In March, I gave a presentation to the Scientech Club meeting held at the Children’s Museum. At this meeting, I discussed surgical navigation of the spine.  This is the “global positioning” system used in spine surgery that I have recently blogged about. 

 

This spine surgery navigation system allows the spine surgeon to see in 3-d, exactly where structures are located within the body (neural, skeletal and vascular) providing greater accuracy for spinal instrumentation during surgery.  Prior to the development of this technology, traditional X-rays were used.

 

When discussing this technology, many times I compare it to the GPS system used in cars.  In this instance, the “satellite” is the infrared camera in the operating room.  The “antenna” is a reference frame that is has been placed on the patient.  This “antenna” sees the spine surgeon’s instruments under the skin.

 

To learn more, see the summary of my presentation on the Scientech Club web site. 

A side note, The Scientech Club was founded in 1918 and is comprised of individuals that are interested in exchanging technical and scientific information in central Indiana.  To learn more about this organization, which has open membership – click here.  (link to organization’s home page