Charity grants helps transform spinal surgery at N&N
A 3D imaging and navigation system is set to transform the way spinal surgery is carried out after a £270,000 grant by the N&N Hospitals Charity.
The Stryker navigation system produces 3D images and guides the placement of screws and other implants in the spine, to ensure they are placed correctly and avoid the spinal cord.
The charity has purchased the mobile 3D C-arm part of the system.
The system will be used by the five spinal surgeons during treatment for trauma, tumours, and spinal surgeries on children.
Consultant Spinal Surgeons Tom Marjoram and Andrew Cook have already used the system elsewhere, however the new equipment should be on site at NNUH by the end of the year and could be used on up to 150 cases a year.
Surgeons currently use the traditional system of inserting screws and implants using judgement and experience to carry out procedures however the navigation system will allow for CT images to feed into the computer with real-time anatomy on the screen improving the precision and outcomes.
Mr Marjoram said: “The 3D imaging and navigation system allows for safer and more accurate procedures, improving surgical outcomes. It also means reduced operating times with faster screw placement during procedures, which in turn will increase productivity.”
The system also has the potential to be used by the pelvic trauma and paediatric orthopaedic teams as well as other specialities.
Julie Cooper, Head of Grants, said: “We are really pleased to be able to fund the purchase of the spinal C-arm thanks to donations and legacies. Our mission is to support even better care for patients at NNUH and investments in equipment such as this helps us to achieve this aim.”
If you would like to find out more about the N&N Hospitals Charity, visit https://nnhospitalscharity.org.uk/
Hear more from the Spinal Surgery team at a talk in the Benjamin Gooch Lecture Theatre on Thursday 9 November from 6pm.