Integrating Augmented Reality in Spine Surgery: Redefining Precision with New Technologies

Introduction: The integration of augmented reality (AR) in spine surgery marks a significant advancement, enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes. AR provides immersive, three-dimensional visualizations of anatomical structures, facilitating meticulous planning and execution of spine surgeries. This technology not only improves spatial understanding and real-time navigation during procedures but also aims to reduce surgical invasiveness and operative times. Despite its potential, challenges such as model accuracy, user interface design, and the learning curve for new technology must be addressed. AR’s application extends beyond the operating room, offering valuable tools for medical education and improving patient communication and satisfaction. Material and methods: A literature review was conducted by searching PubMed and Scopus databases using keywords related to augmented reality in spine surgery, covering publications from January 2020 to January 2024. Results: In total, 319 articles were identified through the initial search of the databases. After screening titles and abstracts, 11 articles in total were included in the qualitative synthesis. Conclusion: Augmented reality (AR) is becoming a transformative force in spine surgery, enhancing precision, education, and outcomes despite hurdles like technical limitations and integration challenges. AR’s immersive visualizations and educational innovations, coupled with its potential synergy with AI and machine learning, indicate a bright future for surgical care. Despite the existing obstacles, AR’s impact on improving surgical accuracy and safety marks a significant leap forward in patient treatment and care

Surgical Navigation Stimulator by Reality Mixed for Teaching and Practice in percutaneous spine procedures

Introduction: Spine Have, a mixed reality navigation simulator, has been developed to enhance the training of resident doctors in orthopedics, neurosurgery, and related fields like anesthesiology. This tool allows residents to practice intricate lumbar procedures virtually, including facet infiltration and transpedicular screw placement, thereby improving their learning curve and reducing patient risks. This simulator serves as both a teaching aid and a pre-surgical planning tool, potentially lowering operating time and fluoroscopy use. Materials and Methods: The SpineNav simulator integrates 3D models from real patient CT scans with polyurethane and silicone mannequins, employing mixed reality to enhance lumbar spine procedure training. It provides realistic anatomical models for procedural practice, including facet infiltration and transpedicular screw placement. System validation involved comparing performance metrics like procedure time and accuracy between this new system and traditional fluoroscopy methods. Results: The study validated the efficacy of the SpineNav Mixed Reality Simulator by comparing it with traditional fluoroscopy methods. Seven orthopedic and anesthesiology residents participated, performing three types of lumbar procedures: facet infiltration, transpedicular screw placement, and locating Kambin's triangle. The mixed reality system significantly reduced procedure time (p < 0.05) compared to traditional methods. Specifically, the mean procedure times for the SpineNav system were 15 minutes for facet infiltration, 25 minutes for transpedicular screw placement, and 20 minutes for locating Kambin's triangle. Accuracy metrics showed no significant difference in error rates (distance to target points) between the two methods, indicating comparable precision. Participants reported higher satisfaction with the SpineNav simulator, highlighting its ease of use, realism, and utility in enhancing spatial orientation and procedural understanding. Conclusions: The SpineNav Mixed Reality Simulator marks a significant advancement in surgical education for spine procedures. By integrating 3D models, additive manufacturing, and mixed reality technology, it provides an effective training tool for orthopedics and neurosurgery residents. The study found that the simulator significantly reduced procedure times while maintaining accuracy comparable to traditional methods. Participants reported high satisfaction, noting its ease of use and realistic feedback. Overall, the SpineNav simulator shortens the learning curve and enhances training efficiency, offering a valuable resource for improving surgical skills and patient safety