Computer-assisted versus manual spine surgery: clinical report

Clinical evaluation of a computer-assisted spine surgery system is presented. 40 pedicle screws have been inserted in lumbar and thoracic vertebrae in different types of disorder including scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, and iatrogenic or degenerative instability. 20 screws were inserted with a computer-assisted system while 20 were inserted manually. Surgery was followed by post-operative X-ray and CT examination, on which measurements of screw position relative to pedicle could be done. Comparison between the two groups show that the computer-assisted technique is much more accurate and safe than manual insertion.