Surgical Workflow and Technical Tips for the Use of Intraoperative 3D Image and Navigation in Spine Surgery

Navigated spinal surgery and intraoperative computed tomography (CT) scans are part of the modern armamentarium of spinal surgeons, improving the safety and accuracy of the procedures, facilitating from the correct implant insertion to the access of the degree of decompression. It is especially useful for minimally invasive spinal procedures, increasing precision and minimizing patient and surgeon exposure to continuous fluoroscopic radiation. However, little is known about the most appropriate workflow when using these technologies. In this paper, we presented a suggested, illustrated step-by-step, surgical workflow for using intraoperative CT scans and navigated spine surgery at different spinal segments. In our opinion, the implementation of the proposed routine in our institution has provided a smooth workflow, ultimately reduced procedure duration and increasing productivity.