Sancheti Institute of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation from Pune has launched redefined robotic spine surgery called 'O-arm spine navigation'. 

The O-arm technique gives accurate real-time scans which help experts to take on-table decisions. A handful of doctors in the world use this technique, and it is introduced in Pune for the first time. 

Doctors mentioned that when conventional techniques carry the small possibility of a patient getting paralysed post-operation or of acquiring an infection during operation, this redefined robotic spine surgeries can deliver superior outcomes. 

Dr Parag Sancheti, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Chairman of Sancheti Institute of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, said, "O-arm is taking spine surgeries to another level by providing intraoperative 3D imaging. Before a procedure, a full 360-degree scan can be performed in just a few seconds. Then it can demonstrate the proposed position of screws or rods in the spine before they are even applied, and then it confirms its position once placed. As a result of this technology, the effectiveness of the surgery improves, there are fewer complications and the patient and surgical team are exposed to less radiation." 

Dr Ajay Kothari, Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, Sancheti Institute of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, said, "With the O-arm technique, we can monitor all the developments in real-time. There is no need for a CT scan or MRI post-operation as we can see it on the operation table in real-time. This was not possible before. The accuracy in placement of screws or rods is made possible because of the O-arm technique, thereby reducing the risk of errors. Also, patient safety is maximum with this technique. There is almost no risk of paralysis for the patient. Also, it helps surgeons in achieving precision during the surgery." 

How O-arm is taking spine surgery to another level:

• it gives real-time scan image
• it helps in precision and accuracy in placing spinal instruments like screws and rods
• it increases the safety of patients
• it ensures maximum resection of spinal tumours