Neuronavigation / O-arm

Neuronavigation and O-arm imaging are advanced technologies used during surgery to improve accuracy and safety. These tools provide real-time guidance and detailed imaging that help the surgeon precisely identify anatomy and place implants with confidence.

Quick Facts:

  • Provides real-time guidance during surgery
  • Improves accuracy of implant placement
  • Commonly used in spine and cranial procedures
  • Enhances safety in complex and minimally invasive surgery

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WHAT IS NEURONAVIGATION / O-ARM?

These technologies act like a GPS system for surgery.

Neuronavigation

Neuronavigation uses advanced imaging and computer guidance to help the surgeon identify anatomy in real time.

It allows the surgeon to:

  • Locate the exact surgical target
  • Track instruments during the procedure
  • Navigate complex anatomy with greater precision

O-Arm Imaging

The O-arm is an intraoperative CT imaging system that creates detailed 2D and 3D images during surgery.

It helps by:

  • Providing real-time imaging during the operation
  • Confirming anatomy and implant position
  • Supporting accurate screw placement

👉 Together, these tools improve precision, confidence, and safety

WHY IS THIS TECHNOLOGY USED?

Surgical anatomy can be complex, especially in cases involving:

  • Distorted anatomy
  • Prior surgery
  • Deformity
  • Deep or difficult-to-reach structures

Neuronavigation and O-arm imaging help by:

  • Improving surgical accuracy
  • Reducing guesswork
  • Supporting minimally invasive approaches
  • Confirming that instrumentation is placed correctly

👉 The goal is to make surgery more precise and safer

WHAT TYPES OF PROCEDURES USE THIS TECHNOLOGY?

These tools are commonly used for:

Spine Surgery

  • Instrumentation and fusion
  • Deformity correction
  • Revision surgery
  • Minimally invasive screw placement

👉 These technologies are especially valuable when anatomy is complex or precision is critical

HOW DOES IT HELP IN SPINE SURGERY?

In spine surgery, neuronavigation and O-arm imaging can help with:

  • Accurate placement of pedicle screws
  • Better visualization of complex anatomy
  • Improved confidence in revision cases
  • Support for minimally invasive approaches

This is particularly important in:

  • Thoracic spine surgery
  • Pelvic fixation
  • Deformity correction
  • Revision instrumentation

👉 The goal is to place implants safely and accurately

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PATIENTS?

Potential Benefits

  • More precise surgery
  • Better implant accuracy
  • Greater confidence in complex cases
  • Support for minimally invasive techniques
  • Improved safety during surgery

Important Perspective

These tools do not replace surgical expertise. They support the surgeon by providing better information during the operation.

👉 Technology enhances surgery, but careful judgment remains essential

HOW IS IT USED DURING SURGERY?

Step-by-Step Overview

  1. Imaging is obtained during the operation
    • O-arm imaging creates detailed pictures of the anatomy
  2. Navigation is registered
    • The imaging is connected to the navigation system
  3. Instruments are tracked in real time
    • The surgeon can see exactly where instruments are relative to the anatomy
  4. Implants or surgical targets are confirmed
    • Accuracy is checked during the procedure, not just afterward

👉 This allows for real-time decision-making and verification

OUR APPROACH

We use neuronavigation and O-arm imaging when they provide a clear advantage in precision and safety.

  • Not every procedure requires advanced navigation
  • We use these tools selectively based on anatomy, pathology, and surgical goals
  • They are especially helpful in complex, minimally invasive, and revision cases
  • The goal is to improve accuracy while minimizing unnecessary tissue disruption

👉 Technology is used thoughtfully and strategically—not just routinely

WHAT TO EXPECT

Before Surgery

  • Standard preoperative imaging and planning
  • Discussion of the surgical approach

During Surgery

  • Imaging will be obtained in the operating room
  • Navigation is used to guide implants or surgical targeting

After Surgery

  • Intraoperative confirmation may reduce uncertainty about implant position
  • Standard postoperative recovery still applies based on the procedure performed

OUTCOMES & RISKS

Potential Benefits

  • Improved accuracy of instrumentation
  • Better guidance in difficult anatomy
  • Enhanced confidence in complex surgery
  • Support for less invasive approaches

Limitations

  • Not every procedure requires it
  • Technology must still be interpreted and used correctly
  • It supports surgery but does not replace sound judgment

Risks

  • These technologies themselves are generally very safe
  • The main purpose is to reduce operative uncertainty and improve execution

👉 Best results come from combining technology with experience and proper patient selection

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this used in every surgery?
No. It is used when it provides meaningful benefit.

Does this make surgery safer?
It can improve precision and help reduce certain risks, especially in complex cases.

Is O-arm the same as a CT scan?
It is a form of intraoperative imaging that can generate detailed 3D images during surgery.

Will I notice any difference as a patient?
You will not feel the technology itself, but it may support a more precise surgical procedure.

FOR REFERRING PHYSICIANS

  • Consider referral for patients requiring:
    • Complex instrumentation
    • Thoracic or pelvic fixation
    • Revision spine surgery
    • Deformity correction
    • Image-guided cranial surgery
  • Benefits include:
    • Improved implant accuracy
    • Better intraoperative visualization
    • Enhanced safety in complex anatomy
  • Best suited for:
    • Multilevel or anatomically challenging procedures
    • Cases where precision is especially important

RELATED CONDITIONS / PROCEDURES

Next steps…

👉 Request an Appointment
👉 Refer a Patient