Spine Navigation (Image-Guided Surgery)

What the procedure is

Spine navigation is an image-guidance technology used during spine surgery — instruments and implants are tracked in real time against the patient's CT or intra-operative imaging, displayed on a screen in the operating room, similar in principle to GPS guidance.

Why it is performed

It supports more accurate placement of screws and implants and more precise localisation during complex procedures, particularly in anatomy where landmarks are distorted by deformity, prior surgery or tumour.

Who may benefit

• Patients undergoing complex fusion, deformity correction, revision surgery or tumour surgery where accurate instrument placement is more challenging
• Cases at the treating surgeon's discretion where navigation adds meaningful value

When it may not be appropriate

• Straightforward single-level procedures where standard technique is already reliable
• Facilities without navigation equipment

Alternatives

• Standard fluoroscopy-guided technique, which remains the routine approach for most spine surgery worldwide

How it is performed

Navigation is used within another procedure (such as fusion or deformity correction) rather than being a surgery on its own — pre-operative or intra-operative imaging is registered to the patient's anatomy, and the surgeon's instruments are tracked against this image set throughout the relevant part of the operation.

Anaesthesia: Same as the underlying procedure  ·  Typical duration: Adds approximately 15–30 minutes to the underlying procedure for registration and setup  ·  Typical hospital stay: Same as the underlying procedure

Recovery

Same as the underlying procedure — navigation supports precision during surgery rather than changing the recovery course.

Physiotherapy

Same as the underlying procedure.

Risks and complications

• Same risks as the underlying procedure
• Registration or equipment issues can occasionally extend operative time

Expected follow-up

Same as the underlying procedure.

Indicative cost

Indicative cost: ₹0.3 – 0.9 lakh. This is not a quotation — see the full cost page for what's included and excluded.

What affects the cost

• This is typically an add-on to a base procedure's cost, not a stand-alone charge — the figure shown is the approximate addition, not a full procedure cost
• Facility navigation-equipment fees
• Number of levels instrumented

Questions to ask

• Am I a suitable candidate for this specific procedure, or would an alternative be better for my case?
• What is your experience with this procedure?
• What does the quoted cost include and exclude?

Frequently asked questions