Description
A surgeon gives an talk about how navigation, Brainlab planning, 3D models, and patient-specific implants help with complex spine and pelvic tumour surgery. He explains that while traditional surgery relied on anatomy and fluoroscopy, modern digital planning improves visualization, guides osteotomies and screw placement, and helps avoid critical structures like nerves, vessels, the esophagus, and the aorta. He describes several difficult cases, including chordoma, chondrosarcoma, giant cell tumor, and sarcoma recurrences, showing how navigation and 3D modelling helped plan resections, choose the right surgical team, and preserve function when possible. He also discusses patient-specific carbon cages and screw constructs, the benefits and risks of these implants, and notes that even with excellent planning, biology can still lead to recurrence or complications. The talk ends with comments on the value of these tools for teaching and multidisciplinary teamwork, while emphasizing that navigation is an adjunct rather than a gimmick.
DOI: 10.1302/3114-261304