12
NEW TECHNOLOGY
From The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, in Columbus, Ohio.
Augmented Reality Transforming the Future of Spine Surgery
In the rapidly evolving field of medicine, augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a transformative technology that seamlessly integrates virtual images into the real world. When compared to virtual Hania Shahzad, MD reality (VR), which immerses users entirely in a synthetic virtual realm, and mixed/merged reality (MR),1 which represents a fusion of a virtual environment with haptic feedback through physical models, AR technology stands out as a compelling choice for Safdar N. Khan, MD applications in spine surgery. AR offers real-time applications in surgical procedures, surpassing the primarily training-focused utilities of VR and MR in nonoperative settings.2 AR navigation in spine surgery delivers accuracy and enhances workflow compared to conventional navigation and freehand techniques. This is particularly crucial in spine surgeries, where precision is vital due to the proximity of the operative field to delicate neurovascular structures. AR support also improves surgical comfort, particularly in reoperations where anatomical landmarks are lacking. Additionally, AR-based patient registration reduces radiation exposure for both patients and medical staff. It also provides a safe platform for trainees to practice
Fall 2023
Vertebral Columns
complex surgical procedures through stepby-step interactive learning, minimizing the risk of patient harm and achieving higher success rates with reduced tissue trauma. Additionally, the collaborative nature of AR fosters multidisciplinary teamwork during surgery and facilitates global expertise expansion through telementorship. Moreover, its cost-effectiveness and adaptability make it a valuable tool for surgical training and practice, especially in resource-limited settings. 3–5
AR-Based Surgical Set-up An AR-based surgical procedure comprises three key components: patient registration, instrument tracking, and display (Figure 1). The radiological images of the patient’s anatomy are used to construct a 3-dimensional (3D) model using advanced software. Patient registration involves aligning computer-generated images with the surgical area utilizing markers strategically positioned within the surgical field to maintain continuous tracking. The markers play a critical role in maintaining constant tracking of both the surgeon’s instruments and the patient’s anatomy. Markers ensure that the superimposed 3D images remain in the correct position and orientation, even as the instruments move. The display device allows the visualization of the holographs
isass.org
