Accuracy of pedicle screw insertion in posterior scoliosis surgery: a comparison between intraoperative navigation and preoperative navigation techniques

Purpose This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and accuracy of intraoperative navigation (O-arm or Arcadis navigation) and preoperative CT-based navigation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery. Methods Sixty-seven patients with scoliosis were grouped according to the method of navigation used in their fixation surgeries. A total of 492 pedicle screws were implanted in 27 patients using intraoperative navigation, and 626 screws were implanted in 40 patients using preoperative navigation. We analyzed the postoperative CT images for pedicle violations using the Gertzbein classification. Results There was no statistical difference in the accuracy of pedicle screw placement between two groups. However, in the apical region (the apex ± 2 vertebrae), the accuracy of safe pedicle screw placement (grades 0, 1) was significantly higher in the intraoperative navigation group than in the preoperative navigation group (94.8 vs 89.2%, respectively; P = 0.035). Intraoperative navigation significantly diminished medial perforation compared to preoperative navigation ( P = 0.027), and the number of screws per vertebra that could be placed in the apical region was significantly higher in intraoperative navigation group ( P