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Spine Surgeons at University Orthopedics among first in Rhode Island to use FluoroNav system that pinpoints surgical locations with real-time 3D images

The FluoroNav surgical guidance system enables more accurate, efficient placement of spinal instrumentation in complex spine reconstructive procedures. The system is also known as “GPS for the spine,” the system allows surgeons to place orthopedic screws more efficiently, and also reduces the amount of X-ray radiation exposure to patients.

“This technology allows real time monitoring of hardware insertion using three dimensional models of the spine, so that screws can be safely placed even in the smallest of areas,” said Alan Daniels, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon at University Orthopedics / Rhode Island Hospital. “We use FluoroNav in orthopedics for spinal surgeries, but it can also be used for real time imaging in several types of surgeries including tumor resection, pelvic reconstructions, trauma cases and many others.”

“Orthopedic spine surgery in children can be challenging, as the areas that screws must be placed are often underdeveloped or much smaller than the same areas in an adult,” said Craig Eberson, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. “This technology can assist in better visualizing the placement of screws in a much smaller operating field, and ensures that everything is placed perfectly before we leave the operating room.”

Click here or select the image above to download article featured in Rhode Island Medical Journal.