OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the benefits of computer-assisted spine surgery in re-operations due to vertebral deformities, and verify method accuracy. METHOD: A total of five patients with vertebral deformities who had complications during prior surgery were re-operated. These patients underwent a specific Computer Tomography scan with 2mm cuts of the spine before the second surgery. In the five patients who underwent re-operation, posterior instrumentation with the aid of computer-assisted spine surgery was performed. 84 pedicle screws were implanted, and in 33 of these computer-assisted surgeries were used. The computer-assisted surgery was used at the levels of spinal deformity where anatomy was altered making correct use of anatomical parameters for insertion of pedicle screws impossible. In the remaining levels, standard technique was used where the correct identification of anatomical parameters was possible. Post-operative computed tomography was performed to measure the placement of pedicle screws. We evaluated the results in positioning with and without the use of navigation. The fluoroscopy and surgery time were also compared with the gold standard of literature. RESULTS: Of the 33 screws implanted with navigation, 94% accuracy was observed; with a pedicle violation rate of 6 %.The use of navigation is an important tool for surgical revision of the vertebral deformities with altered anatomy, influencing surgery result.
Surgery, computer-assisted; Re-operation; Scoliosis
