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Navigated, non-navigated kyphoplasty appears to produce similar outcomes
Compared with non-navigational kyphoplasty procedures, intraoperative 3-D image-based navigation kyphoplasty outcomes were not significantly improved, according to data from a recently published study.
Researchers retrospectively reviewed navigated and non-navigated needle placement in 30 balloon kyphoplasty procedures performed by three fellowship-trained spinal surgeons between February 2007 and April 2009. Intraoperative 3-D image-based navigation was used for needle placement in 21 cases (36 levels), whereas traditional 2-D fluoroscopy was used in nine cases (11 levels). Needle malposition, cement leakage and radiation exposure were compared between the two groups.
The researchers found radiation exposure time was similar in both groups (navigated, 98 s/level vs. non-navigated, 125 s/level), and the overall rate of cement leakage was also similar in both groups.
Three of the 11 (27%) non-navigated cases had a malposition complication, with two requiring repositioning. The researchers found the navigated group had a significantly lower malposition rate, with only one of 36 resulting in the same complication.
The researchers concluded that the two types of procedures did not differ significantly, with the exception of needle malposition rates. – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosure: Sembrano has ongoing research supported by NuVasive. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.