Intraoperative image guidance for cervical spine surgery

: Intraoperative image-guidance in spinal surgery has been influenced by various technological developments imaging science since the early 1990s. The technology evolved from simple fluoroscopic-based guidance to state-of-art intraoperative computed tomography (iCT)-based navigation systems. Although is more commonly used thoracolumbar spine surgery, this newer platform rapidly gained popularity cervical approaches. purpose of manuscript address applications advanced and describe use neuro-navigation surgical planning execution. In review, we aim cover following techniques: anterior approaches, atlanto-axial fixation, subaxial instrumentation, percutaneous interfacet cage implantation as well minimally invasive posterior foraminotomy (PCF) unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression. currently available data suggested that 3D significantly reduces screw malposition, operative time, mean blood loss, radiation exposure, complication rates comparison conventional fluoroscopic-guidance. With advancements techniques, potential replace fluoroscopy completely.