As a spine surgeon with over eight years of experience using various spine navigation systems, Douglas G. Orndorff, MD, FAAOS, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, recently evaluated a new one. His time provided invaluable feedback to the engineering teams developing the technology.
The Role of Spine Navigation in Modern Surgery
The primary goal of spine navigation is to ensure safer pedicle screw placement, which is critical in spinal fusion surgeries. Accurate screw placement is essential to avoid damage to the spine’s structures, improve surgical outcomes, and reduce the risk of complications. Another key benefit of spine navigation technology is radiation reduction. With navigation, the need for intraoperative imaging can be minimized, reducing radiation exposure to the patient and protecting the operating room (OR) team from unnecessary exposure.
Feedback for Future Development
Dr. Orndorff shared, “During my evaluation, I was able to discuss my experiences using various spine navigation technologies over the years and provide detailed feedback on the new system. By working directly with the engineering teams, I had the chance to help shape the future of spine navigation technologies, ensuring they meet the needs of surgeons and patients alike.”
He continued, “One of the most significant aspects we discussed was how navigation can improve posterior thoracic procedures (PTP) and lumbar thoracic procedures (LTP)—particularly during the access phase of surgery. With advancements in navigation, we can now achieve greater precision when accessing the spine, resulting in improved patient outcomes and reduced complications.”
Integrating robotics and navigation systems into spine surgery has revolutionized the field in many ways. These enabling technologies facilitate more accurate and efficient procedures while optimizing patient safety. However, as is the case with cutting-edge technology, there is always room for improvement. Dr. Orndorff looks forward to ongoing discussions with engineers and fellow surgeons to refine these systems and enhance their usability and effectiveness.
“The future of spine surgery is inspiring. With technologies like navigation and robotics, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to provide feedback to the engineering teams and to play a role in shaping the future of spine surgery,” said Dr. Orndorff. “As we continue to explore ways to make these technologies more intuitive and effective, I’m excited about the future developments that will further improve patient outcomes.”