Spinal fusion

Percutaneous spinal fusion

In simple spinal problems (herniated discs or stenosis), neurosurgical intervention is very selective and the solution is percutaneous approach and microdiscectomy or discectomy. In these cases, the placement of materials in the spine is not required.

In more complex spinal problems (vertebral fractures, spondylolisthesis, instability, etc.), spinal fusion is needed, i.e. the placement of special screws and rods to stabilize the vertebrae. The operation is also performed percutaneously, avoiding tissue injury and postoperative pain. As shown in the photos (personal file) wire guides are placed and with the help of neuroplasty the screws are implanted if necessary. In every phase of the surgery the neurosurgeon sees the anatomical structures on the monitor accurately and avoids any tissue injuries.

At the University Hospital of Rio Patras we have the highest technology required for spinal diseases such as O ARM intraoperative CT scan, Stealth Station neuroplanning and a new generation Leica microscope.

The procedure is bloodless compared to open spinal fusion, the skin incisions are small (unlike traditional spinal fusion where a large skin incision and muscle cutting is required) and finally the tissue damage to the back muscles is minimal and mobilization is immediate.

The photographs illustrate the transdermal placement of the materials using the neuropilot which allows on-line observation of the surgeon's movements with millimetre precision.

*Photos are from my personal archive.

Spinal surgeries with the latest technology such as intraoperative OARM tomography and Stealth Station neuroplanning.

Animation of percutaneous spinal fusion.

Intraoperative radiography of percutaneous spinal fusion.

Intraoperative image of percutaneous spinal fusion surgery for dislocation of the th10 vertebra.