Spinal surgery using image-guided navigation systems: a technical note

Image-guided navigation systems have been used in spinal surgery since the 1990s, and the technology of these systems continues to advance with artificial intelligence, virtual reality, extended reality, and robotic research. The basic components of these systems and procedures are described in this article, including preoperative preparation, the operating room setting, registration, and intraoperative procedures. An understanding of this information not only provides the ability to use these navigation systems, but also sheds light on the fundamental principles for future device development.