Current innovation in virtual and augmented reality in spine surgery

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Simulation
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Spine surgery outcomes depend on accurate instrumentation placement.
• Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is advancing, requiring precise guidance.
• Traditional open surgery lacks the precision needed for complex MIS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in simulation methods for spine surgery.
• To explore the integration of VR, MR, and AR in neurosurgical spine procedures.
• To highlight the evolving role of simulation in surgical training and practice.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on simulation technologies in spine surgery.
• Categorization of virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and augmented reality (AR) applications.
• Analysis of simulation use in both training and intraoperative settings.

Main Results:

• VR and MR are primarily used for surgical teaching and preparation.
• AR is increasingly applied for real-time, hands-on surgical guidance.
• Simulation methods are rapidly integrating into neurosurgical spine practice.

Conclusions:

• Simulation technologies offer significant potential to improve accuracy and safety in spine surgery.
• VR, MR, and AR represent a paradigm shift in surgical training and operative guidance.
• Continued innovation in simulation is crucial for advancing the field of neurosurgical spine care.