Augmented Reality Assisting in Orthopedic and Spinal Surgery

Augmented reality is an emerging tool that is used in surgical procedures. With medical technologies evolving, which help alter the way surgeons work and perform operations for the better, the development of augmented reality helps change the way surgical procedures are done. Augmented reality is a tool that allows surgeons to see complex structures in the human body clearly by programming known digital information to the real world, which allows a 3D structure to be shown during surgery. Specifically, augmented reality development has been used in orthopedic and spinal surgeries, enhancing precision, improving patient outcomes, and minimizing risks within the surgery. 

Before augmented reality was created, orthopedic and spinal surgeries used different methods like CT scans, which only provided 2D or unclear 3D models of the patients body structures. These limitations caused many issues, like less accurate precision and increased radiation exposure during the surgery itself, resulting in more fatal consequences. These surgeries demand high levels of accuracy due to the fact that even small errors can result in serious complications, such as nerve damage or even spinal cord injury, which can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life and lead to deadly scenarios. With augmented reality systems, surgeons are able to see a detailed 3D structure of a patient's body. This development provides x-ray vision of the patient without the excessive use of radiation, which could potentially harm the patient and lead to undesired outcomes. 

A well-known application of augmented reality with specifically spinal surgeries would be its usage in screw insertion during spinal surgery. Spinal surgeries are extremely high risk and can lead to unwanted scenarios for the patient if gone wrong. Screw insertion requires extreme precision in order to avoid damage to the spinal cord and nerves. Augmented reality helps surgeons increase the accuracy of screw placement while reducing patient risks and operation time, making the procedure safer and more efficient than traditional methods. 

Another known application of augmented reality, but instead with orthopedic surgeries, would be joint replacement surgeries, particularly for knee and hip replacements. Original methods for this surgery would require 2D imaging, which wouldn’t be as accurate and could lead to some severe outcomes. These surgeries require precise alignment of the implants to ensure proper function. Augmented reality provides surgeons a guide that provides detailed 3D imaging of a patient's anatomy, giving surgeons guidance during the procedure and ensuring better accuracy when attaching implants to the body, ultimately improving joint function and overall quality of life for the patient. 

Overall, augmented reality has improved not only orthopedic and spinal surgery procedures, but also changed the safety, accuracy, and efficiency of these complex operations for the better. As the technology advances, its adoption throughout different hospitals may lead to safer, more efficient, and patient-specific surgical care.

Written by Sofia Bonilla at Incisionary

APA References

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Ma, L., Zhao, Z., Chen, Z., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Augmented reality navigation in orthopedic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Computer Assisted

Radiology and Surgery, 16(3), 473–485. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-020-02300-3

Wang, F., Jiang, M., Song, D., & Sun, H. (2020). Accuracy and safety of augmented reality-assisted pedicle screw placement in spinal surgery: A systematic review. European Spine Journal, 29(10), 2484–2495. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-020-06468-6

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins performs its first augmented reality surgeries in patients. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/johns-hopkins-performs-its-first-augmented-reality-surgeries-in-patients

OrthoFeed. (2023, October 17). Advancements in AR surgery: Transforming healthcare and saving lives. https://orthofeed.com/2023/10/17/advancements-in-ar-surgery-transforming-healthcare-and-saving-lives/

OrthoFeed. (2023, October 17). Advancements in AR surgery: Transforming healthcare and saving lives. OrthoFeed.