[Primary clinical result of digital template as navigation to supper cervical pedicle instrumentation].

Objective: To observe the primary clinical result of digital template as navigation to the upper cervical pedicle instrumentation.
Methods: CT scan of upper cervical vertebrae was performed. 3-D model of upper cervical vertebrae was reconstructed by software Amira 3.1 and was preserved in STL format. Then 3-D model was run in software UG Imageware 12.0, the best pedicle channel was extracted according to the reverse engineering principle. A virtual navigational template was established according to he lamina anatomic trait, and the best pedicle channel. The virtual vertebrae and navigational template were manufactured using rapid prototyping. The navigational template was sterilized and used intra operative to assist with the placement of pedicle screw. The Accuracy of screw placement was confirmed with postoperative X-ray and CT scanning.
Results: The digital navigational template had been established and used in the 3 cases, the good trajectory of cervical pedicle had been showed by the CT scan of post operation. There were not complications of related pedicle screw insertion.
Conclusions: A novel method of upper cervical pedicle location using Reverse Engineering and rapid prototyping has been developed; the navigational template is found to be highly accuracy and has great expectation.