Computer-assisted spine surgery

Computer assistance has been shown to improve significantly the accuracy an d safety of pedicle screw insertion under clinical conditions. The techniqu e of image-guided navigation is described in this article, based on the aut hors' clinical experience of over 4 years. The value of navigation systems for preoperative planning is discussed. Clinical results of the application of this new method in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spine as wel l as the iliosacral joints are presented by means of the authors' own studi es and reports from the literature. Pros and cons of computer guidance are discussed. The authors predict computer navigation will be used in percutan eous and minimally invasive procedures in the near future.