Purpose: The purpose of this work was to study the reliability and the precision of a lumber vertebra reconstruction method using images obtained from a 3D statistical model and two calibrated radiograms. The technique is designed for surgical approach to the lumbar spine and implantation of osteosynthesis material using enhanced-reality technology.

Material and methods: A lumbar vertebra was reconstructed on several specimens using images issuing from a 3D statistical model and two calibrated radiograms. The images obtained from the model of this lumbar vertebra to be reconstructed constituted the preoperative images. Intra-operative images corresponded to two calibrated radiograms acquired with a fluoroscope using advanced technology (silicium receptor). The model was equipped with reflecting patches which can be detected in space using a 3D optical system. Correspondence between the 3D statistical model and the two calibrated radiograms was achieved with appropriate software. Navigation views were displayed on the screen to guide surgical tools at the vertebral level. Pedicular screws were implanted into several anatomic specimens to evaluate the reliability and precision of the system. The exact position of the implanted screws was established with computed tomography.

Results: This system demonstrated its reliability and precision for the reconstruction of a lumbar vertebra from a 3D statistical model and two calibrated radiograms. All the implanted screws were perfectly positioned in the pedicles. Precision was to the order of 1 mm.

Discussion: This method is a passive system not requiring intraoperative intervention. Reconstruction of a lumbar vertebra from a preoperative 3D statistical model and two intra-operative calibrated radiograms avoids the need to identify anatomic landmarks and/or surface points on the vertebra to be reconstructed. The level of precision is very similar to that obtained with CT-based systems. Preoperative CT is not needed for navigation.

Conclusion: With this system, new generation fluoroscopic equipment should appear in the operating room, allowing acquisition of successive calibrated images. The digital data could then be matched with statistical anatomic data, avoiding the need for preoperative imaging (CT or MRI). Progressive introduction of intra-operative ultrasound to replace the calibrated radiograms should open a new approach for percutaneous surgery of the lumbar spine.