October 27, 2016 — At the 2016 North American Society Spine Meeting (NASS), DePuy Synthes Spine showcased the Kick System with FluoroExpress Software Module as a new visualization option for real-time guidance for minimally invasive spine surgery.
Image-guided surgery systems that provide real-time guidance for minimally invasive spine surgery can help improve patient outcomes, but these systems are costly for many hospitals. Surgeons may rely on checking implant placement with multiple static X-ray images that do not provide the real-time guidance of navigation. The Kick System aims to improve access to affordable advanced imaging technology so that surgeons can confirm proper placement of spinal implants while saving time in the operating room.
Research has shown that only 11 percent of spine surgeons in North America and Europe use advanced imaging technologies, even though image-guided spine surgery helps achieve accurate screw insertion and reduces the likelihood of revision surgery to adjust screw placement.[1],[2]
DePuy Synthes Spine has partnered with Brainlab to expand access to advanced visualization through the Kick System. This image-guided surgery technology enables real-time intra-operative viewing of instrumentation and implants relative to patient anatomy to permit proper pedicle screw placement. Using a small, portable infrared camera with a computer and monitor, the system moves easily between operating rooms and works together with existing X-ray equipment to support surgical workflow. The monitor displays up to four different X-ray images at one time to make X-ray equipment repositioning to capture different views unnecessary — ultimately reducing radiation exposure and surgery time[3].
The Kick System is compatible with the Viper System and the Expedium Spine System of implants, enhancing visualization during minimally invasive and open procedures to treat a broad range of spinal disorders.
For more information: www.depuysynthes.com
References
[1] Lam, K, et al. Worldwide Survey on the Use of Navigation in Spine Surgery. World Neurosurgery. 79(1). March 2012.
[2] Tormenti, M.J., et al., Intraoperative computed tomography image-guided navigation for posterior thoracolumbar spinal instrumentation in spinal deformity surgery. Neurosurgical focus, 2010. 28(3): p. E11.
[3] DSUS/SPN/0516/1287
March 13, 2026 
