spin, CS, Siemens, Germany) and CT scans (mobile intraoperative CT Airo, iCT, Brainlab, Germany and stationary CT Aquilion 32, sCT, Toshiba, Japan) were performed. Evaluation regarded assessability and measurements of implant position.
Results
Assessability score was 0.11 in AO, 0.56 in sCT, 0.91 in iCT and 1.46 in CS (p < 0.0005). AO and CS showed a significant difference in accuracy (p = 0.001) as well as CS and iCT (p < 0.001). Measurements of protrusion over the anterior edge did not show a significant difference (p = 0.341).
Conclusions
Image quality of the new generation of flat‐panel 3D C‐arms competes with CT imaging and offers significant advantages compared to the former generation.