Image-guided surgery: applications to the cervical and thoracic spine and a review of the first 120 procedures

Object. The authors undertook a study to demonstrate that frameless stereot axy can be applied safely to the cervical and thoracic spine to minimize co mplications and associated morbidity. Methods. A retrospective review of cases was conducted involving the use of an image-guidance system for the accurate placement of surgical implants o r for resection of lesions within the cervical and thoracic spine. The outc ome measures considered were neural injury, vascular injury, wound infectio n, surgical revision, and death. Conclusions. Image-guidance systems are useful intraoperative tools that ca n be applied accurately to spinal surgery. In addition, such systems can be of great use in the preoperative planning of complex spinal surgery.