Medically reviewed by Damon A. DelBello

Spine surgery has come a long way. Surgeons can now fix problems in the back and neck with more accuracy than ever. One of the newest tools helping them do that is a system called 7D FLASH™ Navigation System and MRVision™ (7D technology). What makes it special is simple: It lets surgeons guide spine surgery without using radiation.

Here’s what that means for you and your family.

How Surgeons Navigate During Spine Surgery

Spine surgery requires extreme precision. The bones of the spine sit close to the nerves and spinal cord, so surgeons need to know the exact position of every tool they use. To do this, they follow a detailed image of the spine during the procedure.

Creating that image used to mean using radiation. Surgeons often need a CT scan before surgery, X-ray images during surgery, or both. These scans work well, but they add to the amount of radiation a person absorbs over time.

With 7D technology, there’s no radiation. The system uses software called BoneMRI to turn a standard MRI scan into a detailed, CT-like image of the spine. An MRI relies on magnetic fields rather than radiation, so the surgeon gets the clear view they need and the patient avoids the exposure a CT scan would add.

Why Less Radiation Matters

One scan on its own carries a small amount of radiation. The concern is what happens when scans add up over time. People with spine problems often need imaging again and again over the years, and that exposure accumulates.

This matters most for children. They are more sensitive to radiation than adults, and research has linked higher amounts of medical imaging radiation to a greater risk of cancer later in life. A child who often faces years of imaging ahead stands to benefit the most, and keeping their exposure low now can protect their health for decades.

Where It Fits in Your Care

Radiation-free surgery is one part of a longer effort. Before surgery, the care team may use a scan called EOS, which captures a full-body image while the patient stands and uses far less radiation than a standard X-ray or CT scan. The goal is to keep total exposure low at every step, from the first appointment through the operation, without giving up the detail doctors need to plan and operate well.

Learn More

If you’re a parent weighing spine surgery for your child, ask the care team whether radiation-free navigation is an option. To learn more about pediatric orthopedic care at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, visit our website.