Abstract: Internal fixation systems and methods for prone lateral spine surgery on a patient. The system comprises a lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) retractor and a posterior compressor/distractor including a posterior distractor rack assembly having a rack and a posterior distractor carriage assembly configured to operably engage the posterior distractor rack assembly. The posterior distractor rack assembly includes a first swivel tube subassembly having a first swivel tube, and the posterior distractor carriage assembly includes a second swivel tube subassembly having a second swivel tube. The first and second swivel tubes are each configured to receive a pedicle screw and screw tower therein. The first and second swivel tube subassemblies are configured to be moved and positioned with respect to each other, such that a surgeon can access the patient's disc space from the left and right sides, and without the need for a bolster.

Abstract: A method includes receiving preoperative or intraoperative data from an imaging system, receiving interoperatively stereotactic information during a surgical tool tracking from a navigational device, the navigation device configured to identify, confirm, project a location and display the surgical tool within a body, the navigational device further configured to process and interpret volumetric data and the stereotactic information to access a patient's local bone density within and without a current course and directional vector to assist a surgeon to decide on a size and material of an implant to be placed within a patient's bone.