Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
06:18
Pedicle Screw Placement Using an Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display in a Porcine Model
Published on: May 24, 2024
2.3K
Augmented reality-guided pedicle screw fixation: an experimental study
Sang-Min Park1, Dongjoon Kim2, Jiwon Park3
1Spine Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea.
Asian Spine Journal
|August 26, 2025
Summary
A novel augmented reality-assisted pedicle screw fixation system demonstrated high accuracy in a porcine spine model. This technology shows potential for enhancing precision in spinal instrumentation procedures.
Area of Science:
- Spine Surgery
- Medical Technology
- Surgical Navigation
Background:
- Conventional pedicle screw placement has limitations including inaccuracy and radiation exposure.
- Augmented reality (AR) can overlay virtual surgical plans onto the operative field, maintaining surgeon focus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a custom augmented reality-assisted pedicle screw fixation (ARPSF) system.
- To assess ARPSF system performance in a porcine spine model.
Main Methods:
- Five porcine lumbar spines underwent pedicle screw placement using a custom AR system with a head-mounted display.
- Fifty pedicle screws were placed by an experienced surgeon, with accuracy assessed by CT scans and Gertzbein-Robbins classification.
- Registration utilized point-pair matching with 15 anatomical landmarks.
Main Results:
- 94% of pedicle screws (47/50) achieved Grade A accuracy (complete containment).
- 3% of screws (3/50) were Grade B (minor breaches <2mm); no unsafe placements occurred.
- Mean entry point deviation was 0.55 mm, tip deviation was 0.71 mm, and angular deviation was 2.04°.
Conclusions:
- The custom ARPSF system demonstrated high accuracy and submillimeter precision in pedicle screw placement.
- The system achieved minimal angular deviation, indicating potential for enhanced spinal instrumentation.
- This study highlights the potential of AR technology to improve accuracy in spine surgery.
