Stereoradiography as a Promising Method of Intraoperative Navigation in Spine Surgery

Abstract

Aims.The study was aimed at the assessment of feasibility of the clinical use of stereoradiographic navigation for implantation of spine stabilising systems. Materials and methods.A stereoradiographic method is proposed for assessing the volume characteristics of structures with complex geometry, with summation of images of multiple objects. The X-ray parallax effect is used, which enables obtaining three-dimensional images after the hardware computer processing. Five patients received decompressive-stabilising operations to the extent of flavectomy, foraminotomy, transpedicular fixation and interbody stabilisation (TLIF). In the course of surgery, the conventional X-ray control as a stage of obtaining stereoscopic images, and stereoscopic navigation were used sequentially. Results. The authors demonstrated the feasibility of high-quality intraoperative visualisation of the main anatomical landmarks used in transpedicular implantation without increasing the radiation dose and surgery duration.Methodological principles and techniques that improve the quality of stereoradiographic images were provided. Conclusions.The efficacy of stereoradiography in stabilisation operations at all regions of the spine was demonstrated, including X-ray shielded regions of the inferior cervical and thoracic vertebra.