Patient’s Specific Template for Spine Surgery

Abstract

Currently, Pedicle screws are positioned using a freehand technique or under fluoroscopic guidance. Although computer navigation has improved its accuracy over the last years, image guided navigation has still little use among physicians for orthopaedic surgeries. This is because computer assisted surgeries are very expensive, specially the required equipment, and also has difficulties related to use. The drill must be perfectly orientated following the navigator screen, which is no easy task to perform. A new asset for pedicle screw placement is to use a robotic platform, which reduces misplacement. However, it is too expensive and its learning curve can take a long time to be completed. In some cases this kind of technology must not be useful and practical. A third solution for pedicle screw placement is to use Patient’s Specific Templates, which is less expensive and less complex to learn. This alternative is stable at a unique position, easy to use, easy to place (with high reproducibility), less invasive and more accurate. The time from design to production of one template is short, although it depends by the familiarization with the software used (time spent for the preoperative planning and the template design) and by the 3D printer used. Previously planned surgeries reduce costs and the time spent in the operating room during a procedure because surgeons can predict and perform the surgery before the real operation. Furthermore the use of patient’s specific templates can save surgeons from potential errors, and consequently additional costs for the health system due to additional treatments or legal reasons.