Technology

We believe in the harnessing of latest technology to enhance the safety and reliability of spine surgery. In the last decade or so, vast advances in optic and imaging technology has made spine surgery much more accurate and safe to perform. This has guaranteed a shorter hospital stay and swifter recovery.

We make routine and full use of the following modalities:

Spine Operating microscope

Magnification

We always employ magnification via loupes(3x) or operating microscopes(up to 10x). This enhances accuracy and allows surgeons to visualize vessels and nerves accurately so as to minimizing injury to them. As the microscope allows speed focus, it ensures that the view issharp and clear at all times.

Lighting

The illumination of vital structures in a small confined space is enhanced with LED headlightsattached to surgeons head (up to 80 000 lux at 35cm) or the use of xenon emitting lamps( up to 300W) from operating microscopes that eliminates shadows and deep surgical areas. This allows a sharp and brilliant image for surgical visualization and eliminates blind spots.

Spinal navigation pedicle screws image intensifier

Imaging & Computer Navigation

Where indicated, image intensifiers (xrays) are used for the safe performance of procedures. This is especially vital in keyhole procedures.

The O-arm can also be used in instrumented procedures in combination with navigation. The O-arm pictured here is a very sophisticated machine that allows x-ray images to be obtained in real time. Its images are as clear as CT scans. A navigation system, which is like theGPS(Global Positioning System) in cars is also used. With the O-arm and navigation, 3D images of the spine are obtained. Implant trajectories are planned in real-time and this allows placement of metallic implants down to 1mm accuracy. With this technology, pedicle screws are inserted within safe corridors; resulting in very little chance of damaging vital nervous structures.  
Spine intra-operative monitoring neuromonitoring

Neuromonitoring

Neuromonitoring is another technology that is available during surgery for early detection of spinal cord injury, allowing for immediate corrective measures. This techniques involves the placing of relevant electrodes to the limbs and scalp during surgery to monitor their motor and sensory evoked potentials in small voltage currents. If these are affected or abnormal, an alarm will sound which forewarns the surgeon to a potential nerve injury. This modality is extremely useful in spinal deformity correction where extreme forces are used.