MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY USING O-ARM TECHNOLOGY AND 3D NAVIGATION IMAGING

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital has successfully applied advanced O-Arm intraoperative imaging technology combined with 3D Navigation in spine surgeries, delivering precise results, minimal invasiveness, and fast recovery for patients with severe lumbar spine conditions.

The first patient, Mr. D.T.K.C. (1948), had been suffering from numbness in both legs and difficulty walking for over two years. MRI scans revealed severe lumbar spinal stenosis and disc herniation at L3 – L4 and L4 – L5. Upon learning that Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital was equipped with the O-arm system and 3D Navigation, his family decided to proceed with surgery at the hospital. He underwent minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery with disc replacement and pedicle screw fixation at L3 – L4 and L4 – L5. The results were remarkable – the leg numbness significantly improved, he began walking the next day, and was discharged on postoperative day four.

Another case, Ms. N.T.K.D. (1957), had a history of spinal fixation surgery a decade earlier. Over the past year, she experienced worsening back pain radiating down both legs, especially during the night and when walking. She was diagnosed with recurrent lumbar disc herniation at L2 – L3, with previous fixation at L3 – L4 and L4 – L5.

This was a complex revision case. Conventionally, such cases require a large incision to extend the existing rods and connect them to the upper level (L2 – L3). However, Dr. Do Anh Vu, MMed, Specialist Level II opted for a minimally invasive approach using O-arm – guided 3D Navigation. The surgery was completed in just three hours, avoiding the need for open surgery, reducing blood loss and the risk of nerve root damage. Postoperatively, the patient reported complete pain relief and significant improvement in leg sensation. She began sitting upright the next afternoon and started walking again by postoperative day two.

According to Dr. Vu, the integration of O-Arm technology with 3D Navigation represents a major advancement in spinal surgery. This system increases surgical accuracy to 93 – 100%, compared to 72 – 90% with conventional C-arm fluoroscopy. In spine surgery, even a 1 – 2 mm deviation can lead to catastrophic outcomes such as paralysis, permanent disability, or death. The high level of precision also significantly reduces the risk of spinal cord, nerve root, or vascular injury.

Additionally, the minimally invasive technique further minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues, shortens operative time, and allows patients to recover faster.

This advanced surgical approach offers multiple benefits:

• Exceptional surgical accuracy with O-Arm and 3D Navigation assistance
• Reduced surgical complications and soft tissue trauma
• Lower radiation exposure for both patients and medical staff
• Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay, improving overall patient outcomes

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital remains committed to integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance patient care and safety across all specialties.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.