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Updated: Dec 30, 2025
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Pedicle Screw Placement Using an Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display in a Porcine Model
Published on: May 24, 2024
2.6K
Machine vision augmented reality for pedicle screw insertion during spine surgery.
Nhu Q Nguyen1, Stefano M Priola2, Joel M Ramjist1
1Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada; Biophotonics and Bioengineering Laboratory, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Summary
Augmented reality (AR) creates virtual safe zones for pedicle screw insertion, enhancing surgical accuracy. This technology improves operating room workflow by providing image guidance, even without specialized instruments.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Navigation
Background:
- Pedicle screw insertion is critical in spinal surgery.
- Operating room workflow can be improved with enhanced image guidance.
- Augmented reality (AR) offers potential for real-time surgical visualization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement pedicle safe zones using AR for improved pedicle screw insertion.
- To assess the effectiveness of AR-guided safe zones in enhancing surgical accuracy and workflow.
- To understand the visual relationship between radiological scans and the surgical site.
Main Methods:
- Determined breach angles (medial, lateral, superior, inferior) to define safe zones.
- Measured safe zones on a spine phantom and replicated on patients.
- Compared surgical site views with radiological views to identify variances.
Main Results:
- AR-implemented pedicle safe zones show potential to improve operating room workflow.
- Largest variances in angle measurements occurred between camera and radiological views.
- Surgical site magnification increases angle sensitivity, requiring careful calibration.
Conclusions:
- AR-based virtual roadmaps can account for magnification effects in pedicle screw insertion.
- Future initiatives include integrating AR headsets for enhanced surgical navigation.
- AR technology holds promise for improving the safety and efficiency of spinal procedures.
