Computer-assisted spine surgery. Principles, technique, results and perspectives

Computer-assisted techniques were introduced in spine surgery in the 1990s to improve accuracy and safety of operative procedures. Several reports on clinical results of computer-aided screw insertion in the cervical, thoraci c, and lumbar spine as well as the sacro-iliac joints are available. They s how a significant decrease of screw malplacement rates as compared to conve ntional insertion techniques. The quality of preoperative planning of spinal procedures has improved mark edly by using computer navigation systems. Drawbacks, reliability problems, and safety issues of computer navigation are discussed. In the near future , the use of computer guidance for minimally invasive and percutaneous spin e procedures is expected.