Navigated Lateral Osteotomy for Adult Spinal Deformity: A Technical Note

Background: Minimally invasive surgery is receiving considerable attention as a technique for reducing the complications of adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. For this technique, a new lateral osteotomy plays an important role to release fused vertebrae. We describe herein a novel navigated lateral osteotomy technique not requiring C-arm fluoroscopy to correct adult spinal deformities. Case Description: A 68-year-old woman with symptomatic ASD and a 4-year history of severe low back pain affecting daily life was referred to our hospital. Surgery was performed without C-arm fluoroscopy. A navigated osteotome was used to release the fused L1/2 mass. The patient was successfully treated with surgery, and low back pain was well controlled. In terms of clinical outcomes, Oswestry Disability Index improved from 64%–19% and Visual Analog Scale score for low back pain improved from 74 mm–19 mm on final follow-up at 2 years. Conclusions: This novel navigated lateral osteotomy for ASD is a useful technique that enables minimally invasive surgery for fixed deformity. With this new technique, surgeons and operating room staff can avoid adverse effects of intraoperative radiation.