A Smartphone-based Gyroscopic Method of Pedicle Screw Fixation—A Pilot Study and Technical Note

Abstract To determine the accuracy of a novel smartphone-based pedicle screw navigation method. A smartphone-based adjunctive method utilizing gyroscopic technology was used to guide pedicle screw fixation of the dorsal spine. In four patients, a total of 19 pedicles screws were inserted with assistance from the device. A total of 19 screws were inserted. Postoperative CT scan showed no pedicle perforation in 18 pedicles (94.2%) with one grade B pedicle (5.8%) perforation. There was no implant infection. This study provides early clinical evidence of effectiveness for a novel smartphone-based gyroscopic method in optimizing pedicle screw insertion. We have no pedicle perforation in 94% of pedicles. We propose this method as a cheap and technically simple alternative for spinal navigation as an adjunct to freehand technique. This is especially so in resource-constrained settings.