Design and Validation of a Spinal Surgical Navigation System Based on Spatial Augmented Reality

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Surgical Navigation
• Augmented Reality

Background:

• Augmented reality (AR) surgical navigation systems offer high accuracy and visualization for minimally invasive surgeries.
• Existing AR systems can restrict surgeon communication and information sharing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a spatial augmented reality-based surgical navigation system.
• To enhance pedicle screw placement accuracy in minimally invasive spine surgery.
• To verify the system's accuracy and effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• A projector-based AR surgical navigation system was developed using an improved multiple information fusion method.
• Fiducial markers and imaging technology enabled real-time patient spatial position tracking and registration.
• Phantom experiments were conducted to validate system accuracy and effectiveness.

Main Results:

• The system achieved high accuracy in phantom experiments.
• Pedicle screw insertion point accuracy on dummy skin was 0.441 ± 0.214 mm.
• Average location error into the dummy body was 1.645 ± 0.355 mm, with angulation errors <0.9°.

Conclusions:

• A novel spatial augmented reality surgical navigation system for lumbar pedicle screw implantation was successfully designed and verified.
• The system demonstrated high accuracy in phantom experiments.
• This AR system provides naked-eye 3D visualization, improving surgeon convenience and intraoperative communication compared to traditional systems.