OsiriX software as a preoperative planning tool in cranial neurosurgery: A step-by-step guide for neurosurgical residents

BACKGROUND: OsiriX (Pixmeo, Switzerland) is an open-source Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewer that is gaining more and more attention in the neurosurgical community because of its user-friendly interface, powerful three-dimensional (3D) volumetric rendering capabilities, and various options for data integration. This paper presents in detail the use of OsiriX software as a preoperative planning tool in cranial neurosurgery. METHODS: In January 2013, OsiriX software was introduced into our clinical practice as a preoperative planning tool. Its capabilities are being evaluated on an ongoing basis in routine elective cranial cases. RESULTS: The program has proven to be highly effective at volumetrically representing data from radiological examinations in 3D. Among its benefits in preoperative planning are simulating the position and exact location of the lesion in 3D, tailoring the skin incision and craniotomy bone flap, enhancing the representation of normal and pathological anatomy, and aiding in planning the reconstruction of the affected area. CONCLUSION: OsiriX is a useful tool for preoperative planning and visualization in neurosurgery. The software greatly facilitates the surgeon's understanding of the relationship between normal and pathological anatomy and can be used as a teaching tool.