Abstract
Anterior decompressive procedures for the treatment of vertebral tumors have become
increasingly popular in an attempt to improve the quality of life, relieve pain, and
preserve or restore neurologic function. However, these procedures carry a significant
rate of complications including hardware failure, due in part to technical factors.
A computer-assisted system allowing for precise preoperative planning and real-time
intraoperative interactive image localization has been implemented for spine instrumentation
to optimize anterior instrumental fixation. We discuss our initial clinical experience
and application to anterior vertebrectomy, and vertebral reconstruction with anterior
instrumental fixation. We believe that computer-assisted spine surgery using infrared-based
technology offers the necessary elements to make its use fast, reliable, and intuitive,
providing an accurate and safe approach for optimization of spine surgery.
Key words
Anterior fixation - Infrared - Intraoperative localization
