Advances in technology are greatly reducing common risks associated with most types of back surgery, especially when it comes to helping surgeons improve the accuracy of the intricate movements required for most spine surgeries. With fusion surgery, for instance, new imaging systems are allowing doctors to get a better view of the affected area of the spine to improve the success rate of the surgery.
Minimally Invasive Surgeries
The accuracy of spine surgery, in general, is improving due to a move towards minimally invasive procedures, which inherently means less risk to the patient. Artificial disc replacement, for example, has greatly reduced the need for follow-up surgery to correct lumbar fusions that didn’t take the first time. Smaller, more focused incisions also reduce the risk of unintentionally affecting adjacent muscles, tendons, and vertebra during surgery.
Robotics
Robot-guided surgery allows spine surgeons to achieve a more accurate placement of screws and other essential hardware that has to be positioned into a very specific area to achieve a correct fit. Robotic assistance is already successfully being implemented into surgeries to correct spinal deformities, replace damaged or degenerated discs and safely remove spine tumors.
Image Guidance
Computer-assisted image guidance has also proven to be of great help when it comes to improving the accuracy of spine surgery. Specially designed surgical instruments are inserted into the affected area of the spine to allow the surgeon to get a more detailed, real-time view of what’s going on inside on strategically placed computer screens in the OR.
Researchers are also working to fine-tune 3D imaging technology designed to help surgeons better assess damage that has occurred in the affected area of the spine with an image that can be manipulated into different views and angles. The images aren’t yet as clear as standard CT images, however that’s likely to change over time as advances in technology continue to improve the accuracy of spine surgery.
For more information about the latest spine surgery techniques and to see if you’re a candidate for a modern, motion-preserving spine surgery, reach out to Dr. Bae at The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration. His work on a non-invasive method for diagnosing common, painful back pain is helping to improve industry standards and create for better patient outcomes. Call (310) 828-7757 and request an in-person consultation today.