Augmented Reality-Assisted Spine Surgery: An Early Experience Demonstrating Safety and Accuracy with 218 Screws

A decade of progress: bringing mixed reality image-guided surgery systems in the operating room

Advancements in mixed reality (MR) have led to innovative approaches in image-guided surgery (IGS). In this paper, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of MR in image-guided procedures across various surgical domains. Using the Data Visualization View (DVV) Taxonomy, we analyze the progress made since a 2013 literature review paper on MR IGS systems. In addition to examining the current surgical domains using MR systems, we explore trends in types of MR hardware used, type of data visualized, visualizations of virtual elements, and interaction methods in use. Our analysis also covers the metrics used to evaluate these systems in the operating room (OR), both qualitative and quantitative assessments, and clinical studies that have demonstrated the potential of MR technologies to enhance surgical workflows and outcomes. We also address current challenges and future directions that would further establish the use of MR in IGS.

Innovations in Spine Surgery: A Narrative Review of Current Integrative Technologies

Neurosurgical technologies have become increasingly more adaptive, featuring real-time and patient-specific guidance in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings. This review offers insight into how these integrative innovations compare with conventional approaches in spine surgery, focusing on machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality, and spinal navigation systems. Data on technology applications, diagnostic and procedural accuracy, intraoperative times, radiation exposures, postoperative outcomes, and costs were extracted and compared with conventional methods to assess their advantages and limitations. Preoperatively, augmented reality and virtual reality have applications in surgical training and planning that are more immersive, case specific, and risk-free and have been shown to enhance accuracy and reduce complications. ML algorithms have demonstrated high accuracy in predicting surgical candidacy (up to 92.1%) and tailoring personalized treatments based on patient-specific variables. Intraoperatively, advantages include more accurate pedicle screw insertion (96%-99% with ML), enhanced visualization, reduced radiation exposure (49 μSv with O-arm navigation vs. 556 μSv with fluoroscopy), increased efficiency, and potential for fewer intraoperative complications compared with conventional approaches. Postoperatively, certain ML and artificial intelligence models have outperformed conventional methods in predicting all postoperative complications of >6000 patients as well as predicting variables contributing to in-hospital and 90-day mortality. However, applying these technologies comes with limitations, such as longer operative times (up to 35.6% longer) with navigation, dependency on datasets, costs, accessibility, steep learning curve, and inherent software malfunctions. As these technologies advance, continuing to assess their efficacy and limitations will be crucial to their successful integration within spine surgery.

Utilization of Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display for the Surgical Management of Thoracolumbar Spinal Trauma

Background and Objectives: Augmented reality head-mounted display (AR-HMD) is a novel technology that provides surgeons with a real-time CT-guided 3-dimensional recapitulation of a patient's spinal anatomy. In this case series, we explore the use of AR-HMD alongside more traditional robotic assistance in surgical spine trauma cases to determine their effect on operative costs and perioperative outcomes. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed trauma patients who underwent pedicle screw placement surgery guided by AR-HMD or robotic-assisted platforms at an academic tertiary care center between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2022. Outcome distributions were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The AR cohort (n = 9) had a mean age of 66 years, BMI of 29.4 kg/m2, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) of 4.1, and Surgical Invasiveness Index (SII) of 8.8. In total, 77 pedicle screws were placed in this cohort. Intra-operatively, there was a mean blood loss of 378 mL, 0.78 units transfused, 398 min spent in the operating room, and a 20-day LOS. The robotic cohort (n = 13) had a mean age of 56 years, BMI of 27.1 kg/m2, CCI of 3.8, and SII of 14.2. In total, 128 pedicle screws were placed in this cohort. Intra-operatively, there was a mean blood loss of 432 mL, 0.46 units transfused units used, 331 min spent in the operating room, and a 10.4-day LOS. No significant difference was found between the two cohorts in any outcome metrics. Conclusions: Although the need to address urgent spinal conditions poses a significant challenge to the implementation of innovative technologies in spine surgery, this study represents an initial effort to show that AR-HMD can yield comparable outcomes to traditional robotic surgical techniques. Moreover, it highlights the potential for AR-HMD to be readily integrated into Level 1 trauma centers without requiring extensive modifications or adjustments.

The application of extended reality technology-assisted intraoperative navigation in orthopedic surgery

Extended reality (XR) technology refers to any situation where real-world objects are enhanced with computer technology, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. Augmented reality and mixed reality technologies have been widely applied in orthopedic clinical practice, including in teaching, preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation, and surgical outcome evaluation. The primary goal of this narrative review is to summarize the effectiveness and superiority of XR-technology-assisted intraoperative navigation in the fields of trauma, joint, spine, and bone tumor surgery, as well as to discuss the current shortcomings in intraoperative navigation applications. We reviewed titles of more than 200 studies obtained from PubMed with the following search terms: extended reality, mixed reality, augmented reality, virtual reality, intraoperative navigation, and orthopedic surgery; of those 200 studies, 69 related papers were selected for abstract review. Finally, the full text of 55 studies was analyzed and reviewed. They were classified into four groups-trauma, joint, spine, and bone tumor surgery-according to their content. Most of studies that we reviewed showed that XR-technology-assisted intraoperative navigation can effectively improve the accuracy of implant placement, such as that of screws and prostheses, reduce postoperative complications caused by inaccurate implantation, facilitate the achievement of tumor-free surgical margins, shorten the surgical duration, reduce radiation exposure for patients and surgeons, minimize further damage caused by the need for visual exposure during surgery, and provide richer and more efficient intraoperative communication, thereby facilitating academic exchange, medical assistance, and the implementation of remote healthcare.

Augmented reality in spine surgery - past, present, and future

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Augmented reality (AR) is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in spine surgery. Here we provides an overview of the key developments and technological milestones that have laid the foundation for AR applications in this field. We also assess the quality of existing studies on AR systems in spine surgery and explore potential future applications.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this narrative review is to examine the role of AR in spine surgery. It aims to highlight the evolution of AR technology in this context, evaluate the existing body of research, and outline potential future directions for integrating AR into spine surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review.

METHODS

We conducted a thorough literature search to identify studies and developments related to AR in spine surgery. Relevant articles, reports, and technological advancements were analyzed to establish the historical context and current state of AR in this field.

RESULTS

The review identifies significant milestones in the development of AR technology for spine surgery. It discusses the growing body of research and highlights the strengths and weaknesses of existing investigations. Additionally, it presents insights into the potential for AR to enhance spine surgical education and speculates on future applications.

CONCLUSIONS

Augmented reality has emerged as a promising adjunct in spine surgery, with notable advancements and research efforts. The integration of AR into the spine surgery operating room holds promise, as does its potential to revolutionize surgical education. Future applications of AR in spine surgery may include real-time navigation, enhanced visualization, and improved patient outcomes. Continued development and evaluation of AR technology are essential for its successful implementation in this specialized surgical field.

Assessing the Accuracy of Spinal Instrumentation Using Augmented Reality (AR): A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis

Technological advancements, particularly in the realm of augmented reality (AR), may facilitate more accurate and precise pedicle screw placement. AR integrates virtual data into the operator's real-world view, allowing for the visualization of patient-specific anatomy and navigated trajectories. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of the accuracy of pedicle screw placement using AR-based systems. A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was performed using the PubMed/MEDLINE database, including studies reporting the accuracy of pedicle screw placement using AR. In total, 8 studies with 163 patients and 1259 screws were included in the analysis. XVision (XVS) was the most commonly used AR system (595 screws) followed by the Allura AR surgical navigation system (ARSN) (462 screws). The overall accuracy was calculated as 97.2% (95% CI 96.2-98.1% p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the accuracy rates achieved by XVS and Allura ARSN (p = 0.092). AR enables reliable, accurate placement of spinal instrumentation. Future research efforts should focus on comparative studies, cost effectiveness, operative time, and radiation exposure.

Augmented or Mixed Reality Enhanced Head-Mounted Display Navigation for In Vivo Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

This research paper provides a systematic literature review (SLR) on the current status of augmented-reality head-mounted devices (AR-HMDs) that guide and navigate spine surgeries and pedicle screw placement.

METHODS

Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library and IEEE Xplore databases were screened for the systematic literature search to collect and statistically analyze live patient clinical, procedural and user experience data. Multi-level Poisson and binominal models were used for analysis.

RESULTS

In vivo patient data, only the clinically widely used Gertzbein-Robbins Scale, were published as an outcome in the recent heterogeneous literature. The statistical analysis supports the hypothesis that using AR-HMDs has the same clinical outcomes as using more expensive robot-assisted surgical (RAS) systems.

CONCLUSIONS

AR-HMD-guided pedicle screw insertion is reaching its technology readiness, providing similar benefits to RAS. Further meta-analysis is expected in the future from higher case-numbered and standardized randomized clinical trials.

Augmented reality for minimally invasive spinal surgery

Background

Augmented reality (AR) is an emerging technology that can overlay computer graphics onto the real world and enhance visual feedback from information systems. Within the past several decades, innovations related to AR have been integrated into our daily lives; however, its application in medicine, specifically in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), may be most important to understand. AR navigation provides auditory and haptic feedback, which can further enhance surgeons' capabilities and improve safety.

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to address previous and current applications of AR, AR in MISS, limitations of today's technology, and future areas of innovation.

Methods

A literature review related to applications of AR technology in previous and current generations was conducted.

Results

AR systems have been implemented for treatments related to spinal surgeries in recent years, and AR may be an alternative to current approaches such as traditional navigation, robotically assisted navigation, fluoroscopic guidance, and free hand. As AR is capable of projecting patient anatomy directly on the surgical field, it can eliminate concern for surgeon attention shift from the surgical field to navigated remote screens, line-of-sight interruption, and cumulative radiation exposure as the demand for MISS increases.

Conclusion

AR is a novel technology that can improve spinal surgery, and limitations will likely have a great impact on future technology.