Accessibility Tools
Hide

What is MySpine Patient-Specific Spinal Fusion?

MySpine Patient-specific Spinal Fusion is a cutting-edge technology developed by Medacta, a global leader in the design of innovative joint replacement and spine surgery products. Medacta MySpine®  System is a surgical instrument personalized to the patient’s anatomy and vertebrae. A plastic 3-D model of the vertebrae to be treated is created utilizing a CT scan of the patient’s spine. Together with the 3-D spinal model, innovative surgical planning software and personalized screw placement guides enable your spine surgeon to correctly plan and complete the patient’s spinal fusion surgery. Designed to better assist surgeons to recognize implant specifications, screw trajectories, and pedicle entry points, MySpine is meant to potentially increase the efficiency, accuracy, and outcomes of spinal procedures.

Benefits of MySpine Patient-Specific Spinal Fusion

Some of the benefits of MySpine Patient-Specific Spinal Fusion over conventional spinal fusion surgery include:

  • Smaller incisions
  • Tissue and muscle sparing
  • Minimal blood loss
  • Faster recovery
  • Uncompromised fusion rates
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Improved clinical outcomes

Indications for MySpine Patient-Specific Spinal Fusion

MySpine is indicated as a thoracic and lumbar posterior pedicle targeting guide for patients requiring spinal fusion between the levels of T1 to L5.

MySpine Screw Placement Guides are meant to be utilized as anatomical perforating guides specific for a patient’s anatomy to help intraoperatively in the placement of pedicle screws in the vertebral body. MySpine is meant for use with M.U.S.T. Pedicle Screw System and its cleared indications for use. Use of the guides involves surgical planning software utilized preoperatively to plan the surgical placement of the components on the basis of the patient’s radiological images with identifiable placement anatomical landmarks and surgical equipment components. These components include patient-specific guides created on the basis of the surgical plan to accurately reference the placement of the implant components intraoperatively per the surgical plan.

Preparation for MySpine Patient-Specific Spinal Fusion

Preoperative preparation for MySpine Patient-specific Spinal Fusion surgery may involve the following steps:

  • A review of your medical history and physical examination are performed by your doctor to check for any medical issues that need to be addressed prior to surgery.
  • Preoperative CT scans are obtained and a patient-specific preoperative planning process is made using a web-based planning tool. A 3-D-printed model of the patient’s vertebral segment is created and can be compared to the patient’s anatomy prior to surgery. 
  • You will be asked if you have allergies to medications, anesthesia, or latex.
  • You should inform your doctor of any medications, vitamins, or supplements that you are taking or any conditions you have such as heart or lung disease.
  • You may be asked to avoid medications such as blood thinners, aspirin, or anti-inflammatories for a specific period prior to surgery.
  • You should refrain from alcohol or tobacco at least a few days prior to the surgery and several days after as it can hinder the healing process.
  • You should not consume any solids or liquids at least 8 hours prior to surgery.
  • You need to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
  • A signed informed consent form will be obtained from you after the pros and cons of the surgery have been explained in detail.

Procedure for MySpine Patient-Specific Spinal Fusion

In general, the minimally invasive MySpine Patient-Specific Spinal Fusion surgery involves the following steps:

  • You will lie face down on the operating table under the influence of general anesthesia.
  • A small incision of less than 2 inches is made in the skin on your back over the affected vertebrae (thoracic or lumbar area).
  • Muscles surrounding the affected vertebrae are retracted to gain accessibility to the vertebrae.
  • Using the MySpine patient-specific preoperative 3-D-printed bone model as guidance, your surgeon then inserts special instruments into the affected vertebrae to perform the spinal fusion procedure where the damaged vertebral bone or intervertebral disc is removed.
  • A spacer with bone graft is then implanted in the intervertebral space and customized pedicle screws are placed into the vertebral body to keep the graft in place and stabilize the vertebrae. The bone graft helps in bone healing and fusion of the adjacent vertebrae.
  • Following this, care is taken to reposition the soft tissues carefully and the incision is closed.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

Postoperative care instructions and recovery after MySpine Patient-Specific Spinal Fusion surgery may involve the following steps:

  • You will be transferred to the recovery area where your nurse will closely observe you for any allergic/anesthetic reactions and monitor your vital signs as you recover. 
  • As MySpine Patient-Specific Spinal Fusion surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, you may only need to stay in the hospital for a day or two before discharge to home.
  • You may experience pain, inflammation, and discomfort in the operated area. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications are provided as needed for comfort.
  • Application of cold and warm compresses on the back area is also recommended to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Antibiotics are also prescribed as needed to address the risk of surgery-related infection.
  • You are encouraged to walk and move around in bed as frequently as possible to prevent the risk of blood clots.
  • Instructions on surgical site care and bathing will be provided to keep the wound clean and dry.
  • Avoid lifting, bending, or twisting your back for the first 6 weeks. Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for the first 2 weeks. Refrain from any strenuous activities such as housework, yard work, or sex for at least a month.
  • A corset or brace is recommended to limit bending and assist with the healing of the fused region.
  • A physical therapy protocol is recommended to help strengthen low back, pelvic, and leg muscles and optimize their function. Walking is a good exercise and is strongly recommended to improve your endurance.
  • Refrain from driving until you are fully fit and receive your doctor’s consent.
  • You will be able to resume your normal activities in 2 to 3 weeks but may have certain activity restrictions. 
  • Complete recovery and return to work vary from patient to patient as it is related to a patient’s overall health status and the type of work one does.
  • A periodic follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress.

Risks and Complications

MySpine Patient-Specific Spinal Fusion surgery is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, some risks and complications may occur, such as:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Allergic/anesthetic reactions
  • Hardware failure
  • Bone graft migration
  • Neurovascular injury
  • Persistent pain
  • Failure of vertebral fusion
  • Bowel injury
  • North American Spine Society Logo
  • The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • The University Of Virginia