This past year, five people who were suffering from complex spine pathologies which could even cause disabilities- have seen a radical change in their lives. The illnesses were corrected successfully, thanks to a sophisticated technology which guides surgeons by means of 3-D images while they navigate through the body.

Clínica Alemana has acquired two Medtronic neuronavigators, the only ones available in Chile. Neuronavigators have revolutionized surgery in the last few years. The images produced by these cutting-edge devices help to track the surgical procedure and instrumentation in real time, in relation to a patient' anatomy, so surgeons can know precisely where critical structures are in relation to the surgical instruments. Absolute precision is necessary because of the proximity to the spinal cord and nerves. Spinal navigation helps surgeons navigate through the bone, while avoiding damage to the adjacent neural structures. The spine consists of 33 vertebrae, which protect the spinal cord, the place where all the nerves connected to the brain converge. These are the nerves that govern mobility and, therefore, accuracy is absolutely vital because any lesion to the spinal cord could lead to serious consequences.  

Neuronavigation is being increasingly used by neurosurgeons and spine surgeons around the world to make surgery safer and more effective. Now, implants can be made in previously hard-to access places, such as the upper cervical spine and the pelvis. It is very valuable in scoliosis surgery and in decreasing the chances of repeat surgery.

It allows the surgical exposure to be planned prior to the operation. This is extremely useful in the case of tumor-related resections and corrections, helping to avoid the neurological damage inherent to these procedures. Therefore, cases previously considered difficult or impossible to treat, can now be approached successfully. 

The procedures using neuronavigation at Clínica Alemana have been performed by the Traumatology Department's Spine Team and the Neurosurgery Unit. One of these procedures was practiced two months ago in a 50-year old woman, who had a severe dorsal cyphosis, a pathology that caused her physical disability and great pain. During the surgery, the marked curvature of the dorsal spine was corrected by means of controlled incisions and titanium screws.