If you have any questions about image-guided spine surgery, please call or visit our office or your primary/referring physician. This information is not a replacement for in-person professional medical advice.
General overview
One way in which Dr. Bennett further improves the safety of surgery is by using image guidance intraoperatively. During the procedure a 3 dimensional picture of the patients individual spine is created and projected into a large display in the operating room. Dr. Bennett then uses special tools that allow a camera to track his instruments in during the surgery and project them into the spinal model as he works. Dr. Bennett is one of the leading users of intraoperative navigation in the state and frequently works with spinal implant companies to improve upon their tools and patient safety.
What to expect
These procedures can reduce the damage to surrounding tissues, which results in less pain medication post-operation and also reduces the recovery time. During long operations, this method can reduce fatigue for the staff and Doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of navigation?
There are several. The main benefits are reduced operating time, increased accuracy, and less collateral soft tissue damage. All of which reduce the length of recovery and minimize the risk of complication.
Are these techniques tried and true?
While the adoption of these techniques vary widely, they have been increasingly adopted over the last 10 years for the reasons listed above. Dr. Bennett is a leader in the field and a strong believer that incorporation of these technologies benefits his patients.
Do I need to do anything special before surgery to take advantage of these techniques.
Dr. Bennett will have all of the information needed at the time of your procedure. Often additional imaging is taken while the patient is asleep in the operating room but there is nothing needed to prepare for this.