THE BRITISH EXPERIENCE OF PEDICLE SCREW INSERTION USING THE O-ARM® IMAGING SYSTEM AND STEALTHSTATION® NAVIGATION SYSTEM

To assess screw malposition rates and complications associated with pedicle screw insertion using 3D navigation technology.A retrospective study was undertaken for all cases where O-arm® and StealthStation® systems were used over a 2-year period. The primary outcome measure was return to theatre rates for pedicle screw malposition.A total of 938 screws were inserted (934 thoracolumbar and 4 cervical), and 103 patients underwent spinal fixation using O-arm® and StealthStation® navigation. 64 were revision cases and 39 primary cases. Average number of levels was 4.6. There were a total of 10 complications: 3 infections, 1 DVT, 1 PE, 1 fast atrial fibrillation (AF), 1 screw malposition, 1 non-union, 1 undisplaced vertebral body fracture and 1 nerve root compression following osteotomy. The percentage return to theatre for screw malposition using 3D navigation was 1% of patients and 0.1% of pedicle screws. No patients developed permanent neurological compromise.These systems provide accuracy that is comparabl...