Making Spine Surgery Safe

In recent years, advanced technologies have emerged which have helped improve the safety and precision of many complex surgical procedures.

Spinal surgery is one such example. From general back pain and herniated discs through to spinal stenosis and scoliosis, surgery today is often minimally invasive, and utilizes state-of-the-art technology, ensuring maximum safety with increased success.

Cutting-Edge Technology Supports Better Outcomes

By offering cutting-edge technology to support a range of surgical treatments and procedures, programs such as the Spine Care Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Neurological Institute can ensure the most effective care possible.

For example, the program offers advanced surgery to patients with severe cases of scoliosis (a curvature of the spine greater than 40 degrees), or when the curvature has progressed despite other interventions. The minimally invasive surgery, called spinal fusion, is a procedure in which the vertebrae are fused together using bone grafts, rods, screws, or hooks. The procedure helps to straighten the spine and prevents further curvature progression.

Other advanced tools and techniques that the program’s expert surgeons apply include robotics and image-guided navigation.

Robotic Surgery

Robot-assisted surgery, or robotic surgery, is often associated with minimally invasive procedures. A surgeon controls a camera and mechanical arms which have surgical instruments attached to them, from a computer. The computer gives magnified, high-definition images of the surgical site. With robotic control, the surgeon has more control, flexibility and precision than is possible with traditional surgery. Minimally invasive, robotically assisted spine surgery ensures fewer complications, less pain, smaller scars, a shorter stay in hospital and faster recovery.

Intraoperative Navigation

Intraoperative navigation (ION) combines cross-sectional CT imaging and 3-D orientation systems to improve the precision and accuracy of spinal surgery. A technology called O-arm provides multi-dimensional images during the surgery, giving the surgeon a clear view and real-time images throughout the procedure.

Used for conditions affecting the skull base and lumbar, thoracic and upper cervical spine, ION is advantageous as it offers precision within millimeters – something which is critical when operating on the small anatomy of the spine.

Intraoperative Neuro-Monitoring

Intraoperative neuro-monitoring (IOM) refers to a set of technologies which monitor nerve function during surgery to minimize function loss post-surgery.

IOM uses a number of tools and procedures to give surgeons information on neural pathways to help them prevent damage and preserve function of the nervous system. It can detect potential damage to the spinal cord, brain, peripheral and cranial nerves.

By informing the surgeon of any changes in a patient’s neural activity, they can make the necessary changes or adjustments to the procedure and avoid damage and post-surgery pain, vastly improving safety and outcomes for the patient.

Advanced Technology, Better Outcomes

With the introduction of sophisticated tools and technologies, spine surgery is now safer and less invasive than ever before. It boosts accuracy and allows surgeons to work with greater precision. Patients recover faster, the risk of complications is reduced, and outcomes are improved.