Use of the Stereotactic Technique for the Body:
The concept of three-dimensional localization (stereotactic localization) can be defined as a coordinate system which allows one to describe the location of any point with respect to another known point (origin). Three axes (x,y,z) transect this known point. The location of any point with respect to the origin is described by the distance measured along each axis and by indicating on which side of the axis the point is located. These concepts are fundamental to the principles of stereotactic localization, which is to determine the location of deep body structures which are invisible from the surface but their location can be determined by a knowledge of their three-dimensional coordinates in space relative to known anatomical and topographical landmarks. The stereotactic technique seeks to avoid disturbance to surrounding structures during therapeutic interventions.
Historically, a number of methods have been used for patient immobilization during radiation therapy. More recently the concept of stereotactic localization, which has previously been successfully applied to radiotherapy / radiosurgery of the brain, has been applied to extracranial radiotherapy target areas.