Computer-assisted surgery navigation of pedicle screw insertion by standardized trainees

Abstract

Objective To assess the precision and efficiency computer-assisted surgery navigation of pedicle screw insertion by standardized trainees. Methods From September 2013 to June 2016, 360 thoracic pedicle screws were inserted into 100 patients by standardized trainees (n = 30). Screws on the left side were inserted by hands (control group), while the other side were inserted under the guidance of computer-assistant navigation system (guided group).The insertion time and volume of blood lost by each screw were retrospectively analyzed. The precision ratio was assessed by computerized tomography (CT) scan after operation. Results The time consumed in screw insertion was significantly shorter in the guided group than that in the control group. The blood lost volume was lesser in the guided group. Post-operation CT scan revealed higher precision in the guided group than that in the control group. ConclusionComputer-assistant navigation system facilitates the learning of standardized trainees, and reduces the time-consuming and bleeding in thoracic pedicle screw insertion.Orthodontics training is the most important low-grade physician training in the orthopedic department 1,2 . Due to the complexity of spinal anatomy, professional required and high risk of spinal surgery, thoracic pedicle screw implantation has become a very demanding technique. Furthermore, the spine surgery learning is not conducive to the trainees. Since 2013, our department started to use the computer-assisted three-dimensional navigation technology to guide the implantation of screws 3 . We found that the computer-assisted navigation technology has greater advantage when compared with the traditional hand-implanted technology.