title: Computerized frameless stereotactic image guidance in spinal surgery.
abstract: Clinical applications of computerized frameless stereotactic image-guided spinal surgery continue to evolve. This article discusses several limiting factors regarding the use of this technology. It discusses the benefits of stereotaxy, which are better realized when there is a distortion of 'normal' anatomy because of previous surgery or severe deformity. The three-dimensional model helps the surgeon navigate the rotated and translated vertebrae. The technology can also be helpful when performing a posterior lumbar interbody fusion, to determine the orientation and depth of placement of the allograft or the cage.
authors.affiliation: SpineCare Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, Spinal Surgical Service, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA. samaa@hss.edu
authors.forename: Andrew A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Sama
authors.forename: Safdar N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Federico P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Girardi
authors.forename: Frank P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Cammisa
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed